microdra.ma
Submit Your Series

For creators

Pilot Requirements

Everything your Episode 1 needs - story, format, specs, rights and paperwork. These rules apply to every submission on microdra.ma: Creators, Pilots and the PilotRush competition.

9:16

Vertical only

60s-10m

Episode length

1080p+

Minimum resolution

S01EP01

Real Episode 1

01What a pilot is

A pilot is the real first episode of an original vertical microdrama series - not a standalone short, trailer or sizzle reel. It must introduce the characters and world, set up a conflict that can run for a full season, and end in a way that makes viewers want the next episode.

02Story structure

Recommended beat structure for a vertical pilot:

0-3sThe hookOpen on conflict, a question or a striking image. No logos, slow fades or credits first - viewers decide in 3 seconds.
3-15sWho and whatEstablish the main character, what they want and the world they live in.
15s-75%EscalationRaise the stakes with at least one turn or reveal. Every scene should push the story forward.
75-95%The turnA twist, decision or revelation that changes what we thought the story was.
Last secondsCliffhangerEnd on an open question that makes the viewer need Episode 2.

03Technical specs

Aspect ratio9:16 vertical only - no letterboxing or rotated horizontal footage
Resolution1080 x 1920 minimum; 4K vertical (2160 x 3840) welcome
Length60 seconds to 10 minutes (60-90 seconds recommended for most series)
File formatMP4 or MOV, H.264 video (HEVC/H.265 may not play in all browsers)
Frame rate24, 25 or 30 fps, constant
Safe zonesKeep faces, titles and captions out of the top 10% and bottom 20% where app buttons sit
Title & labelShow the series title and label it Season 1, Episode 1 (S01EP01)
Clean versionNo watermarks, platform logos or third-party branding
DeliveryUpload the file, or a working link (Drive, Vimeo, YouTube unlisted) that stays accessible through review

04Sound & subtitles

  • Clear, mixed dialogue - no clipping, hum or uneven levels between scenes.
  • Music and sound effects must be original, licensed or royalty-free. Keep proof of licence.
  • Any language is welcome. English subtitles are required whenever dialogue is not in English.
  • Burned-in subtitles are fine; also send an .SRT file if you have one.
  • Subtitles must be readable on a phone and sit inside the safe zone.

05Submission package

Pilot / Episode 1

Required

The finished first episode, per the specs above.

Series treatment

Required

PDF, 3-15 pages: logline, synopsis, main characters, world, tone, season arc and episode outlines.

Logline

Required

One or two sentences that sell the series.

Series details

Required

Title, genre, language, planned episode count and episode length.

Creator information

Required

Name, contact details, team members and their roles, tools used.

Cover image

Required

A vertical 9:16 still or poster with the title.

Teaser or trailer

Optional

15-60 seconds, vertical.

Pitch deck

Optional

Market, audience and commercial angle.

PilotRush competition entries need only the pilot link and creator profile; a treatment is strongly recommended.

06Rights & AI

  • The series must be original. You or your team must own or control every element you submit.
  • No unlicensed music, footage, logos, celebrity likeness or existing characters.
  • Real people appearing on screen need their consent. Keep releases on file.
  • AI-generated, live-action and hybrid pilots are all welcome. Declare the AI tools you used.
  • You keep your underlying IP when you submit. Commercial terms are only ever agreed in a signed, project-specific agreement.
  • PilotRush competition winners: winning pilots become jointly-owned IP as described in the competition rules.
Read the Creator Submission Terms & Conditions

07How we review

Hook & first 3 seconds

Do we stop scrolling?

Story & cliffhanger

Do we want Episode 2?

Characters & world

Can they carry a full season?

Visual consistency

Same faces, look and style from shot to shot.

Craft

Pacing, editing, sound and dialogue.

Commercial potential

Fit for platforms, brands or distributors.

Common reasons pilots are sent back

  • A standalone short with no series behind it
  • A trailer or montage instead of a real Episode 1
  • Horizontal footage cropped or padded to vertical
  • Long intros, logos or credits before the story starts
  • Characters whose faces change between shots
  • Broken, private or expiring video links

08Final checklist

  • 9:16, 1080x1920 or higher, MP4/MOV H.264
  • 60 seconds to 10 minutes
  • Hook in the first 3 seconds, cliffhanger at the end
  • Series title shown and labeled S01EP01
  • English subtitles if dialogue isn't in English
  • All music, footage and likenesses cleared
  • Treatment PDF and logline ready
  • Video link works in a private browser window
Submit Your SeriesEnter PilotRushFAQ