Roberts Next Door Disrupts Vertical Storytelling with Experimental 'Karma Mechanic'

Independent filmmakers Robert Christopher Smith and Robert Banks are pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling with their innovative vertical series 'Karma Mechanic', a project that deliberately subverts the typical expectations of mobile-first entertainment.

Unlike most vertical series characterized by polished production and superficial narratives, Smith and Banks have deliberately crafted a darker, more complex storytelling experience. Inspired by surrealist filmmakers like David Lynch and narrative-driven television shows such as LOST, the duo aims to create a 'puzzlebox' narrative that challenges audience expectations.

The project represents a significant creative risk, with Smith and Banks personally financing the entire production to maintain complete creative control. This self-funded approach allows them unprecedented freedom to explore unconventional storytelling techniques across multiple social media platforms including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook.

Central to their vision is assembling a collaborative team committed to creative experimentation. The series features recurring collaborators like Stacy Marie Turner, Erin Anne Gray, and Jonathan Jacob Pekar, who have worked with the filmmakers on previous projects. This approach ensures a cohesive creative vision and allows the team to work effectively within limited financial constraints.

'Karma Mechanic' will be released as both a 20-episode vertical series and a short feature film, representing a hybrid approach to digital storytelling. By deliberately diverging from mainstream vertical content—which often focuses on wealthy characters or supernatural themes—Smith and Banks are challenging the emerging medium's artistic limitations.

The project underscores a broader trend of independent creators leveraging digital platforms to experiment with narrative form and distribution. By prioritizing artistic vision over commercial formulas, Roberts Next Door demonstrates how innovative storytellers can reshape emerging media landscapes.