How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to pitch a movie idea to Universal Pictures
Does not take outside ideas
Universal’s parent NBCUniversal will not review story, script, character or art ideas unless it asks for them in a particular program. It has bought the film rights to Jurassic Park and Fifty Shades, and DreamWorks Animation.
“Except as may be explicitly requested in connection with particular programs or promotions, NBCUniversal is not requesting, and is unwilling to review, ideas or materials relating to characters, storylines, treatments, scripts, artwork, visual or audio-visual content, or other artistic or creative works (whether relating to pre-existing NBCUniversal properties or not).”
What it has bought from outside
1990
Film rights to Jurassic Park, before publication from Michael Crichton $1.5 million
“Spielberg acquired the film rights before the novel's publication for $1.5 million through Universal Pictures, with Crichton receiving an additional $500,000 to adapt the story.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Film rights to the Fifty Shades trilogy, after a bidding war 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
2016
DreamWorks Animation from DreamWorks Animation shareholders $3.8 billion
“NBCUniversal acquired DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion in 2016.” en.wikipedia.org
