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Introduction
Everyone wants to create the next big streaming hit. With global streaming subscriptions crossing 1.8 billion, the opportunity has never been bigger. But let’s be honest, it feels more competitive than ever. You have a great idea for a show, but how do you turn it into scripted content for streaming that platforms like Netflix or Disney+ will actually buy? It’s a question I get all the time.
It’s not about luck. It’s about strategy. You need to think like a studio executive and act like a data scientist. Sounds complicated? It doesn’t have to be.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through a simple, 5-step framework to develop, package, and pitch your scripted content so that streamers can’t ignore it. We’ll cut through the noise and focus on what truly moves the needle.
Curious how Vitrina can help you? Try it out today!
Trusted by global entertainment leaders to grow business, acquire high-demand content, promote projects and services, and track every Film + TV production worldwide
Key Takeaways
| Step | Actionable Insight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Decode the Data | Analyze genre trends and global demand before you write. | Ensures you’re creating content for an existing market, not just a passion project. |
| 2. Focus on IP | Leverage existing IP or create “original IP” that feels familiar. | Reduces risk for buyers by tapping into a built-in audience. |
| 3. Structure for Binging | Write for the binge-watching model with strong hooks. | Keeps audiences engaged and boosts your show’s value to the platform. |
| 4. Know Your Buyer | Research the specific content mandates of each streamer. | A targeted pitch is 10x more effective than a generic one. |
| 5. Build a Bulletproof Pitch | Create a complete package with a bible, lookbook, and data. | Answers every question a buyer has, making it easy for them to say “yes.” |
Stop guessing what buyers want.
Step 1: Decode the Data and Identify Genre Trends
Too many production companies start with the idea. The smart ones start with the data. Before you invest a single dollar in development, you need to know what’s actually getting greenlit.
Don’t just look at what’s in the “Top 10” list today. That content was commissioned years ago. You need to skate to where the puck is going.
The Rise of Niche Genres and Global Content
The demand for broad, four-quadrant shows is shrinking. Streamers are now fighting for subscribers in specific niches. They want content that can activate a dedicated fanbase, whether it’s Korean horror, Scandinavian noir, or Young Adult (YA) fantasy.
- Look at sub-genres: It’s not just “sci-fi” anymore; it’s “dystopian sci-fi with romantic elements.” The more specific the audience you can capture, the better.
- Go global: Non-English language content is exploding. Shows like Lupin and Money Heist proved that a great story works in any language. Think about how your story could resonate with an international audience from day one.
Your job is to find the intersection between what you’re passionate about creating and what the market is actively buying. Don’t guess. Use data to find that sweet spot.
Step 2: Focus on Intellectual Property (IP) That Sells
In a world of infinite choice, streamers are looking for one thing: a guaranteed audience. The easiest way to give them that is with strong Intellectual Property (IP).
The Power of a Pre-existing Fanbase
Content based on books, comics, video games, and even podcasts comes with a built-in marketing machine. Think The Witcher or The Last of Us. These projects are less risky for buyers because the audience is already there.
If you’re a production company, one of your most valuable activities can be acquiring the rights to compelling IP before it gets hot.
Creating “Original IP” That Feels Familiar
What if you have a completely original idea? Frame it in a way that feels familiar. Pitch it as “Breaking Bad meets Succession” or “a modern-day Jane Austen.” Giving executives a familiar reference point helps them understand the tone and audience immediately.
Your original idea needs to be high-concept—simple to understand, but with a unique hook that makes it stand out.
Step 3: Structure Your Content for the Binge Model
Writing for streaming is different from writing for network television. You aren’t just creating a pilot; you’re creating a 10-hour movie. Every single episode of your scripted content for streaming must convince the viewer to click “Next Episode.”
Limited Series vs. Multi-Season Arcs
Limited series are incredibly popular right now. They attract A-list talent who don’t want to commit to a seven-year contract, and they offer a complete, satisfying story. For buyers, it’s a lower-risk investment than a multi-season show.
