How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to pitch a movie idea to Netflix
Only through an agent
Netflix reads nothing it did not ask for. A pitch has to come through an agent, producer, lawyer or manager who already works with it. It has bought Millarworld, the Roald Dahl Story Company and the Animal Logic studio.
“Unfortunately, we cannot and do not accept or review any materials (whether manuscripts, treatments, scripts, drawings, ideas, pics of rainbow-colored unicorns, etc.) that we do not specifically request.”
“If you have an idea, game, script, screenplay, or production already in development that you’d like to pitch to Netflix, you must work through a licensed agent, producer, attorney, manager, or industry executive, as appropriate, who already has a relationship with Netflix.”
What you agree to by sending something
“Netflix does not accept unsolicited materials or ideas for Netflix content and is not responsible for the similarity of any of its content or programming in any media to materials or ideas transmitted to Netflix.”
What it has bought from outside
2017
Millarworld (creator-owned comics publisher) from Mark Millar
“In August 2017, Netflix acquired Millarworld, the creator-owned publishing company of comic book writer Mark Millar.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
The Roald Dahl Story Company (rights to Dahl's stories and characters) from the company that manages Roald Dahl's rights
“On September 21, Netflix announced it would acquire the Roald Dahl Story Company, which manages the rights to Roald Dahl 's stories and characters, for an undisclosed price and would operate it as an independent company.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Rights to two Knives Out sequels from the Knives Out franchise (first film distributed by Lionsgate) $469 million
“A sequel was greenlit by its original distributor Lionsgate in 2020, but in March 2021 Netflix bought the rights to two Knives Out sequels for $469 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2022
Animal Logic (animation studio) from its Australian owners
“On July 19, 2022, Netflix announced plans to acquire Australian animation studio Animal Logic.” en.wikipedia.org
