Who Is Kasey Esser? The Breakout Star Shaping the World of Vertical Dramas

This actor went from one viral breakout role a few years ago to more than 45 vertical dramas. Now, he also runs a production company and a fitness studio.

From indie shorts to a viral breakout, Kasey Esser has become a leading figure in vertical dramas, the mobile-focused, fast-paced format transforming entertainment.

Now actively acting in multiple projects, the 36-year-old actor shares his insights on the opportunities, challenges, and growing influence of this unique medium, all while running a production company and a fitness studio.

Kasey Esser Started Acting in Short Films

Esser, born on February 3, 1989, in Evansville, Indiana, began acting in 2017, appearing in short films such as "The Package" (2017) as Evan Kline and "Baker's Man" (2017) as Gary the Grabber.

He expanded his experience with "TRAPP/E.D" (2021) as Daniel, "Morgenstein Family" (2021) as Edward Morgenstein, and "The Things I Can't Say" (2023) as a professor. These early projects allowed Esser to explore different roles, laying the groundwork for his eventual breakthrough in vertical dramas.

A 2023 Vertical Drama Series Marked Kasey Esser's Breakout Role

Kasey Esser, labeled the "breakout star" of the verticals industry on his official website, gained widespread attention with "Fated to My Forbidden Alpha," a werewolf-themed retelling of Cinderella, released by ReelShort in August 2023. In the series, he played Alpha Alexander Kane.

According to Rolling Stone, a TikTok clip showing his character seducing his love interest with a bucket of fried chicken quickly went viral. Despite criticism of low production quality, CGI, and dialogue, the show helped ReelShort gain 1.5 million new users.

Esser described his entry into vertical dramas as unplanned. In his August 2025 interview with Cathy Mills from Short Film Edits, he recalled that after being released by his agent and manager earlier in 2023, he discovered the casting call for "Fated to My Forbidden Alpha."

He quickly booked the role. "So, it sort of came about that way. And then when we were on set, you know, making it a month later, we didn't really know fully what we were doing. We just wanted to work. It was werewolf. It was fun. And then when it came out, then I saw the response, then I was just thrust into the vertical space," he said.

Since then, Esser has starred in more than 45 vertical dramas, accumulating over 500 million views. He produced his first vertical, "Love in the Shadows," in which he also starred. It later streamed on My Drama and Dramatabox.

This year, his projects include "After His Affair I Slept with His Best Friend," "Fly Me Away, My Captain Husband," "Never Let Me Go," "The CEO's Mermaid Bride," and "Goodbye, My CEO."

His Thoughts on Vertical Dramas and Industry Impact

Beyond individual roles, Esser has reflected on the broader appeal and potential of vertical dramas. In Rolling Stone, he said, "Part of the benefit of these stories is that they are universal. They're stories that everyone can buy into, which is partially why these apps have done so well."

Some actors and directors have raised concerns that many lead roles in vertical dramas are given to white actors, even though the content targets a global audience. According to one source, actors who are Black or from other non-white backgrounds are often cast in minor roles with less pay and screen time.

Esser noted that casting and production decisions are largely guided by audience metrics and revenue performance. He also expressed hope that future projects will feature greater inclusion.

He explained that he has fully committed to vertical dramas, while many actors keep "one foot in and one foot out" because they want to pursue artsier films and television, something he said he completely understands.

"But for me, I see the potential in the audience building, the platform building, and what this could become. So I've really gone all in on the marketing side of it," he added.

On criticism of the fast-paced platform, he admitted, "People obviously make fun of them, like, 'Oh, these are cheesy.' But I always say: Well, you’re watching them. Whether you love it or hate it, you watched it."

Esser also noted that vertical dramas are increasingly recognized within traditional Hollywood. At the time of his interview with Mills, He said the next six to 12 months will be "very, very transformative," for those in the space who take advantage of the opportunities to create and showcase their work.

Kasey Esser’s Business Ventures Outside Acting

Esser has also turned his entrepreneurial vision into tangible ventures. He runs Essers of Los Angeles, a semi-private personal training studio in Culver City and Burbank, designed to deliver results, accountability, and transformative experiences.

He also founded Esser Entertainment, a production company focused on vertical dramas, to gain creative control and ownership of his projects. In September 2024, he called it "super exciting" to see his efforts come together.

"I've been working exclusively in for a year," he said, describing that time as a period of growth and gratitude. He emphasized that running his own company lets him contribute fully to the vertical drama industry.