Selling Your Documentary To Netflix and the Streamers 2024
Filmmaker Question: Hi there, I'm trying to figure out how to get my documentary movie on Netflix. Is there some kind of process to submit my film? Any guidance? Thanks!
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Answer from Peter Hamilton / Documentary & TV Business Consultant
Hi Janice. This is actually a very common question with indie filmmakers.
Netflix is staffed with a team of documentary buyers who are located in Los Angeles, and increasingly in major global centers like London and Paris.
They do not have a formal submission process, however there are several paths to reach a Netflix buyer:
Option 1: Pitch to Netflix directly
Netflix states on their website that they do not accept unsolicited submissions.
If you're an unknown producer, without an established connection at Netflix, this rule applies to you.
I do know of several instances where producers have written directly to Netflix buyers and received a response.
However, unless you have a strong personal connection to a Netflix buyer and a solid reputation, you will likely need to move on to the next options below.
Option 2: Find an agent
Agents are expert in improving pitches, arranging meetings with buyers and guiding the development process to greenlight.
They have earned their access and credibility.
The leading agencies are WME (William Morris Endeavor), CAA (Creative Artists Agency), ICM (International Creative Management) and UTA (United Talent Agency).
There are also smaller agencies and independents who enjoy access to Netflix buyers.
The top agencies provide their clients with regularly published notes on ‘What networks and platforms want’, and these can be really helpful reality checks for your pitch.
Find a sales agent for Netflix.
Option 3: Work with a distributor
Distributors meet regularly with Netflix buyers, pitching a portfolio that ranges from their catalog of completed programs to productions that are underway but require finishing funds, and others that are unfunded proposals.
Distributors are always on the lookout for exciting new projects. They can make great partners.
Free B2B e-newsletters like Realscreen and C21 are great sources of information about the activities of distributors.
And to understand how distributors operate, including information on their standard deal terms, search through back issues of my Documentary Business newsletter for presentations by Off The Fence, Windrose and others.
How To Find a Distributor For Your Film.
Option 4: Marry up with an A-list producer
Netflix loves celebrities. Their projects are studded with A-lister Hollywood actors and Oscar- or Sundance-winning documentary producers.
I have said in jest: “If it doesn’t star Leo DiCaprio, it better be executive produced by Leo DiCaprio!”
I often advise talented newbies to ‘marry up’ with a production company that has a solid track record with Netflix.
You’ll lose much of the control and equity because they bear the contracted responsibility to deliver. However, by successful partnering, your career will take a giant leap forward.
You can find a list of 100's+ A-listers in my NETFLIX Coursehere.
Option 5: Hire a top attorney
Specialist attorneys are involved over and over again with Netflix documentary projects. They often enjoy working with talented newcomers.
For recommendations, over the years I have called organizations like the Sundance, Tribeca and HotDocs documentary festivals; non-profits like the Independent Feature Project and Women in Film & Video; and even successful producers who are often eager to make a referral.
Option 6: Go Global!
Your film may appeal to a Netflix executive who specializes in buying for markets outside the U.S.
Netflix operates in close to 200 territories.
What’s more, the company is coming under increasing pressure from politicians and regulators to buy locally-produced and -appealing content.
You may find a fit with a regional Netflix buyer or one of the preferred production companies in the regions.
You can find a list of Netflix executives and preferred production companies in my Netflix Course.
In Short
There’s no silver bullet for making the killer pitch to Netflix, though hopefully these suggestions will help you lay out a credible path to submit your great project to Netflix!
Selling Your Documentary To Netflix and the Streamers 2024
About The Author
Peter Hamiltonis a media & business strategist and former CBS executive who has directed his New York-based international consulting firm for 30+ years.
His clients have included NBC, A+E Networks, National Geographic Channels, Global Canal+ and BBC; the Rockefeller Foundation; and governments, including Singapore’s IMDA. He has planned and helped launch dozens of channels, notably for Discovery International.
Peter is the founder, editor & publisher of Documentary Business, giving weekly insider analysis to 20,000+ executives and producers worldwide.
He is the executive producer ofSeason of the Ospreyfor PBS Nature and worldwide distribution.
His office, Peter Hamilton Consultants, Inc has produced a series of premium industry reports/guides, including the resource-packed course:Selling Your Documentary To Netflix and The Streamers 2024.
Hamilton was educated at The Wharton School, UPenn (MBA) and UMelbourne and regularly presents at major conferences, including MIPDoc and Sunny Side of the Doc.
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I've been deeply involved in the documentary and media industry for years, advising major networks like NBC, A+E Networks, National Geographic Channels, and more. I've worked internationally, helping to launch channels for Discovery and have had a hand in planning and launching numerous successful projects. My experience extends to consulting governments and organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation.
Regarding getting documentaries on Netflix, the avenues are varied due to Netflix's lack of a formal submission process. I've seen success through direct pitches to Netflix, although it's more challenging for unknown producers without established connections. Working with top-tier agencies like WME, CAA, ICM, or UTA can significantly improve your chances as they possess the expertise and credibility to facilitate meetings and refine pitches.
Distributors are another route, regularly engaging with Netflix buyers and pitching various portfolios. They're always on the lookout for compelling projects and can serve as excellent partners. I've seen valuable insights about distributors' operations and deal terms in resources like Realscreen and C21.
Additionally, partnering with A-list producers or attaching top attorneys experienced in Netflix documentary projects can provide an edge. Leveraging connections and expertise through global markets, especially as Netflix expands its content base across nearly 200 territories, could also be advantageous.
My background in media strategy, advising major companies, and publishing insights via Documentary Business for industry professionals adds weight to my understanding of these avenues and their viability in getting documentaries onto Netflix and other streaming platforms.
