Dan Löwenstein: The King of British Duanju

In just one year, London-based director Dan Löwenstein has established himself as the leading figure of vertical drama in the UK. With twenty series already produced for ReelShort, Joy Reels, and DramaBox, he has helped make the country a new hub for the format. His adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, released in spring 2025, marked a turning point and earned him critical acclaim.

Löwenstein’s shoots are striking for their speed: up to 77 pages filmed in a single week, often with no more than two takes per scene. This fast pace attracts young actors eager to land leading roles, and it has shaped a growing professional ecosystem around the format.

In Pride & Prejudice, praised by Vertical Drama Love (4 stars), Jasmine Kheen (Lizzie) and Connan Aaron (Darcy) bring a classic romance to life with contemporary energy. Balancing efficiency in direction with strong emotional tension, Löwenstein has developed a signature style that appeals both to audiences and platforms.

Interview with Maëlle Billant

In a conversation with Maëlle Billant, Dan Löwenstein reflected on his journey and ambitions. He recalled discovering the format in April 2024 with Mafia Lover, followed by his first viral success, Mafia Obsession. These early projects exposed him to the challenges of vertical drama: scripts written for massive budgets but shot with limited means. For Löwenstein, it quickly became an exercise in problem-solving—hiding constraints in the frame, moving quickly with actors, and maintaining a relentless pace of up to fifteen scenes per day.

Casting plays a central role. While some clients still prioritize appearance over talent, Löwenstein insists on working with performers who can withstand the pressure. “My job,” he explains, “is to create a space where actors can express themselves—even under intense time pressure.”

Looking ahead, he believes vertical drama must not remain confined to light romances. He hopes to see other genres flourish : crime, horror, British comedy, and science fiction and calls for more ethical treatment of sensitive topics. “There’s still so much to invent,” he emphasizes. “Vertical storytelling gives you the chance to be the first to try something.”

Finally, Löwenstein revealed he is working on a UK-based vertical streaming platform, alongside a collective of writers and producers. The goal is to offer locally grounded stories designed for global audiences, with a beta launch scheduled for February 2026.

#MaelleBillant

Sources:

• The Guardian , June 22, 2025

• Vertical Drama Love , May 21, 2025

• Courrier International , June 23, 2025