Act in vertical dramas.Get paid for it.
A full series shoots in about 10 days.We show you how the work pays.
- Real day rates
- Union and non-union
- Every experience level
What the work pays
Day rates from our February 2026 research.Each figure links to its source.
| Role | Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead actor | $1,000 to $1,500 a day | In every episode. Highest demand, highest pay. |
| Supporting actor | $200 to $500 a day | Recurring characters like rivals and parents. |
| Day player | $250 or more a day | Named roles with fewer scenes. |
| Featured extra | $80 to $185 a day | Background work with some direction. |
| Background | $80 to $150 a day | Crowd, party and office scenes. |
How the work runs
Fast shoots and short bookings.Know the pace before you say yes.
The shoot
One series, one short booking.You can be free in two weeks.
The pace
Several episodes shoot per day.It is intense, with good money.
The union
SAG-AFTRA has a Verticals Agreement.Non-union work exists too.
From the blog
New pieces every few days.
Questions actors ask
What is a vertical drama?
A scripted series shot in 9:16 portrait for phones. Episodes run about 60 to 90 seconds and a season runs 60 to 100 episodes. People also call it microdrama or micro soap.
How long is a shoot?
A full series shoots in roughly 7 to 10 days, and several episodes can shoot in a single day.
Do I need to be in SAG-AFTRA?
No. Many productions are non-union. SAG-AFTRA announced a dedicated Verticals Agreement in October 2025 for signatory productions.
What can a lead earn?
Lead day rates are reported at $1,000 to $1,500, which is about $10,000 to $15,000 for a full series.
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Chi Odogwu
Head of Partnerships, Vertical Drama Jobs
Writes for Business Insider, Forbes Middle East, SUCCESS, CNET and Fox Business
He has interviewed 250+ founders and CEOs.Now he writes vertical dramas.He hosts the Vertical Film School podcast.He is becoming a vertical showrunner .He builds series with AI.
