LOS ANGELES - eTradeWire -- Vertical Reality Films released the first season of The Protocol on October 30, 2026, making the original sci-fi romance thriller available on YouTube and through the studio's website. Written by Brian Eason and directed by Crystal Lizama, the season consists of 25 sequential vertical episodes with a combined runtime of approximately 43 minutes.

According to the studio, production was completed in roughly two weeks on a production budget under $1,000.

Story and episode format

The Protocol follows Solar, an artificial intelligence specialist who discovers a classified protocol bearing her own name. The discovery draws her into a corporate conspiracy involving Cyber-Genetics, the company where she works.

Cassian, the company's new chief executive, becomes a central figure in her investigation. After Solar is fired without explanation and then reinstated, their relationship develops amid hidden surveillance, unexplained events and questions about his interest in protecting her.

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The story combines science-fiction mystery, romance and corporate intrigue. Episodes are intended to be watched in order, with the narrative continuing across the complete season. The series uses a 9:16 portrait format designed for viewing on phones. Short scripted series presented in this format are commonly described as vertical microdramas.

Writing and production

Eason completed the screenplay for all 25 episodes before production began. An experienced screenwriter, he serves as the studio's co-founder and creative partner, with additional scripts ready for production.

Lizama directed the series and handled AI-assisted visual production and editing. She brings a background in franchise operations and pre-production leadership to her filmmaking work. Her preparation included developing character references and location images, followed by detailed scene prompts based on the screenplay.

During production, Lizama rendered, reviewed and edited every scene. She evaluated generated footage for character continuity and selected material for the final sequence of episodes. Editing included assembling scenes and adjusting pacing, suspense and emotional progression.

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The screenplay was written by Eason, with visual development, footage selection and final editing handled by Lizama. AI-assisted generation supported the visual production under her direction.

Viewing information

The complete first season is available in episode order through the studio's website:
https://verticalrealityfilms.com/

The series is also available on the official Vertical Reality Films YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@verticalrealityfilms

Season 2 is in development.

About Vertical Reality Films

Vertical Reality Films is an independent creative studio co-founded by Crystal Lizama and Brian Eason. The studio specializes in original sci-fi films, thrillers and vertical microdramas, combining original screenwriting, human creative direction and AI-assisted filmmaking.