The free contest by microdra.ma and AdArena offers $5,000 across 40 winning places, and the winner may be invited to a paid Season 1 deal of up to $10,000.
-- Vertical Future Inc., an AI powered entertainment and IP development company, invites AI filmmakers, writers, digital storytellers and creative studios worldwide to enter PilotRush, a global contest for original AI native microdrama pilots. Entries close on Thursday, 19 November 2026, at 3:00 pm EST.
PilotRush is run through microdra.ma, the company's creator facing brand, in partnership with AdArena, which gives the contest access to a community of approximately 1,000 creators. Entry is free.
Vertical Future Inc., through microdra.ma and in partnership with AdArena, launches PilotRush, a global competition inviting AI creators to submit original microdrama pilots.
What creators submit
Each entry is the first episode of an original vertical microdrama: 9:16, 50 to 80 seconds, any genre, with AI made imagery. Motion control and human voiceover are allowed. Pilots can be in English with no subtitles, or in another language with English subtitles when the language is central to the story. In about one minute, a pilot should introduce an original world, compelling characters and a dramatic storyline that leaves viewers wanting the next episode.
Prizes and what comes after
PilotRush awards $5,000 in total across 40 winning places: $3,500 in cash for places 1 to 15, led by $1,200 for first place, and $1,500 in Kolbo AI creative credits for places 16 to 40. The winning creator may be invited to a separate paid deal of up to $10,000 to produce more Season 1 episodes, with royalties if a sponsor picks up the series. Selected creators may also be considered for the Vanguard Accelerator, worth up to $50,000 in combined value.
Creators keep ownership of their work and grant microdra.ma a non exclusive licence to show the first episode. Selected projects may be featured in the microdra.ma catalog and presented to potential commercial partners. Where commercial interest develops, Vertical Future intends to work with creators under separate agreements to explore sponsorships, commissioned productions, licensing and full series development.
The jury includes Yael Tamar, Chris Werner and a rotating guest jury of producers and app partners. The shortlist is expected in November 2026, and winners will be announced within seven days of the close.
A story, not an ad
PilotRush asks creators for entertainment, not advertising. "This is a story, not an ad. But brands will be watching." Vertical Future believes the next stage of branded entertainment will see companies fund original stories that audiences want to watch, instead of interrupting those stories with ads.
The contest welcomes different genres, cultures, languages and visual approaches. Entrants are encouraged to build distinctive characters with realistic imperfections rather than generic AI generated faces.
"We believe the next great entertainment franchises can come from anywhere in the world," said Yael Tamar, CEO and Co-Founder of Vertical Future. "Our mission is to discover those stories, connect them with commercial partners, and help creators turn their ideas into sustainable entertainment businesses."
Tamar added: "We are not looking for AI videos that simply demonstrate what the technology can do. We are looking for stories people love, stories they talk about, share with friends, and cannot wait to continue watching. When you create that kind of engagement, the commercial opportunities follow."
For brands and partners
Brands, sponsors, publishers, streaming platforms and entertainment companies interested in viewing selected projects, sponsoring original series, commissioning content or exploring distribution and licensing are invited to contact Vertical Future.
Creators can read the rules and submit at www.microdra.ma/pilotrush.
About Vertical Future Inc.
Vertical Future Inc. is a Delaware incorporated AI powered entertainment company developing an ecosystem for the creation, discovery, commercialization and distribution of short form vertical content. Through its creator facing brand, microdra.ma, the company develops original AI generated series, works with independent creators, and connects entertainment IP with brands, publishers, media companies, telecommunications operators and distribution platforms. Its business model combines brand funded entertainment, original IP development and licensing, and a growing creator and content marketplace.
Website: verticalfuture.co
Creator platform: microdra.ma
Submissions: microdra.ma/pilotrush
Media contact
Yael Tamar, CEO & Co-Founder, Vertical Future Inc.
Contact Info:
Name: Yael Tamar
Email: Send Email
Organization: Vertical Future Inc
Address: 2620 N 40th St
Phone: +972 54-458-4618
Website: https://www.verticalfuture.co
Release ID: 89209698
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