Larry Namer Identified Saudi Media Potential
The E! Entertainment co-founder sees Saudi Arabia as a key hub for the growing global vertical micro-drama market.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Entertainment — General
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Co-founder of E! Entertainment Larry Namer has highlighted Saudi Arabia as a rising major player in the production of vertical micro-dramas. These short-form programs, shot in 9:16 portrait orientation, are poised to become a dominant method for global media consumption.
Why it matters
Namer argues that Saudi Arabia contains a wealth of untapped stories capable of attracting international audiences. The nation's evolving media workforce and local production capacity are significantly improving the economic viability of new entertainment projects.
E! Entertainment currently reaches audiences in more than 140 countries. Vertical micro-drama production utilizes a 9:16 portrait orientation and leverages AI technology to reformat footage for television screens.
The players
Larry Namer
He is the co-founder of E! Entertainment who has spent five decades working in the global entertainment industry.
The details
Vertical micro-dramas are designed for mobile devices, allowing users to watch content without rotating their screens. Namer expects this format to expand beyond traditional soap operas into genres such as horror and science fiction.
Timeline
Larry Namer has worked in the entertainment industry for five decades.
Industry Dynamics
The adoption of vertical video reflects a broader Hollywood transition toward mobile-first consumption habits that prioritize platform-native viewing. This movement mirrors Namer's historical work in markets like China, positioning vertical content as the next stage of global media evolution.
Viewers can expect to see an increase in mobile-optimized short-form content that does not require screen rotation. AI-driven reformatting will also allow these vertical micro-dramas to be viewed on traditional television screens.
The takeaway
Vertical video is expected to move beyond simple soap operas to encompass complex genres like science fiction. This change highlights how local stories can use mobile-native formats to gain global relevance.
Further reading
For more on evolving media formats, visit the Entertainment — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arab News.
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