Taye Diggs to Star in Vertical Drama Romance for CandyJar
Taye Diggs is making his mark in the vertical drama industry, a rapidly growing sector focused on producing content specifically for viewing on smartphones. CandyJar, the first microdrama streaming platform in the U.S., has announced Diggs as both the lead actor and executive producer of their upcoming series “Off Limits & All Mine.”
The decision to cast Diggs in a project like this is a significant step for the American microdrama industry, which has typically featured lesser-known actors due to its low production costs. However, with Diggs’ involvement, CandyJar hopes to elevate the format and attract a wider audience. Known for his roles in popular films like “The Best Man,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” and “Rent,” Diggs brings a level of prestige and recognition to the project.
“Off Limits & All Mine” is a romantic drama that follows Diggs’ character, a widower who takes in his best friend’s rebellious daughter and embarks on a transformative journey. The series will feature a predominantly Black ensemble, with CandyJar emphasizing the importance of centering Black-led stories in the microdrama genre. Produced in collaboration with Atlanta-based Freeli Films, known for their work on platforms like BET, Starz, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video, the series aims to showcase the talent and diversity within the industry.
Filming for “Off Limits & All Mine” is set to begin in Atlanta in February, with J. Carter serving as lead producer, Troy Brookins as executive producer, and Alexandria Collins as the director. The project is a joint effort between CandyJar’s parent company, Inkitt, and Freeli Films, highlighting the collaborative nature of the industry.
Inkitt, established in 2013, is a digital platform that uses AI technology to identify potential franchise-worthy stories submitted by users. These selected stories are then adapted into microdramas on CandyJar, the platform’s pay-to-read app. With a track record of success, Inkitt boasts a million-dollar hit every seven days and CandyJar sees an average of 70 million episodes streamed per month, with over 5.5 million users spending an average of 40 minutes per day watching content.
According to Lily Darragh Harty, the director of production at Inkitt, microdramas have evolved beyond experimental projects. The success of series like “Off Limits & All Mine” demonstrates the format’s ability to support ambitious storytelling, high production values, and top-tier talent. This signals a promising future for CandyJar and the microdrama industry as a whole, as they continue to push creative boundaries and attract new audiences.