If you are pitching a multi-season show, you need to prove that your story engine can run for at least three seasons. What new conflicts will arise? How will the characters evolve?
- The Binge-worthy Engine: End every episode on a cliffhanger or a compelling question.
- Pacing is Everything: Your first 10 minutes must hook the viewer, and your season finale must make them crave the next season.
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Step 4: Understand the Buyer’s Mandate
Stop sending your pitches into a black hole. Sending a gritty crime drama to a streamer focused on family-friendly content is a waste of everyone’s time. You need to do your homework and understand the specific content mandate of each potential buyer.
What Does Each Streamer *Really* Want?
Every platform has a brand identity and a target demographic. Their content needs change quarterly based on performance data, market expansion, and competitor moves.
- Netflix: Often looks for broad, global hits and has a huge appetite for international and YA content.
- Apple TV+: Focuses on premium, A-list, and prestige dramas. Quality over quantity.
- Amazon Prime Video: Invests in big-budget genre shows (like The Rings of Power) and content that drives Prime subscriptions.
These mandates are a moving target. What they wanted last year isn’t what they need now. This is where ongoing research becomes your secret weapon.
The Rise of Co-Productions
Don’t just think about the big US streamers. The global content ecosystem is powered by co-productions. Partnering with an international broadcaster or production company can help you get your show financed and give it the global appeal that major streamers are looking for.
Step 5: Build a Bulletproof Pitch Package
A great script is not enough. Decision-makers are busy. They don’t have time to read 100 pages to see if they like your idea. You need to give them a complete package that makes it easy to say “yes.”
More Than a Script
Your pitch package should be a visual and narrative experience. It needs to sell the *show*, not just the story.
| Pitch Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pitch Deck / Lookbook | A visual guide to the tone, style, and world of your show. Includes concept art and actor ideas. |
| Show Bible | A detailed document outlining the characters, season-long arcs, and plans for future seasons. |
| Pilot Script | A perfectly polished script that proves you can execute the vision. |
| Data Sheet | A one-page summary of why this show will work, citing comparable titles, audience data, and potential IP value. |
This package shows you’re a professional who has thought through every detail. It removes risk and builds confidence.
How Vitrina Accelerates Your Success
Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to do all this research alone.
This is exactly why we built Vitrina. Our platform is designed for production companies that need to navigate the complexities of the global content market.
With Vitrina’s Project Tracker, you can see what’s in development, what’s been greenlit, and who is buying what in real-time.
We help you take the guesswork out of finding the right buyer by providing deep insights into the content needs and acquisition strategies of hundreds of global streamers and broadcasters. It’s the data-driven edge you need to get your scripted content made.
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Conclusion
The gold rush for scripted content for streaming isn’t over, but the rules have changed. Success is no longer just about a brilliant idea; it’s about a brilliant strategy.
By following these five steps—decoding the data, focusing on IP, structuring for the binge, knowing your buyer, and building a bulletproof pitch—you can dramatically increase your chances of success. You’ll move from being a hopeful creator to a professional producer that streamers want to work with.
Stop hoping and start strategizing.
What’s the first strategy you’re going to try? Let me know in the comments.
Ready to get serious about selling your show? Stop the guesswork and get the data you need. Get your Vitrina Membership today and start connecting your content with the right buyers, faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Budgets vary wildly. A character-driven drama could be $2-3 million per episode, while a major sci-fi or fantasy show can easily exceed $10-15 million per episode. The key is to match your concept to a realistic budget.
Scripted content is based on a written screenplay with actors performing predetermined dialogue and actions (e.g., dramas, comedies). Non-scripted content (or reality TV) follows real people or events, often without a formal script, though it is heavily structured in production.
It’s a mix of networking, research, and targeted pitching. Use platforms like Vitrina to identify which streamers are actively buying your genre, find contact information for their development executives, and understand their mandate before you ever reach out.
Yes, but the bar is incredibly high. Streamers are looking for massive, IP-driven worlds that can spawn franchises (e.g., spinoffs, merchandise). If you’re pitching in this space, you need a truly epic vision and, ideally, proven IP.
