Rewriting for a Vertical Video Audience

Small changes that keep a sketch alive in a 9:16 frame.

A sketch written for a wide stage can collapse in a vertical frame. The fix is usually structural, not cosmetic.

Cast fewer people

Two speakers fill a phone screen. Four speakers become a row of unreadable faces. Combine characters before you cut lines, and let one reaction carry the beat.

Move the premise forward

The first two seconds decide whether anyone keeps watching. State the rule immediately; save the backstory for a caption or cut it.

Cut on reactions

In a narrow frame the listener’s face is the punchline. Write reaction beats into the script so the editor has somewhere to cut.

Keep the language clean

Platform moderation is unpredictable. Our sketch packs include clean-language alternates and production notes for vertical reframing in every extended sketch.

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