Story First, AI Second: Can Singapore Build the Next Global Franchise?
During an interview with The Straits Times, we were asked a question everyone's debating right now: "𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐈? We knew the answer had nothing to do with technology.
Singapore — April 16, 2026 — When The Straits Times asked Edenstone founder Joel Boh a question at the heart of today's creative technology debate — "How do you tell a story with AI?" — his answer was direct.
It has nothing to do with technology.
That response signals a deliberate positioning for Edenstone, a Singapore-based creative studio that has just launched Spore Fall: Southeast Asia's first human-written, AI-realised micro-drama. The 10-episode sci-fi series serves as the studio's flagship intellectual property and the cornerstone of a planned transmedia universe.
A Proof of Concept, Not a Revenue Play
Spore Fall was produced by a team of just four, with generative AI used to execute a vision rooted in traditional storytelling strengths: deep story arcs, world-building, and compelling character motivations.
"Our objective isn't immediate revenue," said Joel Boh, founder of Edenstone. "This micro-drama is a proof of concept. We want to prove that a small creative studio in Singapore can build and scale world-class genre IP globally using emerging tech like AI."
The first season is available in full at no cost, with no paywall — a deliberate strategy to validate the intellectual property and build an audience before scaling.
The Roadmap: From Micro-Drama to Feature Film
Edenstone has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the Spore Fall universe:
Seasons 2 & 3 — Already in development
A novel — Currently 70% complete
A feature film — Slated for 2028, backed by the MAS-regulated Silver Media Fund
Chan Gin Kai, founder of Silver Media Group and 2025 Golden Horse Award winner, has come on board as executive producer.
Market Context: The Micro-Drama Boom
The micro-drama industry has experienced explosive growth. According to industry research firm Omdia, global microdrama revenues reached an estimated US$11 billion in 2025 and are projected to grow to US$14 billion by the end of 2026 — with US$3 billion of that generated outside China. [^1]
In the U.S. market, micro-drama app ReelShort now generates 35.7 minutes of daily viewing time per user — surpassing Netflix (24.8 minutes), Prime Video (26.9 minutes), and Disney+ (23 minutes) on mobile devices.[^2] Notably, ReelShort achieves this with 1.1 million monthly active users compared to Netflix's approximately 12 million, highlighting a model driven by engagement intensity rather than sheer scale. [^3]
Meanwhile, analytics platform DataEye reports that AI-generated "digital human" dramas accounted for 38% of China's top 100 short drama titles in January 2026, up sharply from just 7% a year earlier. [^4]
Why Story Remains the Differentiator
Despite the rapid adoption of generative AI across the micro-drama landscape, Boh argues that the real question was never technological.
"Audiences can spot the 'AI-feel' — technically impressive but emotionally hollow," he said. "Edenstone leads with strong storytelling and world-building. AI is a tool that scales and executes that vision, not the other way around."
He added: "Humans are fundamentally wired for connection. The question is whether your story is worth connecting to."
The Singapore Spirit as Narrative Core
Beyond the AI-driven visual spectacle, Spore Fall weaves in a thematic thread that Boh hopes will resonate regionally and globally: turning weakness into strength.
"Historically, we've always worked with constraints," he said. "Singapore is an island nation with no natural resources. But we've never let constraints define us. We turn our weakness into strength. Every time."
That philosophy is embedded into the sci-fi saga, which follows a disillusioned soldier and a rogue medic navigating a deadly spore pathogen outbreak in the fictional city of Lionara.
Availability
Spore Fall Season 1 is now streaming for free at sporefall.com, with new episodes dropping through June 2026.
Media Inquiries
For press inquiries, interview requests, or investment information:
📍 Studio: Edenstone Group, Singapore
Read Article: Straits Times Entertainment Report
Citations
[^1]: Omdia, as reported by Nasdaq. "Omdia: Microdrama Revenues to Grow from $11 Billion to $14 Billion in 2026." February 23, 2026.
[^2]: Omdia, via Advanced Television. "Omdia: ReelShort viewing time beats Netflix." February 24, 2026.
[^3]: Omdia, via Music Ally. "Omdia on the rise of ReelShort and microdramas." February 25, 2026.
[^4]: DataEye, via Ecns.cn. "AI-powered micro-dramas: Industry's new engine for quality growth." February 9, 2026.