Meet Rio Jiaming Chong | Indie Producer/ Studio Ownder/ Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rio Jiaming Chong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rio Jiaming, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The success of my business relies on two key factors:

Making Good Connections with Clients – Building strong relationships with clients is essential in the vertical drama industry. Understanding their needs, adapting to their creative vision, and maintaining clear and effective communication help ensure long-term collaborations and successful projects. Trust and professionalism go a long way in securing repeat business and gaining referrals in this fast-growing market.

Having a Smooth and Reasonable Shooting Schedule – Efficiency is critical in vertical drama production. Given the fast turnaround times and budget constraints, a well-structured schedule minimizes downtime and maximizes productivity. Proper pre-production planning, securing locations, and coordinating with cast and crew ensure that every shoot runs seamlessly without unnecessary delays.

Last but not least, another important factor contributing to our success is understanding audience engagement. Vertical dramas thrive on platforms like TikTok, Kuaishou, and Instagram, where audience retention is short but impactful. Crafting compelling, fast-paced storytelling that keeps viewers hooked from the first few seconds is crucial.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My name is Jiaming Chong, and I’m a filmmaker, producer, and industry innovator specializing in vertical dramas—a format that is rapidly transforming the digital entertainment landscape. With years of experience in film production, my work has spanned award-winning short films, high-grossing vertical series, and international co-productions. I’ve not only led successful projects but also pioneered a new production workflow that allows vertical dramas to be produced with unmatched speed, efficiency, and cinematic quality.

As the lead producer at OnShot Production, I have worked on projects that redefine how vertical content is created, bridging the gap between traditional filmmaking techniques and the fast-paced, mobile-first digital era. My expertise in problem-solving and production strategy has allowed me to navigate challenges that most producers wouldn’t encounter—such as recasting lead actors within 24 hours, restructuring production schedules on the fly, and adapting Hollywood-level storytelling to a mobile format that demands constant engagement.

In this news, I will break down how I have successfully reformed the vertical drama production system, introducing innovative approaches that have led to more efficient workflows, minimized production costs, and maximized creative output.

One of the biggest challenges in vertical drama production is adapting Hollywood-level storytelling and efficiency to a fast-paced, mobile format. Traditional filmmaking follows a strict three-act or five-act structure, designed for theatrical-length storytelling. However, vertical dramas—where each episode lasts only 2 minutes, with 60 episodes per series—demand an entirely different approach.

Jiaming has revolutionized the way vertical dramas are made by developing a brand-new production system, which allows studios to produce high-quality vertical content in record time without compromising artistic integrity. His methods challenge conventional filmmaking rules and offer an entirely new blueprint for vertical storytelling.

Key Innovations in Vertical Drama Production Led by Jiaming Chong
✅ Pre-Production Overhaul: Traditional studios require a fully locked script before pre-production starts, but Jiaming broke this norm by launching location scouting and casting based on a simple story synopsis. This cuts weeks off the timeline, allowing projects to move at the speed of digital demand.

✅ Revolutionizing Location Management: Instead of booking large sets, Jiaming maximized single-space efficiency by transforming one location into multiple functional sets. A single apartment could serve as a home, an office, and a restaurant, reducing costs while maintaining high production value.

✅ High-Speed, High-Quality Filming: Vertical productions demand a different visual language. Jiaming optimized multi-camera setups, minimized complex blocking, and tripled camera coverage to seamlessly enhance the editing process, ensuring smooth and cinematic storytelling within a tight timeframe.

✅ Editing & Post-Production Efficiency: Jiaming restructured the entire post-production workflow by hiring an on-set editor who delivers rough cuts daily, allowing real-time adjustments. His method slashes post-production timelines by over 50%, making it one of the most efficient editing workflows in the industry.

✅ Rewriting On-Set Management: Jiaming introduced dual script supervisors to track footage for faster turnaround in post-production, an unprecedented move in vertical drama production.

✅ Industry-Changing Collaboration with Streaming Platforms: Unlike traditional directors who have full creative control, Jiaming developed a new, client-driven production model, where streaming platforms collaborate directly in decision-making. His approach has streamlined the approval process while maintaining creative integrity, leading to faster greenlighting and increased production output.

Paving the Way for the Future of Vertical Entertainment
As a co-founder of OnShot Production, I’m now taking my experience to even bigger projects, expanding vertical drama production into the U.S. market and beyond. In 2025, my company is set to collaborate with top international studios, proving that this format is here to stay.

What excites me the most is that we’re just getting started. My vision is to make vertical dramas a mainstream storytelling format, integrating them into Hollywood’s digital strategy. Streaming platforms, social media, and mobile-first content are all evolving—and I’m determined to make sure vertical filmmaking is at the heart of this transformation.

Final Thoughts: Why Vertical Filmmaking Needs Visionaries
I don’t just produce films—I build systems that redefine how films are made. My contributions to vertical drama have pushed the boundaries of storytelling, streamlined production efficiency, and opened doors for international collaboration.

By creating highly profitable projects, shaping new industry standards, and leading cross-border productions, I’ve made an impact that extends beyond any single project. My work is helping define the future of digital storytelling, making vertical drama a lasting, profitable, and artistic format.

