How-ToPitchingStreaming Strategy

How to Pitch a Format to Disney+ EMEA: Lessons from 'Rivals' and 'Blind Date' Promos

tthemovies

2026-02-01

9 min read

Actionable, field-tested tips to pitch localized formats to Disney+ EMEA — lessons from Rivals and Blind Date for creators and producers.

Struggling to get a format noticed by Disney+ EMEA? Start here.

Creators and producers face two relentless problems in 2026: an overflow of streaming platforms to pitch to, and commissioning teams that want formats already proven for local audiences. If your goal is format sales into Disney+ EMEA, the recent internal moves — including the promotion of Rivals commissioner Lee Mason and Blind Date overseer Sean Doyle — are a signal. Angela Jain, Disney+’s content chief, has made clear she wants the team set up “for long term success in EMEA,” which means smart, scalable, culturally-savvy formats are now in higher demand than ever.

Top takeaways — the executive summary

Disney+ EMEA is prioritizing localized, scalable formats that travel across territories with local flavors.
Scripted and unscripted lanes have different proof requirements: attach talent and episode proofs for unscripted; deliver pilot scripts and show bibles for scripted.
Localization is part of the pitch: show exactly how the format adapts to at least 3 EMEA markets.
Data and short proofs matter in 2026: use regional viewing trends, social proof, and a short-form visual sample.
Know the right buyer: package and address your pitch to the VP who handles Scripted or Unscripted (Lee Mason or Sean Doyle’s teams are key touchpoints).

Why Disney+ EMEA’s recent appointments matter to you

The promotion of commissioners tied to successful local franchises is not just internal housekeeping — it’s a directional cue. Disney+ EMEA is signaling an appetite for formats that can be produced regionally but scaled across multiple markets. Executives with track records on shows like Rivals (competitive formats) and Blind Date (dating/unscripted) now oversee commissioning paths for scripted and unscripted, respectively. That structural clarity shortens decision cycles — if your format fits their lane, you can tailor the pitch directly to the right team.

“Set up for long term success in EMEA.” — Angela Jain, paraphrased

Understanding the brief: what Disney+ EMEA is buying in 2026

Across late 2025 and early 2026, the biggest trends shaping commissioning decisions were:

Localized global formats: concepts that retain a core hook but flex culturally (language, casting, music, prize mechanics).
Short-run event series: concise seasons (6–8 episodes) that reduce risk and create urgency.
Multi-window monetization: shows that can live on ad tiers, AVOD partners, and be packaged for international sales.
Data-driven commissioning: platforms want audience proof — not just gut feeling.
Sustainability and compliance: social responsibility commitments and regulatory-savvy formats.

Rivals — competition formats win on identity and spectacle

Competition formats like Rivals succeed when they balance clear rules with local storytelling hooks. Key lessons:

Design a format spine: a set of immutable rules that maintain fairness and brand identity across territories.
Identify local variants: show how tasks, hosts, and prize structures change by market.
Operational clarity: present a production plan that includes local crew and health & safety standards.

Dating/relationship formats like Blind Date are sensitive. Disney+ EMEA will expect:

Robust participant care policies (consent, post-show support, legal vetting).
Clear editorial guardrails aligned with Disney+ brand values and regional norms.
Scalable casting models that deliver diverse, market-appropriate talent pools quickly.

Actionable pitching checklist: step-by-step

Below is a practical sequence you can use when preparing and delivering a pitch to Disney+ EMEA.

Map the buyer — Identify whether your format is Scripted or Unscripted and address the pitch to the corresponding commissioning lead. With Lee Mason (Scripted) and Sean Doyle (Unscripted) now at VP level, their teams are the gatekeepers.
Start with a one-page brief — Hook, format spine (3–5 sentences), audience, and one-line business case: why this will work in EMEA.
Deliver a localization plan — Show adaptations for at least 3 territories (e.g., UK, France, Spain), including host types, music direction, and cultural notes.
Include a visual proof — 3–5 minute sizzle that captures tone; in 2026, execs expect a quick visual signal (even vertical social cuts).
Present episode-level detail — A sample episode breakdown and clear runtime options (20, 30, 45, 60 mins).
Offer budget tiers — Provide low/medium/high production cost models and what each delivers on-screen.
Attach talent or talent types — Real names strengthen unscripted pitches; for scripted, attach a showrunner or lead writer if possible.
Demonstrate audience demand — Use regional viewing trends, social insights, and any prior market tests.
Clarify rights and format ownership — Be explicit about territories, linear/streaming windows, and merchandise clauses.
Close with a rollout plan — Production timeline, delivery milestones, marketing partnership ideas, and local production partners.

Format bible essentials: what to include (and what to skip)

A format bible is your credibility tool. Keep it concise but comprehensive. Include:

Core premise and format spine — what cannot change.
Episode templates — minute-by-minute or segment-by-segment for the sample episode.
Localization notes — how the format flexes to local laws, tastes, humor, and hosts.
Production and technical specs — cameras, runtime, set needs, crew roles.
Audience profile & positioning — who will watch and why they’ll choose your show over competitors.
Legal and compliance checklist — participant welfare, GDPR/privacy considerations, and format trademarks.

