PitchingDisney+Strategy

Pitching to Streamers: How to Tailor Your Series for New EMEA Execs at Disney+

bbuffer

2026-02-07

11 min read

A practical checklist to tailor your Disney+ EMEA pitch and show bible for newly promoted execs — actionable, data-backed, and 2026-ready.

Hook: Your pitch got you the meeting — now stop using the same show bible for every Disney+ EMEA exec

Pitching to newly promoted Disney+ EMEA executives in 2026 means adapting to a shifting commissioning culture: shorter seasons, regional-first IP with global lift, and decision-makers who expect sharpened format notes, audience evidence, and a clear path to monetization. If your deck and show bible are generic, you’ll be filtered out before the coffee arrives. This guide gives a practical, tactical checklist to reframe your pitch advice, show bible, and format materials so they map to the priorities of Angela Jain’s team and the newly promoted VPs — especially Lee Mason (Scripted) and Sean Doyle (Unscripted).

Why this matters in 2026

Late 2025 and early 2026 accelerated two commissioning realities across European streamers: a preference for compact series with high global carry and stronger emphasis on localization and ad-tier economics. Disney+ EMEA leadership changes in recent years — and promotions announced as part of Angela Jain’s strategy to set the team up “for long term success in EMEA” — mean you’re no longer pitching a single gatekeeper: you’re pitching a portfolio team looking for series that fit regional pipelines, international expansion, and platform-level KPIs.

Source: internal industry reporting on Disney+ EMEA promotions and strategy shifts (late 2024–2026).

Top-line approach: align, simplify, and demonstrate future value

Before you rewrite anything, adopt this mindset: executives are buying alignment. They want to know why your series is the right fit for Disney+ EMEA’s slate, how it travels across markets, and how it supports retention or growth metrics. Everything that follows is built to make that case quickly.

Quick-read checklist (use this before the meeting)

Research the exec: Watch recent commissions by Lee Mason and Sean Doyle. Note tone, episode length, and cast profiles.
One-line fit: Distill your series into one sentence that names the audience, the single emotional hook, and the format (e.g., “A 6-episode, high-tension Nordic noir about a journalist who uncovers a cross-border pharmaceutical conspiracy — built for 18–49 DTC and ad-tier audiences”).
Platform signal: Include 2–3 comparable Disney+ EMEA titles and explain the difference between your show and the comps.
Localization plan: Flag which markets you’ll shoot in and language strategy (dubbing vs. subtitling vs. multi-language dialogue).
Metrics & KPIs: State the top three success metrics (e.g., retention rate of new subs after S1, 28-day completion, latent LTV uplift in Tier 1 markets).
Format note: Add a 1-page format note (scripted) or a 1-page production flow (unscripted).
Sizzle & duration: Keep the sizzle to 90–120 seconds; include 30s cut for execs with limited time.
Rights & windows: Be crystal clear on international rights, SVOD exclusivity windows, and ancillary merchandising possibilities.

How to adapt your show bible by audience in the room

Different execs read bibles differently. Use this section to match content to the person across three high-value profiles on Disney+ EMEA’s current bench.

1) The Scripted VP (e.g., Lee Mason) — depth, character, writer-led assurance

Lead with story engine: A short paragraph on the season-long narrative arc, then a 1-sentence logline that highlights stakes.
Character dossier: Two-page breakdown for the lead and three supporting characters. Include character beats across the season.
Episode map: Page-per-episode 1–6 with inciting incident, midpoint, act breaks, and cliffhanger. For EMEA, show tight 6–8 episode structures — data shows shorter seasons are preferred for investment and global travel.
Writers room plan: Who’s in the room, showrunner bio, and a 6–12 month production timeline. If you’ll use generative AI for research or writer aids, disclose and detail guardrails (this is now common in 2026).
Talent attachments: Highlight local/regional talent with demonstrable audience reach in target markets.

