Pitching to Disney+ EMEA: How Local Creators Can Win Commissioned Slots

Hook: Stop guessing — pitch Disney+ EMEA like a pro

Creators and indie producers: your biggest problem isn’t talent or ideas — it’s packaging them to land a commissioned slot on a platform that prioritizes strategic local growth. Disney+ EMEA’s recent leadership moves in late 2025 and early 2026 give you a rare window to rework your pitch, target the new commissioning leads, and position local formats to win. This guide gives you the playbook: who to target, what to send, and how to prove your format scales across markets.

Quick summary — the three things to do today

1. Target the new commissioning layer: Aim your first outreach at the promoted VPs and their development teams (Lee Mason for scripted formats; Sean Doyle for unscripted/talent-led formats), while keeping Angela Jain’s strategic remit in mind.
2. Sell a local format that scales: One strong, culturally specific idea + a clear adaptation path for 2–4 EMEA territories beats a generic “global” concept.
3. Bring proof, partners, and a slate: Short proof-of-concepts, co-pro attachments and a 3-title slate dramatically increase your odds of commissioning.

Why now? The 2026 commissioning landscape

Streaming platforms continue to double-down on local originals. In 2025–26, global services prioritized regional storytelling that can be adapted across country markets, and Disney+ EMEA is no exception. Internally, content chief Angela Jain has moved to structure her team for “long term success in EMEA,” and one of her first acts was to promote commissioning leaders who know the territory and the trade.

“She wants to set her team up ‘for long term success in EMEA.’” — reporting on Disney+ EMEA leadership moves (late 2025)

That means two things for creators: (1) the door is open to locally-rooted formats that show multi-market potential; (2) decision-makers are reorganizing — so outreach that hits the right inbox now gets noticed.

Know the people: who to target and why

Promotions in late 2025 elevated internal commissioning expertise — which is good news for creators who pitch smart.

• Angela Jain (Head of Content, EMEA) — strategic remit: slate priorities, co-pro frameworks, long-term commissioning strategy. Your pitch should articulate how your format fits Disney+’s multi-year strategy (franchise potential, IP-light first-window, merchandising potential if relevant).
• Lee Mason (VP, Scripted Originals) — scripts, format development, scripted commissioning. Target him with high-concept local dramas and comedy formats that can travel with minimal rewriting.
• Sean Doyle (VP, Unscripted) — reality, formats, talent-led unscripted shows. He’s the person for format-first unscripted concepts, dating/reality hybrids, and social-first formats that can feed short-form distribution.

Insider tip: aim your first outreach at the VP who best matches your concept — not the CEO or general inbox. A concise, tailored email to the right commissioning lead gets far more traction than a mass outreach campaign.

How Disney+ EMEA evaluates a local format (what they care about)

When a platform like Disney+ EMEA evaluates a commissioning pitch, they judge on four quick dimensions. Lead each with proof.

1. Local specificity + transferability: Is the idea rooted in a local culture or habit, and can it be adapted cleanly to other EMEA territories?
2. Audience and metrics proof: Do you have data from short-form, pilots, or linear broadcasts that prove audience interest?
3. Production value & cost discipline: Is the format producible within the budget band for Disney+ in your market? Are you offering efficient production models or co-pro partners?
4. Franchise & longevity potential: Can the format become a recurring title or be spun into local adaptations, specials, or IP extensions?

Crafting a commissioning pitch that passes the first read

A commissioning exec spends minutes, not hours, on a first read. Use this structure to make that short time count.

1. Subject line & email opener

Make it specific, short, and helpful. Example subject lines:

• “Local travel-comedy format — 6x30’ — UK/FR/ES adaptation plan (proof vid)”
• “Pitch: Talent-led dating format with short-form funnel — co-pro attached”

Email opener template (2–3 lines):

Hi [Name], I’m [Producer/Creator] — we developed [format name], a [one-liner: genre + twist] with audience proof from [platform/festival]. I’ve attached a 2-page deck, a 60-second sizzle, and a brief adaptation plan for two EMEA markets. Happy to discuss a commissioning model or co-pro structure. — [Name]

2. One-page logline + one-paragraph hook

Every pitch must open with a tight logline and a paragraph that answers: Who is the audience? Why now? Why this format?

