Maksim Chmerkovskiy is moving into the acting world and he’s set to star in a new vertical drama series.

For those who don’t know, verticals or “microdramas” are shot in a vertical aspect ratio for viewing on mobile phones, with each episode just 1 to 2 minutes in length. They are known to have low production costs, with Variety noting that actors tend to make $500 for each day of work.

Following the news that Taye Diggs signed on as the first high-profile actor to star in a microdrama, Maksim is now the first reality TV star to book a lead role in one, according to Deadline.

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The former Dancing With the Stars pro dancer will star in Wild Silence for Holywater Tech’s My Drama platform. Watch the trailer below!

Wild Silence “follows Camilla, who wakes up in a remote wilderness cabin after being rescued from a suicide attempt by Jack, a reclusive man grieving the loss of his wife. As they navigate isolation together, the two form a cautious bond that helps them confront their pasts.”

Maksim told Deadline, “Wild Silence was an opportunity to step into a completely different kind of storytelling that is intimate, emotionally raw, and built for the way the majority of audiences are watching shows today. This role challenged me in new ways as an actor, and I was drawn to the honesty of the story and the creative ambition behind My Drama. Vertical series are an exciting new frontier, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s helping redefine what premium, mobile-first entertainment can be.”

Maksim recently opened up about the potential for a return to DWTS.

Taye Diggs is moving into a new space for the entertainment industry!

The 55-year-old actor will star in a new series for microdrama streaming platfrom CandyJar, becoming one of the first major stars to lead a vertical show.

CandyJar features romance series that are shot in a vertical aspect ratio for viewing on mobile phones, with each episode just 1 to 2 minutes in length. They are known to have low production costs, with Variety noting that actors tend to make $500 for each day of work.

Taye will star in a new series that has the working title Off Limits & All Mine.

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The show will follow Taye as “a widower who takes in his best friend’s rebellious daughter and realizes that a dangerous and transformative connection is about to unfold,” according to Variety. Production begins in February in Atlanta.

We have some recent photos of Taye going shirtless on vacation!