Blink49 Studios is pushing further into vertical content and microdrama production, announcing Tuesday it’s appointed Canadian producer Tieren Hawkins as Vice President of Vertical Content.
Based in Halifax, Hawkins has created and delivered multiple vertical series for streaming platforms like ReelShort, Dramawave, and ShortMax, garnering more than 325 million views. His credits include Forbidden Bonds (Dramawave), which became the most-viewed vertical series worldwide the week, according to Blink49, with more than 150 million views, and Love in the Ashes of Us (ReelShort), which clocked more than 17 million views since its recent release. Hawkins’ other titles include Thanksgiving with Mom & Dad (Dramawave, 40M+ views) and Taming the Cold CEO (Dramawave, 20M+ views).
Hawkins will lead the development of an original slate of vertical IP, while working across Blink49’s Brand Studio, traditional platforms, and emerging apps in the space. He’ll also collaborate with buyers, with multiple projects already in development with an unnamed “major” U.S. network, as well as exploring opportunities to adapt existing IP into microdrama formats.
Blink49 says its expansion into microdrama and vertical storytelling is strategic as audience consumption continues to shift toward mobile-first formats.
“Tieren brings a rare combination of creative instinct and executional expertise in a format that is evolving at an incredible pace,” said Tara Long, Global President, Unscripted Television, Blink49 Studios. “As vertical storytelling continues to redefine how audiences engage with content, his leadership positions us to build a meaningful presence in this space from Canada outward.”
The studio says Canada is emerging as a key microdrama production hub.
“Microdramas are experiencing significant global momentum, and over the past few years I’ve been focused on understanding what makes the format work at scale,” said Hawkins. “I’m excited to bring that experience into a studio with Blink49’s creative reach, relationships, and infrastructure, and to continue working with partners across the industry to help establish Canada as a leading hub for vertical production.”