Localization strategy — treat adaptation as product design

Localization is more than translation. In 2026, executives expect you to bring a productized localization strategy:

Modular elements: Identify what’s fixed (format spine) and what’s modular (hosts, challenges, cultural references).
Local creative leads: Propose at least one regional creative partner per key market to speed commissioning approvals.
Music & clearance plan: Pre-clear or propose local music directors to avoid licensing delays.
Adaptive casting pools: Show how casting pipelines will deliver diverse participants across markets.

Budgeting & production: present realistic tiers

Commissioners dislike open-ended budgets. Give them options:

Tier A — Premium: High production values, name talent, international rollout support.
Tier B — Core: Mid-range costs with solid production partners and a lean, repeatable format.
Tier C — Proof: Low-cost pilot or digital-first proof-of-concept to test audience appetite in one market.

Each tier should include per-episode cost estimates, a risk matrix, and projected time-to-air. Include contingency line items for localization and legal reviews.

Legal, rights & IP: be crystal clear

Disney+ works globally and will scrutinize rights. Your pitch should detail:

Format ownership: Who owns the master format and under what license terms?
Territorial rights: Define in clear territory buckets (UK, EU, MENA, Africa, etc.).
Sublicensing & merchandising: State whether you’re offering first-look or exclusive licensing.
Participant releases & data: GDPR-compliant workflows and participant safeguarding policies.

How to reach Disney+ EMEA buyers (networking + outreach)

Cold emails rarely land. Use a combination of relationships and smart outreach:

Agency warm-ins: If you’re represented by an agent or distributor with a track record on EMEA deals, let them open the door.
Festivals & markets: Present sizzles and one-pagers at MIPCOM, Series Mania, CPH:DOX, or local content markets where Disney+ scouts attend.
Referrals: Use producer networks and line producers who have worked on Disney+ shows to secure introductions.
LinkedIn & social proof: Share short-form proof and audience stats publicly; commissioning teams monitor talent and format buzz.

Using data and short proofs to win faster in 2026

Data has become a currency. Gather and present:

Regional viewing trends from BARB (UK), Médiamétrie (France), or local measurement services.
Social engagement numbers from short-form clips (TikTok/Instagram Reels) that reflect format hooks.
Results of small-market pilots or focus groups with quantified sentiment metrics.

Even modest proof points dramatically increase your odds when combined with a crisp localization plan.

Pitch examples — short templates you can reuse

Elevator pitch (for email subject + 1-liner)

‘‘A 6x45’ competitive format that turns local rivalries into prime-time tentpoles — modular for the UK, Spain and Italy, with a low-cost proof option.’’

Logline (for decks)

‘‘Rivals-style obstacle competition where everyday professionals face off for community-backed prizes — built to reflect local workplace cultures and scalable across four EMEA markets.’’

Common pitching mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Too generic: Avoid a global-only pitch. Show specific local hooks.
No proof of scale: If you can’t show how it adapts to multiple markets, offer a clear test-and-scale plan.
Budget vagueness: Don’t provide single-line budgets. Offer three tiers with deliverables.
Ignoring brand fit: Disney+ has brand guidelines; match tone and audience expectations.

Future predictions: what buyers will want by late 2026

Based on current commissioning signals, expect these shifts:

Faster pilot-to-series cadence: Platforms will greenlight quick-turn proofs and digital-first pilots to test global adaptability.
AI-assisted format tools: Execs will expect AI-driven casting analytics and audience simulation to be included in pitches.
Higher expectations for IP monetization: Formats that can extend into games, live events, and merchandise will be favored.
ESG compliance: Sustainability plans and community impact will be required in most pitch packages.

One-page brief addressing why the core hook travels across EMEA.
3-minute sizzle + vertical cuts for social proof.
Format bible with sample episode and localization notes for at least three markets.
Three budget tiers and a pilot/proof option.
Participant care plan (for unscripted) or a showrunner attachment (for scripted).
Data appendices: regional viewing stats, social metrics, focus-group findings.
Clear rights table and proposed commercial terms.

Final actionable steps — your next 30 days plan

Draft a one-page brief and a 90-second sizzle — aim for a minimum viable pitch pack.
Identify two regional creative partners and one legal advisor to lock rights and compliance.
Build a one-market digital proof (Tier C) and gather social proof within 2–4 weeks.
Request introductions to Disney+ EMEA buyers via agents, distributors, or market events.
Prepare a tailored email for the VP of Scripted or Unscripted including your one-pager and a link to the sizzle.

Closing thoughts

Disney+ EMEA’s recent promotions around shows like Rivals and Blind Date make one thing clear: format sales are now about scalability, localization, and proof. If you can demonstrate how a concept keeps its core identity while flexing for local markets, package it with realistic budgets, and back it with data or a short proof, you’ll be speaking the language Disney+ buyers understand in 2026.

Call to action

Ready to convert your idea into a commission-ready package? Start with a free one-page brief checklist from our content lab — or submit your 90-second sizzle and get a tailored feedback scorecard for pitching to Disney+ EMEA. Click through to get the checklist and next-step templates.

themovies

Contributor

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.