Photo Courtesy: Journey Entertainment
Photo Courtesy: Journey Entertainment /Gaofeng Tian at Los Angeles International Film Festival

Gaofeng Tian: The Visionary Behind Vertical Mini-Dramas and Award-Winning Films

By: Wen Yun

In the digital age, where attention spans are shrinking and content consumption is increasingly mobile, a new format has emerged—Vertical Mini Dramas (VMDs). At the forefront of this evolution is Chinese director Gaofeng Tian, whose mastery of storytelling within this concise medium has garnered him widespread acclaim. Through his innovative approach to filmmaking, Tian has reshaped the vertical drama industry and become a pioneer in the global entertainment landscape.

The Rise of Vertical Mini Dramas

Gaofeng Tian- The Visionary Behind Vertical Mini-Dramas and Award-Winning Films

Photo Courtesy: Journey Entertainment / Gaofeng Tian’s Vertical Mini Dramas

Gaofeng Tian began experimenting with vertical screen narratives as early as 2018, well before the format gained mainstream popularity. His foresight and dedication to the craft paid off with the breakout success of The Tear-Resistant Men and Women, which garnered over 3 billion views in its first year. Tian’s ability to convey complex emotions and narratives in short bursts set the stage for his future success in the industry. 

By 2023, Tian had expanded his creative influence to the United States, where he founded Journey Entertainment in New York. One of his early U.S. projects, The Substitute Bride, produced on a modest $200,000 budget, grossed an impressive $17 million globally. This accomplishment highlighted not only Tian’s innovative approach to mini-dramas but also the growing demand for vertical content across international markets.

Mini-dramas, typically composed of rapid, emotionally charged episodes lasting only 30 to 90 seconds, require a unique storytelling technique. Tian emphasizes emotional engagement as the cornerstone of his creative process. “The keyword in our script development and filming process is emotion” he says. Rapid plot developments, hidden identity twists, and instant karma are key elements that hook audiences and keep them coming back for more. 

As the vertical mini-drama industry continues to boom, Tian’s company Journey Entertainment has rapidly scaled up its production. “In today’s surge of vertical films, our company’s production volume has increased from one mini-drama per month to about seven,” Tian explains. His company has also established deep partnerships with top global platforms such as ShortMax, Drama Box, and Good Short, which are leading platforms for vertical mini-dramas worldwide. These collaborations have further solidified Tian’s role as a leader in the global VMD market. 

Job Creation and Industry Impact

Gaofeng Tian- The Visionary Behind Vertical Mini-Dramas and Award-Winning Films

Photo Courtesy: Journey Entertainment / Gaofeng Tian and his production team and crew

Tian’s success in the VMD space has not only made waves creatively but also brought a significant impact on the film industry in terms of job creation. With an industry that is often starved for new talent and opportunities, Gaofeng Tian’s projects are helping to revitalize the job market. Each of his VMD projects involves a team of 80 to 100 people, spanning a wide range of roles—from actors to producers, set designers, screenwriters, cinematographers, costume and makeup artists, and directors. His commitment to high-quality production standards ensures that a vast network of professionals is engaged on each project. 

As the demand for VMDs grows, so does the need for new talent. Tian now oversees around seven projects every month, creating consistent employment opportunities for hundreds of people. In a time when many filmmakers are struggling to find work or adapt to new industry trends, Tian’s thriving production pipeline has become a beacon of opportunity, revitalizing parts of the industry with much-needed jobs and creative growth.

Gaofeng Tian’s Creative Impact

As mini-dramas gained global traction, Gaofeng Tian’s work became a cornerstone of the genre’s success. His productions, including A Girl Nobody Wanted, Bodyguarding My Mafia Boss, and The Divorced Billionaire Heiress, have drawn millions of viewers worldwide. The Divorced Billionaire Heiress alone, released in 2024, generated over $25 million in revenue by mid-September. This overwhelming success has firmly positioned Journey Entertainment as a leader in vertical content on the East Coast.

Tian’s keen understanding of audience preferences, combined with his ability to produce high-quality content rapidly, sets him apart in an industry that’s still in its infancy. As production timelines for his mini-dramas have accelerated, Journey Entertainment now releases up to five mini-dramas per month, a remarkable feat in the competitive entertainment world. Tian’s latest VMD work, Fated to My Bad Boy Alpha, is set to go live on ShortMax in October 2024, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to captivating digital audiences. 

A Diverse and Award-Winning Filmography

Though Gaofeng Tian is widely celebrated for his contributions to the vertical mini-drama genre, his talents extend far beyond it. His feature films and documentaries have also made waves on the global stage. One of his most acclaimed works, Heaven’s Beat, which follows three rebellious young men as they navigate the world of hip-hop while reconnecting with their Teochew opera roots, won the Best Film Award at the 2022 New York International Film Festival. The film poignantly explores the clash between tradition and modernity, a theme that runs deeply through much of Tian’s work.

Gaofeng Tian- The Visionary Behind Vertical Mini-Dramas and Award-Winning Films

Photo Courtesy: Journey Entertainment / Gaofeng Tian’s award-winning films, from left: Heaven’s Beat, The Weeds

In addition to his feature films, Tian has made significant contributions through socially conscious documentaries. His short film on Chinese restaurant workers in Philadelphia, who banded together to resist gang violence, was met with critical acclaim. The documentary won multiple awards, including Best Documentary at the Chautauqua International Film Festival and the Washington DC International Cinema Festival. This success inspired him to develop a feature-length version of the story, The Weeds, which is currently in production and slated for a potential 2025 Oscar nomination.

Bridging Cultures and Promoting Social Responsibility

Gaofeng Tian’s work is not only focused on entertainment; it also seeks to educate and inspire. His upcoming documentary series, Chinese Americans, produced in collaboration with the Chinese American Association, aims to celebrate the contributions of Chinese immigrants in the U.S. This project reflects Tian’s broader commitment to bridging cultural divides and combating stereotypes through the power of storytelling.

Throughout his career, Tian has remained deeply connected to the communities he serves. In 2022, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Stop Asian Hate movement, Tian directed the music video Belong, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. The piece showcased the rich culture and traditions of Asian Americans, offering a message of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Looking Ahead

As the vertical mini-drama format continues to rise in popularity, Gaofeng Tian remains at the forefront of this dynamic shift in entertainment. With Journey Entertainment producing a growing volume of successful content and Tian’s commitment to telling powerful, emotionally resonant stories, the future of VMDs is bright. “They are well-suited for mobile devices and align with modern-day lifestyles,” he notes. The lower production costs and shorter production times offer endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. 

Whether he is crafting rapid-fire mini-dramas or deeply reflective documentaries, Gaofeng Tian’s work transcends boundaries and connects with audiences across the globe. His storytelling prowess, combined with his dedication to social responsibility, has firmly established him as a visionary filmmaker in both the East and the West. As he continues to push the boundaries of narrative form, Gaofeng Tian is undoubtedly shaping the future of digital storytelling.

 Published by: Nelly Chavez

(Ambassador)

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