The Future of Entertainment is Vertical, and Fox is Betting Big on AI-Powered Microdramas
In a move that’s sure to shake up the industry, Fox Entertainment has taken a bold leap into the world of microdramas by acquiring an equity stake in Holywater, a trailblazing company specializing in AI-driven vertical videos. But here’s where it gets controversial: as traditional storytelling formats evolve, is this the beginning of the end for conventional TV, or the birth of a new era in entertainment? Let’s dive in.
Fox’s partnership with Holywater isn’t just a casual investment—it’s a strategic play to dominate the vertical video space. Together, they’ll produce original series, some of which will expand on Fox’s existing intellectual property (IP). Think of it as a modern twist on your favorite shows, reimagined for the TikTok generation. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just about short-form content; it’s about redefining how stories are told in the digital age.
While the financial details remain under wraps, the companies have hinted at upcoming development deals with top Hollywood talent. Holywater, with over 55 million lifetime downloads, brings to the table platforms like My Drama (a streaming app for microdramas) and My Muse (a generative AI-driven vertical video platform). They also own My Passion, a leading digital book publishing platform, showcasing their versatility in the digital content space.
The resurgence of vertical video, popularized by platforms like ReelShort, has given rise to a Quibi-like renaissance tailored for today’s mobile-first audiences. As part of this deal, Fox Entertainment Studios has committed to producing over 200 vertical video titles for My Drama in the next two years. The first two projects, Billionaire Blackmail and Bound by Obsession, are already in production in Atlanta, proving that this partnership is hitting the ground running.
Looking ahead, Fox isn’t stopping here. Expect collaborations with Gordon Ramsay and Bento Box Entertainment to join the vertical video revolution soon. Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment, puts it succinctly: ‘Innovation in digital storytelling is shaping the future of entertainment, and investing in vertical video positions Fox to achieve sustained, long-term growth as we build a modern studio for the future.’ But is this innovation a threat to traditional storytelling, or its natural evolution? That’s a debate worth having.
Holywater’s co-founders, Bogdan Nesvit and Anatolii Kasianov, emphasize their mission to make vertical series mainstream by elevating quality and diversifying genres. ‘We’ve been focusing on storytelling depth to prove that verticals can carry premium drama, thriller, romance, and more—not just a narrow set of tropes,’ they explain. Their partnership with Fox, they say, validates this vision and provides the scale to accelerate it. But here’s a thought-provoking question: as AI takes a larger role in content creation, will the human touch in storytelling be lost, or enhanced?
This deal builds on Fox Corporation’s broader strategy, which includes its June investment in The Lighthouse, a creator-focused studio and campus. Fox Entertainment aims to expand this vision through its Fox Studios Lot in Century City, further cementing its position as a pioneer in the digital content space. And in a unique twist, Fox Entertainment Studios recently announced a two-way first-look deal with HarperCollins imprint Avon A, blending publishing and TV in unprecedented ways.
So, what do you think? Is Fox’s bet on AI-powered microdramas a game-changer, or a risky gamble? Will vertical video become the dominant format, or is it just a passing trend? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this bold new frontier in entertainment!
