Roberts Next Door Disrupts Digital Entertainment with Unique Vertical Series 'Karma Mechanic'
April 15th, 2025 7:00 AM
By: HRmarketer Editorial
Independent filmmakers Robert Christopher Smith and Robert Banks challenge traditional digital storytelling by self-funding an experimental 20-chapter vertical series that defies conventional genre expectations and production norms.

Independent film production company Roberts Next Door is pushing boundaries in digital entertainment with its unconventional vertical series 'Karma Mechanic', a project that promises to redefine storytelling across social media platforms.
The experimental series, co-created by Robert Christopher Smith and Robert Banks, breaks away from typical vertical content by offering a darker, more complex narrative inspired by directors like David Lynch and television series such as LOST. Unlike many vertical series that focus on affluent characters or supernatural themes, 'Karma Mechanic' aims to deliver a more nuanced storytelling experience.
What sets this project apart is the creators' commitment to artistic vision and creative freedom. By self-financing the entire production, Smith and Banks eliminated traditional financial constraints, allowing them to craft a unique narrative without external interference. This approach not only demonstrates their creative integrity but also highlights a growing trend of independent creators leveraging digital platforms to distribute innovative content.
The series represents a significant shift in digital entertainment, challenging the standardized, high-gloss vertical content currently dominating social media platforms. By intentionally diverging from mainstream production styles, Smith and Banks are positioning 'Karma Mechanic' as a potential disruptor in the digital storytelling landscape.
The production has also attracted a dedicated ensemble of actors who believe in the project's artistic vision. Performers like Stacy Marie Turner, Erin Anne Gray, and Jonathan Jacob Pekar have joined the team, many of whom have collaborated with the filmmakers on previous projects. This collaborative spirit underscores the importance of creative alignment and passion in independent filmmaking.
As a hybrid project released across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, 'Karma Mechanic' simultaneously exists as a 20-episode vertical series and a short feature film. This dual-format approach could potentially offer new models for content creation and distribution in the rapidly evolving digital media ecosystem.
For human resources professionals in the media and entertainment industries, this project represents an innovative approach to talent management, project development, and creative collaboration. It demonstrates the value of supporting unconventional creative processes and fostering environments that encourage artistic risk-taking.
Source Statement
This news article relied primarily on a press release disributed by 24-7 Press Release. You can read the source press release here,
