Do you have a dynamic short story?
This short story challenge is open to original short stories of any genre that can captivate the reader in no more than 10,000 words.
Projects From Ben Everard & Everard Entertainment
How It Works:
Everard Entertainment, the production company founded by Ben Everard (Netflix’s YES DAY and FAMILY SWITCH), is partnering with Roadmap Writers to launch a dedicated competition to identify commercial short stories to bring to market for feature film adaptation.
The winning short story will receive a $2,500 option from Everard Entertainment!
- Submissions open from October 6th through December 5th, 2025.
- The stories submitted should be no longer than 10,000 words and can be of any genre.
- In addition to the short story, authors are requested to submit a 1-page personal statement that expresses their personal brand, why they applied, and the inspiration for their short.
- There is no limit on the number of submissions, but every entry requires a separate submission fee.
- All submissions are final.
- 10 Semifinalists will be asked to participate in a 30-minute interview with Roadmp Writers.
- 5 Finalists will meet with producer Ben Everard.
- The winner will have their short story optioned by Everard Entertainment for development with an aim for production. (Note: The winning author might not be hired to write the adapted script).
Pricing & Deadline:
Submission Opens: October 6th, 2025
Early Deadline: November 7th, 2025 | $35
Final Deadline: December 5th, 2025 | $45
Deadline is 11:59 pm PT
Winner Announcements:
Quarterfinalists | January 9th, 2026
Semifinalists | February 6th, 2026
Finalists | March 6th, 2026
Grand Prize Winner I May 8th, 2026
*dates are subject to change*
About
ROADMAP WRITERS
Founded by Joey Tuccio and Dorian Connelley in 2016, Roadmap is an L.A.-based screenwriting education and training platform that is dedicated to writers seeking a guided path to professional success in film and TV. Led by working executives, managers, agents, producers, writers, and other industry professionals, their classes take place exclusively online and are designed to empower writers to elevate their craft while expanding their network. Roadmap has helped over 480 writers sign with representation to date, while guiding some directly toward work in the industry. Writers signed through the program to the likes of Kaplan/Perrone, Echo Lake, Good Fear, Anonymous Content, 3 Arts, Artists First, Industry Entertainment, Fourth Wall Management, and CAA, with some going on to staff on shows like GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES (Paramount+), REACHER (Amazon), FUBAR (Netflix), THE FLASH (CW), WE WERE LIARS (Amazon), and THE RESIDENT (Fox).
EVERARD ENTERTAINMENT
Everard Entertainment is a Los Angeles–based film and television production company founded by producer Ben Everard in 2023. The company specializes in high-concept, audience-driven stories with strong commercial appeal. Upcoming projects include WAY OF THE WARRIOR KID (starring Chris Pratt) and the Christmas film THE MAN WITH THE BAG (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alan Ritchson, and Awkwafina). Ben Everard's recent credits include Netflix hits YES DAY and FAMILY SWITCH, as well as PAIN HUSTLERS, THE LAUNDROMAT, and LIGHTS OUT.
Judging:
Rodmap Writers will review all short stories.
Everard Entertainment will review the top-scored short stories.
Rules:
Scoring
Submissions will be judged by independent industry experts based on the following criteria. The below explanations of each criterion is by no means an exhaustive list, but just an example of some of the questions readers and judges consider in each category. Some criteria may not pertain to all genres/sub-genres.
Premise/Concept
Is it unique/original? Is it a new spin on a familiar story? Does it include a unique perspective from its protagonist? Do the actions and obstacles advance the story?
Characters
Are the characters well developed? Is their purpose or struggle clearly identifiable? Do they have a clear and complete arc? Are they multi-layered? Are the characters relatable or accessible to the reader?
Story
Is the story compelling? Does it serve to drive the characters and events forward in a meaningful way? Does it emphasize a deeper theme? Does the story explore new ideas? Is the story timely? Does it touch on things that are part of the zeitgeist?
Structure
Does the story have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Is it clear where the main plot turns are?
Voice/Style
Does the writer use interesting word choice and sentence structure? Do they have a unique way to view and relay what’s happening in the story? Does the writer present/have a unique perspective?
Marketability
Is this a project which meets today's market demands?
Why Should I Enter?
Roadmap Writers has helped over 480 writers and authors get signed, staffed, optioned, hired, and produced. We are excited to bring that same focus on finding vetting talent for this competition.
Having short stories that can be adapted into features, TV shows, and other visual media is becoming an increasingly popular option for sourcing talent. With a grand prize of $2500 and an option agreement, the Everard Entertainment + Roadmap Writers Short Story Competition provides a unique avenue through which to have your material further developed.
What Do I Submit?
Submit a short story of no more than 10,000 words along with your logline, bio, and 1-page personal statement, via the submission link above. All entries are final, and no substitutions will be allowed.