2) The Unscripted VP (e.g., Sean Doyle) — format clarity, scale, repeatability

Format note (must-have): The one-page format note is the single most important element for unscripted. Lay out premise, contestant arc, episode structure, runtime, and series pillars.
Scalability: Show variations: 6-hour event special, 8 x 60’, or 12 x 30’ short-form companion content for social push.
Production blueprint: Floor plans, studio vs. location needs, turnaround times, and a sample 12-week shoot calendar.
Format rights: If the idea is format-ready, include an international franchising plan and sample licensing terms.
Data hooks: Provide audience behaviors that support format longevity — e.g., strong co-viewing potential, live appointment viewing indexes, or social engagement signals.

3) The Content Chief (Angela Jain) — slate fit, long-term value, and portfolio risk

Strategic fit statement: One paragraph on how the series complements the existing slate and advances EMEA growth objectives.
Commercial upside: Detail cross-platform spin-offs, merchandising, and theatrical potential. Chief-level buyers want future revenue lines.
Investment level vs. ROI: Transparent budget ranges with expected audience depth and retention impacts by market tier.
Regulatory & diversity compliance: Show your plan for E&I commitments, UK/EU co-production incentives, and sustainable production practices.

Practical format notes templates (copy these into your bible)

Scripted — 1-page format template

Series Title + Tone: One short line.
Logline: One sentence.
Series Engine: Two short paragraphs about the central mystery/conflict that drives episodes.
Episode Length & Season Format: e.g., 6 x 50’ / Serialized with procedural beats.
Key Characters: 3–5 bullets with stakes.
Why Disney+ EMEA: 3 bullets referencing platform audience, regional strengths, and global potential.
Production & Budget Range: Low/Medium/High bands and primary cost drivers.

Unscripted — 1-page format template

Format Title + Hook: One line.
Premise: One short paragraph.
Episode Structure: Template for acts, host role, and end-of-episode cliff.
Series Variants: International formats, event specials, and social spin-offs.
Production Cadence: Turnaround, episode pack, and post-production needs.
Audience & Monetization: Target demo, sponsorship placement strategy, and ancillary rights.

Data and tools to include — integrations & developer resources that matter in 2026

By 2026, commissioning teams expect a practical data layer and a tech-aware production plan. Don’t assume they’ll separate creative from product signals — bring both.

Audience analytics: Use Amplitude/Segment/Conviva insights or third-party viewership case studies to show expected retention impact and trial-to-sub conversion.
AB testing plan: A one-paragraph plan for testing key creative assets on social platforms and within ad-tier previews.
Streaming tech & specs: Note expected codecs, HDR plans, and any multi-audio tracks. Highlight integrations with studios’ cloud infra (AWS Media Services, Mux, Bitmovin) if your post pipeline requires it — and consider edge caching or appliances like the ByteCache review when working with constrained regional bandwidth.
Sizzle creation tools: If you used AI-assisted editing or voice cloning (2026 common), document the tools and ethical review steps. For creators building practice projects, see portfolio projects to learn AI video creation.
Localization stack: Translate/subtitle workflow (use of human review + neural machine translation), local dubbing partners, and sample language budgets.

Commissioning tips: language, length, and local-first execution

Disney+ EMEA increasingly looks for projects that are regionally authentic but globally transportable. Here’s how to express that in your materials.

Default to regional language: If your primary market is France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, present scripts and key scenes in that language with English translations. Localization is now a sign of respect and authenticity.
Shorter seasons win: Propose a 6–8 episode first season unless genre or format clearly benefits from more — explain why.
Layered universes: Include options for inter-season arcs and spinoff lanes. Leadership values IP that can be leveraged across services and windows.
Ad-tier considerations: Present an alternative draft for ad-supported distribution (e.g., strategic mid-rolls or branded integrations) if your series would fit the tier.

Sample pitch flow — what to say in the first 7 minutes

One-sentence hook (10–15 seconds): Identify audience + single promise.
Why now (45 seconds): Market or cultural trigger that makes the show urgent in 2026.
Series engine & format (90 seconds): How episodes work and why the format scales.
Audience data & comps (60 seconds): Two comps and one audience stat to prove viability.
Creative team + timeline (60 seconds): Showrunner and production plan.
Ask (30 seconds): Clear commissioning request (development deal, series commitment, co-pro option) and next step.

