Netflix and Warner Music Group (WMG) signed an exclusive, multi-year first-look partnership in March 2026. The deal covers a slate of music-led documentaries and docuseries. Netflix gets first-look rights to long-form projects built around WMG’s global roster of artists.

Projects are developed for Netflix’s global SVOD platform. Production is handled by Unigram, WMG’s production arm, working directly with artists and estates.

The deal was led by Adam Del Deo, Vice President of Documentary Films and Series at Netflix, and Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group.

Production is led by Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron at Unigram.

WMG brings a large catalog. This includes legacy artists such as David Bowie, Madonna, and Fleetwood Mac, along with current artists like Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa.

Netflix secures projects with existing global audiences. This reduces development risk in its non-fiction slate.

WMG creates an additional revenue stream from its catalog. The model extends how its artists are packaged and distributed.

Projects are developed with direct participation from artists and estates. This allows access to private archives and unreleased footage. It also ensures full rights clearance at the development stage.

The structure positions WMG as an originating partner in content creation, not only a rights licensor.

Recent deals reflect similar activity. These include the 2024 Disney+ acquisition of The Beach Boys documentary and the 2023 multi-project agreement between Universal Music Group and Mercury Studios.

Music is packaged for screen at the rights stage, not licensed later.

Music catalogs are treated as screen IP. Labels take a primary role in originating and packaging projects.

WMG uses its internal production arm, Unigram, to develop and produce. This allows it to retain more value across the chain. It also reduces the role of independent producers working between labels and platforms.

Artists and estates are involved from the start. This ensures global rights are cleared early and reduces legal friction during production and distribution.

For Netflix, the deal creates a pipeline of pre-cleared projects with built-in audiences. These projects support both ad-tier delivery and subscriber retention.

The structure increases pressure on platforms to secure similar access to premium artist-driven IP.

Music catalogs are being structured as production-ready IP at the point of rights control.

Labels are moving upstream into development and production through internal teams and direct platform partnerships.

This shifts where value is captured across the supply chain. It also tightens control over rights, packaging, and distribution.

Platforms without direct label partnerships will have limited access to artist-led projects with full rights clearance.