Cal State LA has announced an innovative academic partnership with DramaBox, a leading global vertical microdrama platform, to launch a groundbreaking course focused on mobile-first storytelling.
This semester, Cal State LA became the first university in the nation to offer comprehensive, hands-on training in microdrama production through a new Television, Film, and Media Studies (TVFM) course, “Making a Microdrama.”
DramaBox will serve as the founding sponsor and industry partner to help the next generation of storytellers and innovators by providing internship opportunities, guest speakers, and exclusive access to industry knowledge.
This partnership positions Cal State LA at the forefront of next-generation media education and establishes DramaBox as a pioneer in academic–industry collaboration.
DramaBox is a world-leading short drama platform launched in April 2023. Covering more than 200 countries and regions, it adopts a dual-track strategy of adapted dramas and local originals to deepen market presence, catering to the cultural preferences of various regions with diverse genres, including romance and suspense.
Co-taught by Cal State LA TVFM faculty member Nidhin Patel and TV industry veteran Quan Phung, the course will train students in current industry best practices, as well as guide them in developing and producing original microdrama content to prepare them for real-world applications.
“This partnership reflects Cal State LA’s commitment to providing career-ready training to our incredible students,” said Patel. “As the industry is rapidly evolving, we want to prepare our students for the world they will be graduating into.”
Patel shared that he connected with DramaBox Head of Studio Shicong Zhu at a film festival last summer, where he immediately expressed interest in creating an educational experience with the company.
“We truly could not have asked for more committed and excited collaborators than the team at DramaBox, and we look forward to building a very rewarding experience together for our students,” he said.
Students will pitch, develop, and produce original proof-of-concept microdramas. These pilots will be showcased across Cal State LA and DramaBox social media channels, and the teams will have an opportunity to pitch their projects to the studio for possible full-scale development.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Cal State LA to create a real-world development and production experience for students in a format that meets them where they’re at,” said Phung. “I have no doubt this mobile-native generation will bring their inventiveness to adapt and evolve the format, and I’m excited to help them tell their stories.”
The partnership also creates a career pipeline for diverse, Gen Z, mobile-native talent emerging from Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.
“Partnering with Cal State LA allows us to establish early-stage connections to the next generation of Los Angeles’ vibrant creative community,” said DramaBox representatives. “We are delighted to share our expertise on the craft and business of microdramas with these students.”
“As the students embark on their creative careers, we hope that they build on what they learn in this program,” Zhu added. “This next generation is best positioned to innovate in the ever-evolving content business, and we’re excited to form relationships with future collaborators who will help take the microdrama space to new heights in years to come.”
Additionally, DramaBox will be featured as an industry partner at Cal State LA’s Golden Eagle Film Festival scheduled for April, and plans are also underway to highlight behind-the-scenes content from the class across DramaBox’s social platforms.
With blockbuster titles like Watch Out I’m the Lady Boss, Divorced at the Wedding Day, and Fake Dating My Rich Nemesis—each amassing more than 100 million views—DramaBox leads the global micro-short drama market in both revenue and cumulative downloads. Backed by high-quality content and effective market tactics, the platform leverages a pay-to-unlock and ad monetization model, earned Google Play’s 2024 Best Entertainment App Award, and secured a spot in the 2025 Disney Accelerator Program.
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 260,000 distinguished alumni.