Show bible essentials — one-page checklist to include at the front

Logline
Series engine
Episode map (short)
Key characters
Target markets & localization
Budget band & production timeline
Commercial strategy & KPIs
Format note (1 page)

Red flags that'll lose you the room

Overly vague episode maps — executives want the season logic, not just loglines.
No localization plan for EMEA — assume multiple language strategies will be required.
Mixing development asks and commissioning pricing without clarity — be explicit about what you need now vs. later.
No KPIs — if you can’t state how success will be measured, you undermine confidence.

Case study snapshot — how a localized approach won in 2025

In late 2025 several European streamers greenlit regionally rooted thrillers with small seasons and robust localization plans. One scripted project pitched as a 6 x 50’ with bilingual dialogue and a UK/Italy co-proposal achieved early commissioning because the showrunner attached local talent with cross-border reach, provided an alternate ad-tier edit, and offered a tight writers room schedule that reduced delivery risk. That combination of creative specificity and commercial clarity is what Disney+ EMEA leadership is now rewarding.

Negotiation levers — what Disney+ EMEA will ask and how to reply

Exclusivity windows: Be ready to offer platform exclusivity for an initial window (e.g., 12–18 months) in exchange for a higher license fee or production support.
Rights carve-outs: Hold ancillary rights where it matters (books, games), but be flexible on format licensing if Disney+ is investing heavily.
Talent commitments: If an A-list lead is non-negotiable, offer contingency plans (alternate attachments) to reduce risk.
Reporting & analytics: Expect to provide richer post-launch metrics. Commit to sharing viewership and engagement data for 12–24 months.

Technical appendix — what to attach to the pitch deck

One-page localization budget by language
Sample episode script (scene 1–10 pages)
Director/showrunner CVs with recent credits
Sizzle reel (90–120s) + 30s cut
Data sources and methodology appendix (if you cite retention or market stats)
Production insurance and co-pro paperwork if applicable

Advanced strategies for creators in 2026

We're in a phase where platform engineering and creative strategy meet. Use these advanced tactics to stand out.

Prototype episodes: Deliver a short proof-of-concept episode or a hybrid proof (5–10 minute narrative + format test) to demonstrate tone and mechanics. If you need hands-on templates for live formats, check a platform-agnostic live show template.
API-driven proof: If your show uses data (sports, real-time voting, or companion apps), include an integration plan for platform APIs or third-party low-latency services and contact APIs.
Companion content pipeline: Build a 6–12 piece short-form plan to feed social platforms and the Disney+ hub — outline creators or partners who will produce it.
Green credentials: Present a plan to reduce carbon intensity on-location (now a commissioning consideration) and note any sustainability certifications — also consider caching and delivery tactics from a carbon-aware caching playbook.

Final checklist before you send the PDF

One-line fit + one-paragraph strategic fit for Ethereum — sorry, EMEA (typo check!).
Two versions of the sizzle (90s and 30s) attached.
One-page format note inserted at the front.
Budget bands and timeline included.
Localization and rights clearances summarized.
Data appendix for all audience claims.

Actionable takeaways

Do: Target your bible to the executive’s remit — scripted or unscripted — and lead with the part they care about most.
Do: Include measurable KPIs and a 90–120s sizzle with a 30s highlight cut.
Don’t: Overload the pitch with every creative idea; execs want a clear engine and clear asks.
Do: Prepare a production and localization plan that reflects 2026 realities: shorter seasons, multilingual markets, and ad-tier optimizations.

Closing — why adapting matters now

Disney+ EMEA’s leadership refresh and the broader industry trends through 2025–2026 mean commissioning decisions increasingly value clarity, localization, and measurable business impact. Tailoring your show bible and format notes for the person across the table — then backing creative promises with data and production detail — is the difference between a warm pass and a development deal.

Next step (call-to-action)

Ready to tailor your bible for Disney+ EMEA? Use our editable 1-page format note and sizzle checklist template to rework your materials in under 48 hours. Click to download the templates and get a free 15-minute pitch-review from a former commissioning exec.

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Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.