1. Is this a training course or a certification program?
No. The Vertical Universe Director Development Program (VUDP) is not a traditional course, workshop, or certification program. It is a professional selection and validation process, designed to identify directors who are capable of entering the next layer of the global vertical short drama industry. Training exists within the program, but selection—not instruction—is the core purpose.
2. Who is this program designed for?
This program is designed for experienced, professional-level directors, including but not limited to:
- Directors with real-world experience in short dramas, series, commercials, or digital media
- Narrative-focused directors with a proven body of work
- Directors who are members of, or eligible for, the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC)
- Directors with 10+ years of professional directing experience
Applicants should be able to demonstrate consistent professional output, not isolated or experimental projects.
3. Is this program suitable for beginners or early-stage directors?
No. This program is not suitable for beginners, and not intended for applicants with only one or two completed works. If you are still exploring basic directing techniques or building your first portfolio, this program is not the right fit.
4. Do I need prior directing experience to apply?
Yes. Applicants are expected to have substantial, real-world directing experience, such as:
- Short dramas
- Series or episodic narrative content
- Commercials
- Digital or new media productions
This is a professional-level selection process, not an introductory pathway.
5. Is this program open internationally? Are there regional priorities?
Yes. The program is open to applicants worldwide. However, priority consideration will be given to directors based in Canada, with additional preference for directors located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
This priority reflects:
- The location of Vertical Universe and Ottawood Film Group's core production operations
- Practical considerations for on-site production, collaboration, and long-term integration
- A strategic focus on building a strong and sustainable local directing ecosystem alongside global talent
International applicants are welcome, but geographic proximity and production feasibility may be considered during final selection, particularly for projects requiring physical presence.
6. Why is there an application and examination fee of CAD 999?
The fee serves three essential purposes:
- Serious Candidate Filtering - To ensure applicants are genuinely committed to long-term professional development.
- Access to Internal Industry Knowledge - Participants receive proprietary insights, real-world case analysis, and industry intelligence that is not publicly available.
- Evaluation & Operational Costs - The fee supports examination design, professional assessment, and direct involvement from senior industry leadership.
⚠️ Payment does not guarantee selection. It only grants access to the evaluation process.
7. If I pay the fee, am I guaranteed to be selected?
No. Only 15 directors will be selected globally.
The fee does not represent:
- A guarantee of selection
- A promise of employment
- A guaranteed directing opportunity
Final decisions are based entirely on professional evaluation and long-term suitability.
8. Who leads and evaluates the program?
The program is designed and led by Tim Xiyin Zhou, Founder & CEO of Vertical Universe, Ottawood Film Group
Tim personally participates in:
- Core instruction
- Industry judgment and trend analysis
- Examination framework design
- Final director selection
This program is led by industry decision-makers, not educators.
9. What happens if I pass the examination?
Passing the examination means:
- You enter the final selection pool
- You become eligible for consideration among the final 15 directors
Passing the exam does not guarantee final selection.
10. What do selected directors receive?
Selected directors receive:
- Vertical Universe Certified Director status
- Entry into the Vertical Universe official director pool
- Access to internal global vertical industry intelligence
- One official opportunity to direct a Vertical Short Drama produced by Ottawood Film Group
- Potential consideration for projects supported by the Vertical Universe Fund
11. Is the Ottawood Film Group directing opportunity guaranteed?
Yes — for selected directors only, one official Ottawood Film Group directing opportunity will be provided.
However, it does not guarantee a long-term contract. It does not guarantee future projects beyond the first one. Further collaboration depends on project performance and evaluation.
12. How is performance evaluated after the Ottawood Film Group project?
Evaluation is based on:
- Execution quality and delivery standards
- Content and visual performance
- Professional reliability
- Platform and market feedback
Strong performance may lead to long-term collaboration opportunities.
13. Does this program guarantee funding or investment?
No guarantees are made. However, selected directors may be considered for support from the Vertical Universe Fund, based on: project quality, strategic alignment and market potential.
14. Will I receive a certificate if I am not selected?
No. The value of this program lies in entry into the production ecosystem, not certificates. Non-selected applicants do not receive formal certification.
15. Are the materials and industry information confidential?
Yes. All training materials, case studies, and industry insights are:
- Confidential
- For internal use only
- Strictly prohibited from redistribution
16. Who has final decision authority?
Vertical Universe, in collaboration with Ottawood Film Group, retains full and final authority over: Selection decisions, Project assignments and Collaboration outcomes.
17. Is the program refundable?
No.
Final Statement
This program is not designed to serve everyone.
It is designed to identify the few who are ready for the next level of the industry.
