How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to pitch a movie idea to Focus Features
Does not take outside ideas
Focus Features follows NBCUniversal’s policy of considering no creative material it did not request, and anything submitted on its site assigns all rights to Focus. It took the Fifty Shades film rights with Universal.
Read off Focus Features's own pages on
Where pitches like these are made: Teatro 5, Cinecittà studios · JRibaX, CC BY-SA 3.0
In its own words
“While we are always happy to hear from you, it is NBC Universal's policy not to accept or consider creative materials, ideas, or suggestions other than those we specifically request.”
What you agree to by sending something
“This is to avoid any misunderstandings if your ideas are similar to those we have developed independently.”
“Disclosure, submission, or offer of any submissions to the Site shall constitute an assignment to Focus Features of all worldwide rights, titles, and interests in all copyrights and other intellectual property rights in such submission.”
What it has bought from outside
2012
Film rights to the Fifty Shades trilogy (with Universal) from E. L. James
“Development of the film commenced in March 2012, when Universal and Focus Features secured the rights to the trilogy following a bidding war.” en.wikipedia.org
2026
Obsession from its producers $15 million
“Focus' most successful release both domestically and worldwide is Obsession (2026), which the company acquired for $15 million” en.wikipedia.org