Example logline:

“Housemates swap lives for a week in a candid social experiment that blends observational comedy with cultural discovery — perfect for 18–34s and national adaptations.”

3. The 2‑page deck (must-haves)

• Top-line concept: One-sentence hook and a 30-second elevator pitch.
• Why Disney+ EMEA: Explain how the format complements their slate (local feel + multi-territory upside).
• Episode structure & tone: 3 beats per episode, example scenes.
• Talent & production plan: Attach talent names or categories, director, and production company.
• Budget band & delivery timetable: Realistic ranges and a pilot-to-series schedule.
• Adaptation map (critical): Show exactly how it will land in 2–4 EMEA markets — casting notes, episode changes, and language strategy.
• Proof & metrics: Links to sizzle, pilot, or short-form clips with audience performance metrics.

4. Attachments that matter

• 60–90 second sizzle (mobile-friendly format).
• Two‑page budget snapshot with three tiers (low / target / premium).
• Clear rights table (what you’re offering vs retained rights).

Localization & co-productions: the currency of EMEA commissioning

Disney+ EMEA prioritizes formats that can be localized efficiently or co-produced to reduce risk. Your job is to show the adaptation path and the partners who will deliver it.

Co-pro playbook

1. Attach a local partner early: A broadcaster or production company in a second market reduces the platform’s financial exposure.
2. Use tax incentives: Map out how local production incentives (UK, Ireland, Spain, Romania, etc.) lower effective costs.
3. Shared IP & rights: Offer primary broadcast/streaming rights to Disney+ for agreed windows, while retaining format rights for other territories for a set period.

Example: Attach a U.K. indie as lead producer for the pilot and a French Maison de Prod as adaptation partner. Present a co-pro budget that shows how incentives and local spend cover 30–50% of costs.

Slate-building: sell a package, not just a single show

Commissioners want pipelines. Propose a small slate — 2–4 complementary titles — to demonstrate ambition and reduce transaction friction. Slates work because they:

• Show you understand commission economics.
• Offer cross-promo opportunities and backfill for off-season calendars.
• Make a relationship more valuable: one commissioning conversation can turn into multiple slots.

Relationships: how to build them fast (and respectfully)

Execs moved roles in late 2025, and inboxes are full. Use high-signal touchpoints:

1. Industry markets & festivals: MIPCOM, Series Mania, and local co‑pro forums are still top places to meet commissioning editors. Bring a 60-second sizzle on your phone.
2. Referrals & producers in the network: A producer who’s worked with the commissioning team can open doors. Plan a warm intro rather than cold email.
3. Short, useful follow-ups: After you meet, send a one-page pitch packet and a 60-second sizzle within 48 hours. Keep follow-ups to three emails over six weeks maximum.
4. Respect gatekeepers: Development execs read hundreds of decks. Make their job easy — use clear filenames, short run-times for sizzles, and a clear next step (“Can we set a 20‑minute call?”).

Legal & rights: what to offer (and what to keep)

Commissioning contracts vary, but creators often lose leverage by giving away too much early. Keep these principles in mind:

• Offer exclusive first-window streaming rights in specified territories for a fixed period, not global perpetual exclusivity — especially for formats.
• Retain format rights for future adaptations beyond the agreed territories unless the platform pays a premium for worldwide format exclusivity.
• Negotiate production and delivery terms clearly: Who delivers subtitling/dubbing? Who handles secondary exploitation? Make these explicit.

