Toronto-based Blink49 Studios has made a major strategic move in the rapidly growing world of micro dramas and vertical content by appointing experienced filmmaker Tieren Hawkins as its new VP of Vertical Content.
In this newly created role, one of the few executive positions in the industry solely dedicated to vertical dramas, Hawkins is tasked with developing an original slate of vertical projects, adapting existing IP into microdrama formats, and bridging the gap between micro drama apps and traditional platforms.
Hawkins brings a wealth of expertise to the studio, having produced viral hits over the past year such as Forbidden Bonds, which surpassed 150 million views worldwide in its premiere week, and Love in the Ashes of Us.
With multiple vertical projects already in development alongside a major US network, Blink49 aims to establish Canada as a leading hub for high-quality vertical production. While micro dramas have become the most significant emerging trend in the industry over the last six months, they have also faced skepticism from critics like analyst Evan Shapiro, who recently labeled the sector a “ponzi scheme.”
Despite these debates, Blink49 remains confident that vertical storytelling is redefining audience engagement and is doubling down on its commitment to lead this nascent medium from Canada outward.
Hawkins said he has spent the last couple of years “focused on understanding what makes the format work at scale,” and “I’m excited to bring that experience into a studio with Blink49’s creative reach, relationships, and infrastructure, and to continue working with partners across the industry to help establish Canada as a leading hub for vertical production.”
