PRESS RELEASE: Move Over Clickbait: Tides of Desire Brings Artistry and Ethics to the World of Vertical Web Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver, July 24th, 2025 - Vancouver, Canada – Have you ever wondered what those ads on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are all about? You know, the ones full of drama and crazy storylines that keep you clicking until you suddenly realize you’ve watched all 10 free episodes and are desperate for more? They are vertical web series—or web shorts—and they’re taking the world by storm!

Vertical web series are filmed vertically to cater to mobile viewers, featuring quick, bite-sized episodes typically under two minutes in length and often consisting of 50 to 65 episodes. While these innovative series attract millions of viewers—some even surpassing 300 million views—they have also gained a bad reputation for their over-reliance on cliched narratives and representations that fail to reflect diverse perspectives.

Tides of Desire, an innovative vertical web series, is set to redefine modern storytelling through its compelling narrative and stunning visuals. Filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Costa Rica, this series follows a diverse cast of characters navigating love, internal conflict, and the spicy drama that makes verticals so appealing.

Created by Vancouver local Carin Smolinski, who serves as the writer, director, producer, and investor, Tides of Desire is her passion project aimed at elevating the vertical space. Smolinski brings extensive experience in vertical web series, having acted in over 20 productions. Throughout her journey, she recognized recurring tropes that did not align with her values, which led her to embrace the philosophy of “being the change she wanted to see.”

Carin is flipping the script on traditional production methods, where pay-per-view platforms often put scripts—typically translated from previously made Chinese verticals—out to tender for production companies that operate under their creative control and within a predetermined budget. By choosing a self-written and self-funded approach, Carin enables herself to create an experience and product that truly mirrors her vision for WEC Films.

Smolinski’s background as an entrepreneur in building seven-figure companies has equipped her with the skills needed for this ambitious undertaking. “I have never felt more cared for in a production,” said one crew member, with many cast members echoing that it was “the best experience of my life.” For Smolinski, success is already achieved regardless of where the series is picked up and how many views it gets—though she hopes viewers will tune in because she believes it’s remarkable.

Through her production company, WEC Films (pronounced "We See Films"), Smolinski has adopted a self-funded, values-based production approach. This allows her to fully realize her vision, ensuring that the series represents ideals she believes in. WEC Films is committed to creating cinematically stunning content that adheres strictly to a values-based approach from script to production. The series will only portray consensual intimacy and will not depict gratuitous violence, sexual assault, inter-family intimacy, coercion, domestic violence, or abuse. These are unfortunate aspects of the current vertical industry, but others like Smolinski are working hard to change this narrative, including vertical advocate Jen Cooper of Vertical Drama Love and the Vertical Film Short Series Alliance (VFSSA).

A unique aspect of Tides of Desire is the collaboration between Smolinski and her son, Indiana Wilson, who serves as the Director of Photography. This mother-son duo brings a distinctive perspective to the project, enhancing the storytelling through their shared vision.

The production showcases a commitment to inclusion and diversity, featuring a cast and crew of 32 individuals from multiple countries and nationalities. Smolinski emphasizes the importance of representation and has made it a priority to cast people of color and individuals with accents in speaking roles.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness the evolution of relationships as couples navigate challenges and confront their pasts, with a strong emphasis on consent and healthy communication. The series also aims to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly turtle conservation, and actively seeks to minimize its ecological footprint by avoiding single-use plastics on set.

Despite the challenges faced during production, including canceled flights, scorpion encounters, and torrential downpours, the team’s resilience and dedication shone through, resulting in a cohesive and heartfelt project.

As Tides of Desire prepares to release its trailer and poster, the excitement is palpable. Smolinski and her team at WEC Films are eager to begin conversations with platforms for distribution, forging their own path in the rapidly evolving vertical web series industry, which, despite its growing pains, is here to stay.

Viewers can rest assured that Tides of Desire is packed with intensity, an unforgettable cast, and stunning locations, making it a groundbreaking addition to the genre. It’s not just a series; it's a movement aimed at reshaping the vertical web series landscape, prioritizing authenticity, inclusion, and community.

For more information, updates, and behind-the-scenes content, follow Tides of Desire on social media or visit: @tides_of_desire_vertical  @wec.films @carinsmolinski @indiana_wilson_films