GammaTime raises 14 million to produce Duanju

In Hollywood, a new platform aims to turn micro-dramas into a mainstream business. GammaTime has just raised $14 million to produce very short series, filmed in vertical format and designed exclusively for smartphones. The idea is to take the formula of Chinese duanju and adapt it for Western audiences, with one- to two-minute episodes meant to be binge-watched.

Behind GammaTime is Bill Block, former head of Miramax, who produced numerous independent films in the United States. He is joined by investors well-known to the general public: Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, as well as Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian, figures in reality television and influencer marketing. They all share the same simple premise: if millions of people already pay to unlock micro-dramas on apps like ReelShort, then a well-funded and well-produced American platform can also find its audience.

The money raised will be used to finance the technology and, above all, original series, filmed exclusively in vertical format. GammaTime is announcing more than twenty shows at launch, some of which are written by Anthony E. Zuiker, creator of the series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The business model follows the logic of micro-drama apps: a few free episodes to hook viewers, then a payment to find out what happens next. If this gamble pays off, it could further accelerate the arrival of micro-dramas in the offerings of major American and European media groups.

Sources:

• TV Tech, October 24, 2025

• The Wrap, October 23, 2025

• Fabric, September 24, 2025

• Real Reel, October 10, 2025