OUR FOUNDER
Ben Pengilly is a bilingual, award-winning producer with over a decade of experience in commercials, music videos, and feature films. Now at the forefront of the UK vertical drama industry, Ben has successfully produced hit vertical mini-series such as Mafia Lover and The Mafia Obsession, both of which have been released on Dramabox to critical acclaim.
A true enthusiast of vertical storytelling, Ben is committed to leading the UK's charge in this emerging format. His deep production expertise and understanding of vertical content allow him to deliver high-quality dramas efficiently and cost-effectively, making premium storytelling accessible and impactful.
eXECUTIVE pRODUCER & sCRIPT WRITER
Emma Wang
Emma is an award-winning Chinese screenwriter known for hit vertical dramas including The CEO’s Runaway Wife (252M views), The Billionaire’s Pampered Love (93.7M), and Mr. Huo, She Says You’re the Stand-In (77M).
With extensive experience in the vertical drama space from both creative and production perspectives, Emma brings invaluable insight and expertise to Onset Octopus.
Whether you're looking to develop original vertical scripts for your platform or need full production support, Emma can tailor a bespoke package to suit your needs. Get in touch to explore how we can collaborate.
casting director
Liyanne Marie
Liyanne Marie is a dynamic, multi-genre casting director shaping the next generation of talent in film, TV, theatre, fashion, and digital media. Known for her sharp eye, passion and commitment to authentic representation, Liyanne has been apart of some of the most exceptional casting work.
Her versatile credits span commercials, documentaries, immersive theatre, vertical films, and more, the 1st Casting Director to cast vertical films & dramas in the UK, worked with Britain’s Got Talent, ITV Potato and Channel 4. She’s also worked with renowned institutions like Ghetto Film School, NFTS, and has cast culturally rich, story driven films like Never Had a Chance.
A pioneer in vertical storytelling and a champion for inclusive casting, Liyanne breaks stereotypes and ensures diverse, underrepresented voices are seen and celebrated on and off screen. With access to top talent, models, real people, and influencers, she brings every creative vision to life with intention, energy, and cultural integrity.
Director
JACK YUAN
London-based Director specializing in Vertical Drama with 1.64 Billion+ total views and £7.5M+ ($9.4M+) in total revenue generated. Master of the '3-second golden hook' and high-retention storytelling logic, bridging Eastern production efficiency with Western cinematic aesthetics.
Credits:
2025 | The Indomitable Little Immortal | iQIYI Premium Series | VFX/Fantasy
2025 | Mistaken Identity: My Boss, My "Mother"? | Viral Comedy | 21M+ Views
2025 | My Secret Life as an Immortal Bride | Urban Fantasy | 11M+ Heat
2024 | The Return of the Lost Heiress | £1.09M Revenue | 180M+ Views
2024 | My Dearest: Reborn from the Flames | £1.09M Revenue | 200M+ Views
2024 | Destined to Meet Again | £763K Revenue | 110M+ Views
2024 | The Secret Heiress: Stunning the World | £545K Revenue | 70M+ Views
2024 | The Intern is a Billionaire's Daughter | £218K Revenue | 70M+ Views
2024 | The Secret Bodyguard: Billionaire in Disguise | Urban Action Noir
2023 | Blind Date, Secret Billionaire | £654K Revenue | 50M+ Interactions
Our in house DIRECTOR
Dan Lowenstein
is an award-winning London-based director specializing in vertical dramas designed for mobile platforms. With many successful vertical dramas already completed and a new release about to drop on Drama Box, Dan is at the forefront of this emerging format.
His work seamlessly combines gripping, drama-driven stories with mass appeal, making him a standout choice for mobile-first platforms. As a director Dan blends entertainment with deeper, socially conscious themes, using his expertise to craft visually compelling, audience-focused stories ideal for the vertical format. With a deep understanding of the fast paced, episodic structure.
Dan is now looking to expand his work in the vertical drama space, delivering captivating content tailored for mobile viewers.
Credits:
Mafia lover - DramaBox
Mafia obsession - DramaBox
Irresistible Bonds - Shortern
Marry a stranger - TBC
Oh The Body Guards have Eloped - Drama wave
Shoot my heart my Mafia Boss - Good Short
Queen of vengeance - Drama Wave
Loving you from the football sidelines - DramaBox
Pride & Prejudice - Reel Short
My rookie secret agent Lover - Joy reels
Virgin Obsession - Drama box
Obsessed with my scheming CEO - FLEXTV / FlareFlow
The siren club - Mini short
Set Sail with my Fathers Killer - Tall Flix
Judith - Idrama
British Bad Boy - Reelshort
Ya Nanny - Reelshort
Our in house DIRECTOR
Irene Maffei
Irene Maffei is a London based award winning film and music video director. Her work as a director includes feature film “RU-486 – The Last Option”
Vertical Production Credit:
30 DAYS OF HIDDEN MARRIAGE - DRAMA BOX
Our Head of Script Development and Business Manager
Octavia McKenzie
Octavia McKenzie is Head of Script Development and Business Manager for Onset Octopus, the UK's leading Vertical Drama Studio. She’s been with the production team from the beginning, writing elevated vertical dramas with high audience engagement on top global app platforms. She's the bestselling author of 14 novels and an award-winning screenwriter of Vertical Dramas, Rom Coms, Holiday & Royal Movies, and Young Adult for Verticals, TV & Film. Onset Octopus is on track to dominate the UK Vertical Drama space and Octavia is proud to be a part of it.
production manager
Molly Carson
Molly is an experienced Production Manager who has worked multiple high end TV and feature films.
Refocusing into the vertical industry through a steady stream of production for commercial and narrative vertical productions.
Molly has now worked on 7 vertical dramas for a variety of platforms including ReelShorts and Dramabox and hasworked on Pride and Prejudice which premiered at No1 in multiple countries.
Molly’s organizational skills and vast experience in vertical production makes her a strong member of Onset Octopus
Our Scriptwriter & Business development manager
Dena Dizdar Plumer
Dena Dizdar Plumer is a Los Angeles-based microdrama writer from Texas. In addition to scriptwriting, she covers stateside client liaison and business development for Onset Octopus. After 25 years as an advertising copywriter, Dena got her MFA in TV and screenwriting in 2024. She immersed herself in microdramas, then wrote and produced a vertical that won #1 Romance in ReelShort's creator contest. Dena is a speaker, teacher, and podcast guest covering the vertical industry and has more verticals coming out in 2026.
Contact us
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