Step 1: Prepare Your Intellectual Property (IP) for Sale

Before you even think about finding a buyer, you need to get your house in order. A messy IP portfolio is the fastest way to kill a deal. Buyers need 100% confidence that you own what you claim to own.

The most critical element here is your chain of title. This is the legal documentation that proves the history of ownership for your show or format. If there are any gaps or ambiguities, a buyer’s legal team will walk away instantly.

• Gather all agreements: This includes writer contracts, director agreements, talent releases, and music licenses.
• Confirm ownership: Ensure your company is the sole, undisputed owner of the underlying rights you intend to sell.
• Consult an entertainment lawyer: It’s always worth having a legal expert review your chain of title to flag any potential issues before you go to market.

Getting this right isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of your entire deal. A clean chain of title tells buyers you are professional, organized, and ready to do business.

Step 2: Create a World-Class Pitch Package

Once your legal ducks are in a row, you need to package your format in a way that makes it irresistible.

You can’t just send a script and hope for the best. International buyers need to understand the engine of your show—the core elements that make it work, independent of its original language or cultural setting.

This is where the “format bible” comes in. It’s the essential sales document that breaks down your show’s DNA.

What to Include in Your Format Bible:

• The Core Concept: A powerful, one-paragraph summary of the show’s premise.
• Logline and Synopsis: A compelling overview of the plot and themes.
• Character Breakdowns: Detailed descriptions of the main characters, their motivations, and their arcs.
• Episode Summaries: Brief summaries of each episode from the original season.
• Key Creative Elements: The unique tone, visual style, and storytelling devices that define your show.

You might also want to create a sizzle reel—a short, dynamic video trailer (2-3 minutes) that captures the energy and emotion of your show. It’s often the first thing a busy executive will watch.

Step 3: Identify and Vet Potential Buyers

So, you have a great show and a killer pitch package. Now, who do you send it to? Selling remake rights is not about blasting your materials to every producer on the planet. It’s about strategic targeting.

You need to find buyers in territories where your format has the highest probability of success. Think about:

• Cultural resonance: Does the story’s core conflict resonate with audiences in Spain? South Korea? The UK?
• Genre popularity: Is your genre (e.g., crime thriller, romantic comedy) currently in demand in that market?
• Buyer track record: Look for production companies or broadcasters who have successfully adapted international formats before.

This research phase used to take months of phone calls and festival networking. Today, it’s much simpler. The old way of doing business relied on who you knew. The new way is about having the right data.

This is precisely the problem we built Vitrina to solve. Instead of guessing, you can use our platform to instantly find active buyers, producers, and distributors looking for specific types of IP in over 100 countries. We help you connect with vetted partners who are actively seeking content just like yours.

Step 4: Master the Art of the Pitch

Once you have your shortlist of potential buyers, it’s time to reach out. Your initial contact should be professional and concise. Your goal is to secure a meeting, not to sell the entire format in one email.

When you get the meeting, be prepared. Don’t just read your format bible. Tell a story. Convey your passion for the project and explain why it will be a hit in their specific market.

Key Pitching Tips:

• Know their business: Reference their past successes. Explain how your format aligns with their brand.
• Focus on adaptability: Emphasize which elements are core to the format and which can be adapted for their local culture. This shows you’re a flexible and realistic partner.
• Have your numbers ready: Be prepared to discuss the original show’s performance, audience demographics, and any critical acclaim.

Your confidence and preparation will make all the difference. Buyers are investing in you as much as they are in the format.

Step 5: Negotiate the Remake Rights Agreement

Congratulations! A buyer is interested and wants to make a deal. This is where things get serious. Most remake deals start with an option agreement. This means the buyer pays you an “option fee” for the exclusive right to develop the remake for a specific period (e.g., 12-18 months).

If they decide to produce the show, they will “exercise the option” and pay you a pre-negotiated purchase price.

Always have an experienced entertainment lawyer handle the negotiations. They will protect your interests and ensure the final agreement is fair and comprehensive.

How Vitrina Streamlines This Entire Process

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to be.

The global content market is complex, but technology is making it easier to navigate. At Vitrina, we’ve built a powerful platform that centralizes the entire supply chain of content.

For IP owners like you, it means you can stop wasting time on dead-end leads and start connecting with the right partners. Our Project Tracker and global marketplace provide the data, insights, and connections you need to find buyers, track deals, and successfully sell remake rights across the world.