For me, filmmaking is about innovation, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of better storytelling—and I’m excited to keep pushing those boundaries.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a filmmaker and backpacker, here is what i thought of the traveling itinerary for my friends:

Day 1: Classic LA – Hollywood & Cinema Magic

Morning:

☕️ Breakfast at Republique – Start the day at this iconic French-inspired café with incredible pastries and coffee.
🎥 Tour at Warner Bros. Studio – Get an insider’s look at Hollywood’s working studios, from backlots to sound stages.

Afternoon:

🍔 Lunch at In-N-Out (Secret Menu!) – Because no LA trip is complete without it.
🎬 Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre – A quick stroll through Hollywood history.
🌅 Hike to the Hollywood Sign (or Griffith Observatory) – Catch the best sunset in town.

Evening:

🍽 Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill – Old-school Hollywood dining at its finest.
🍸 Drinks at No Vacancy – A speakeasy hidden inside an old Victorian house, full of film industry folks.

Day 2: Downtown LA & The Arts District

Morning:
🥞 Brunch at Eggslut (Grand Central Market) – The legendary egg sandwiches!
🖼 The Broad Museum – Explore LA’s best contemporary art, including Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room.

Afternoon:

🌮 Lunch at Guelaguetza – One of the best Oaxacan restaurants in the U.S.
🚗 Drive through LA’s film locations – Visit spots like Bradbury Building (Blade Runner) & Union Station (Catch Me If You Can).

Evening:

🎭 Dinner at Perch – Rooftop French dining with stunning DTLA views.
🎶 Jazz at The Varnish – A hidden cocktail bar with live jazz in the back of Cole’s French Dip.

Day 3: Beach Day – Malibu & Venice

Morning:
☕️ Coffee at Blue Bottle (Abbot Kinney) – Best way to start the day.
🏄 Surf or Chill at Malibu’s El Matador Beach – A filmmaker’s paradise.

Afternoon:
🐟 Lunch at Neptune’s Net – A biker-favorite seafood shack (featured in Fast & Furious).
🚴 Bike along Venice Beach Boardwalk – From Santa Monica to Venice.

Evening:
🍕 Dinner at Gjelina (Venice) – A hotspot for creatives & filmmakers.
🔥 Bonfire at Dockweiler Beach – S’mores under the stars.

Day 4: Movie Industry & Hidden LA

Morning:
🥞 Breakfast at The Griddle Café – Massive pancakes that’ll fuel you for the day.
🎞 Private Tour of the Academy Museum – See Oscar history and rare film artifacts.

Afternoon:
🥗 Lunch at Joan’s on Third – A Hollywood industry favorite.
📽 Catch a Classic Movie at New Beverly Cinema (Tarantino’s Theater!) – Old-school film projection at its best.

Evening:
🍷 Dinner at Bestia (Downtown) – One of LA’s top Italian restaurants.
🎶 Drinks & Live Music at Black Rabbit Rose – Magic, jazz, and an old Hollywood vibe.

Day 5: Day Trip to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree
🌵 Morning drive out to the desert – Escape the city for a day of cinematic landscapes.
🛁 Check into Two Bunch Palms or The Ace Hotel – Relax at a filmmaker-favorite getaway.
🎞 Explore Joshua Tree’s Film Locations – From Seven Psychopaths to Into the Wild.
🌅 Sunset at Keys View – The ultimate desert magic hour.

Day 6: Foodie & Chill Day in Silver Lake / Echo Park
Morning:
☕️ Coffee at Intelligentsia – Indie filmmaker central.
🛶 Paddle Boats at Echo Park Lake – A fun way to take in the skyline.

Afternoon:
🍜 Lunch at Pine & Crane – A must-visit Taiwanese restaurant.
🎶 Vinyl Shopping at Amoeba Music – For the film score collectors.

Evening:
🥩 Dinner at Bar Moruno – A perfect final dinner spot.
🥃 Drinks at Tiki-Ti or The Dresden – A little kitschy, a little classic.

Day 7: Final LA Movie Magic & Farewell
🍳 Brunch at Bottega Louie – Fancy pastries & the perfect goodbye meal.
🎥 Tour at Paramount Studios or Universal VIP Experience – One last deep dive into Hollywood.
✈️ Late flight? Sunset cocktails at Elephante (Santa Monica) – A rooftop farewell with an ocean view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Today, i want to briefly talk about how to produce vertical dramas, and how I , as a vertical producer, reform the traditional producing system.

Newstitle: Reforming the Production System: How I’m Revolutionizing Vertical Filmmaking

In the fast-changing world of digital entertainment, vertical dramas are taking center stage. While Hollywood remains rooted in traditional formats, I’ve been at the forefront of this new storytelling revolution, reshaping the entire production system behind vertical filmmaking.

As a producer, filmmaker, and industry innovator, I’ve led the charge in creating a more efficient, high-quality, and scalable model for producing vertical dramas—one that meets the fast-paced demands of today’s digital platforms while maintaining cinematic storytelling standards.

Through trial, innovation, and relentless problem-solving, I’ve developed new production workflows that allow us to create engaging, cinematic content at record speed—without compromising on quality. My work has not only pushed the boundaries of vertical storytelling but also brought millions in revenue, proving that this format is reshaping the future of filmmaking.

Instagram: rio_jounce