Proof-of-concept strategies that convert

Commissioners increasingly ask for evidence before greenlighting. Here are ways to provide it without a full pilot budget:

• Sizzle reel (60–90s): Low-cost, high-impact. Use real people, clear stakes, and a taste of tone — see how creators turn short videos into income.
• Mini‑episodes/pilot short: 8–12 minute pilots show structure with a fraction of cost.
• Short-form funnel metrics: Show traction on TikTok/Instagram/YouTube Shorts as audience proof — retention rates, engagement per post, and audience geo-data.
• Festival recognition: A festival award or selection increases credibility in a commissioning conversation — don’t underestimate local press and market buzz.

Sample pitch timeline & checklist (6–12 weeks)

1. Week 1: Finalize one‑page logline, 2‑page deck, sizzle, and budget snapshot.
2. Week 2: Identify target exec(s) and warm intro sources; send tailored email with attachments.
3. Week 3: Follow up with 48–72 hour reminder; offer a 20‑minute call.
4. Week 4–6: If you secure a call, bring a 10‑minute walkthrough and a 60‑second sizzle; agree next steps.
5. Week 7–12: Negotiate terms, refine budget, attach co‑pro partners, and prepare legal term sheet.

Advanced strategies: stand out in 2026

• Use AI for localized proof: Create quick localized subtitles, dubbing mockups, or cultural notes to show how the concept will land in a target country. (Use AI responsibly — disclose synthetic assets.)
• Short-form-first funnel: Build a 6‑post social funnel to prove audience demand before you ask for a pilot budget — micro creators can monetize micro-events and short clips to show commercial potential.
• Green production credentials: Platforms increasingly ask for sustainability plans. Include carbon-conscious production notes and local sustainable partners.
• Data-led audience targeting: Present demographic targeting and acquisition cost estimates if your show requires paid marketing to break initial viewership.

Real-world example: how a local format could sell

Imagine “Market Table” — a 6x30’ unscripted format where local chefs swap kitchens and create dishes inspired by a guest’s hometown. Here’s how you’d make it Disney+ EMEA-friendly:

• Local specificity: Each episode centers on a local dish — gives cultural flavor and local marketing hooks.
• Adaptation map: UK version with British regional cuisine; French version highlighting boulangerie culture; Spanish version focused on tapas towns.
• Co-pro plan: Attach a French prod co for the French adaptation and a UK indie for the English one; split costs via tax credits.
• Short-form funnel: Create 6 short vertical clips per episode for social distribution to prove engagement and clipability — then use those metrics when you pitch.

What not to do — common pitching mistakes

• Don’t send an unedited 40-slide deck. Keep it to 2–6 slides for first contact.
• Don’t ask for open-ended “development” money without offering proof or partners — that’s a tougher sell.
• Don’t promise global exclusivity if you can’t back it with financing — be realistic.
• Don’t ignore adaptation notes — if the pitch is “local but can travel,” show exactly how.

Closing thoughts: play the long game

Disney+ EMEA’s internal promotions in 2025–26 indicate a commitment to long-term regional growth. That’s your opportunity. The platform values creators who think beyond a single episode — those who bring formats that are adaptable, cost-conscious, and franchise-ready. Walk into a commissioning conversation with a polished one-pager, a sizzle, and a co‑pro partner, and you’ll be in a much stronger position to win an actual slot.

Actionable checklist — what to send this week

• One-sentence logline + one-paragraph hook.
• Two‑page deck (concept, tone, adaptation map).
• 60–90s sizzle (mobile-ready).
• Budget snapshot with three bands and a simple rights table.
• List of co-pro partners/talent attachments or a plan to secure them.

Final call-to-action

Ready to pitch? Start by drafting your one‑page logline and sizzle this week. If you want a free pitch review tailored for Disney+ EMEA (deck + subject line + 60s sizzle notes), drop your one-paragraph hook and a 60-second sizzle link — we’ll review and send back prioritized edits you can use to approach commissioning execs this month.

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