The Process of Getting Your Show on Netflix or Hulu: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting a show on Netflix or Hulu is a multi-faceted process that involves careful planning, creative execution, and strategic marketing. This guide will walk you through the key steps and considerations involved in bringing your show to these popular streaming platforms.

Understanding the Platforms

Before diving into the production process, it is crucial to understand what Netflix and Hulu look for in a show. Both platforms have distinct audiences and content preferences. For a show to be successful, it should align with the platform's target demographic and meet their specific content criteria. Understanding these preferences can help in crafting a compelling concept that has a high chance of being greenlit for production.

The 5-Step Process for Getting Your Show on Netflix

Step 1: Conceiving the Show

The journey of making a show often begins with an idea. Booker Harrisson, creator of the show 'Residue,' started the process with an idea in his mind. The first step is to develop a compelling narrative that resonates with the platform's audience. This involves creating a script or a detailed concept that captures the essence of the story you want to tell.

Step 2: Securing Funding

Once you have a solid concept, the next step is to secure the necessary funding. This could come from various sources, including your own savings, investors, or even the platform itself if you pitch your show successfully. As Netflix and Hulu become more open to investing in independent projects, securing funding has become easier for creators. However, it is important to present a well-researched and financially viable plan.

Step 3: Producing the Show

With a solid concept and funding in place, the production phase can begin. This involves various stages, including script development, casting, filming, and post-production. Each step requires meticulous planning and attention to detail to ensure the final product meets the high standards these platforms set. For example, 'Residue' went through several revisions before it was refined enough to attract a greenlight.

Step 4: Getting the Show to Netflix

The culmination of the production phase is presenting the show to Netflix. This involves putting together a compelling pitch that explains why your show is unique and why audiences will love it. This typically involves submitting a pilot or a full series pitch, which requires a detailed presentation of the story, characters, and overall vision. Successful pitches often require strong storytelling, a clear value proposition, and a solid understanding of the target audience.

Step 5: Creating More Content

Once your show is accepted, the process of making more episodes or seasons begins. This can involve additional funding, new scripts, and more production work. Netflix, for instance, has a reputation for investing in complete seasons, which can take up to a year to produce before they become available on the platform. This process is about building a faithful following and providing consistent content to keep subscribers engaged.

The Case of Hulu

While not everyone may have Hulu, it is worth noting that both platforms operate with similar criteria. The previous user mentioned a preference for Netflix, highlighting the different strategies each platform employs. For example, Netflix has a history of acquiring full seasons from networks that are losing viewers, thereby providing exclusive content to their subscribers. This competitive approach helps justify the monthly subscription fee.

Key Considerations for Success

No matter which platform you are targeting, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

Creative Quality: Ensure that the content is of high quality and resonates with the target audience. Marketing: Effective marketing plays a crucial role in getting your show noticed. This includes social media campaigns, press releases, and targeted advertising. Ratings and Reviews: Positive ratings and reviews can significantly impact a show's visibility and success. Seasonality: Some platforms, like Netflix, may air new content in bulk, while others, like Hulu, may release content on a weekly basis.

By following these steps and considering the key factors, you can greatly increase your chances of getting your show on Netflix or Hulu and enjoying a successful run.