How does Netflix find and produce new content?
To someone outside the business, or just breaking in, Netflix’s process for finding new shows and films may seem at best confusing and at worst completely random. But there is a method to the madness of production and quite often an agent is present through all steps of screenplay development.
So, let’s demystify the process of how to find a Netflix agent for you.
Do You Need an Agent for Netflix?
In short: absolutely, YES you should have an agent when working (or trying to work) with Netflix!
Having an agent (or film lawyer) will greatly increase your ability to work with Netflix. Not only can this person be your point of contact with Netflix, but having someone to work out contracts, payments, and all the rest of the business-oriented details will allow you to focus on your primary goal: writing a great script that will sell!
If you don’t have an agent yet, don’t be discouraged. According to the Netflix Help Center they are willing to work with any person who has a prior working relationship with Netflix. That can mean a producer, director, showrunner, or any other creator who has previously worked with the streamer.
So technically speaking, an agent is not necessary to get your script sold, however, it is highly recommended and will make your job a whole lot easier.
But here’s another thing. A commonly asked question is does Netflix have their own literary agents?
Understanding Licensed Literary Agents: Who They Are and Why They Matter
The role of a literary agent in the world of major streaming adaptation is distinct from that of a standard screenwriting agent, and understanding this difference is key to a successful pitch.
Where to Confirm Licensing: While Netflix doesn’t publish a directory, successful licensed agencies often specialize in high-volume book-to-screen adaptation deals. You can track this specialization by monitoring industry trades (like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter) for recent Netflix adaptation deals and noting which agents or agencies are routinely credited.
Adaptation Specialists: Licensed literary agents are acquisition specialists. Their primary focus is securing the Intellectual Property (IP)—books, short stories, comic books, or articles—that Netflix and other streamers want to adapt for the screen. They work as intermediaries between the streamer and the original authors and publishers to acquire the rights.
The Chain of Command: If your project is an adaptation, a licensed literary agent controls the first gate: securing the source material. If you are pitching an original script, you will likely work with a WGA-franchised talent agent or manager who then interfaces with Netflix’s creative executives, not the licensed literary acquisition team.
Demonstrating Experience: To successfully approach a licensed literary agent with a project, you must first demonstrate your Experience (the ‘E’ in E-E-A-T) as an adapter. This means showing a portfolio of your own creative work, or, ideally, evidence that you have a prior relationship with the original author or publisher that gives you a unique advantage in securing those rights.
How Much Will Netflix Pay for a Script?
The compensation for a script sold to Netflix can vary dramatically, ranging from a base payment near the Writer’s Guild (WGA) minimum up to several million dollars, depending heavily on the writer’s credentials and the strength of their representation.
Current figures are much higher than they were a few years ago. According to data tracked by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), the median guaranteed compensation for a Netflix screenplay deal is currently around $375,000. This demonstrates Netflix’s significant investment in acquiring quality original content.
This final compensation figure depends heavily on two factors: the sheer quality of the script and the writer’s proven track record. Experienced writers — those with two or more previous screen credits — can often command around $450,000 for a single screenplay, while newcomers typically start closer to $250,000.
If a writer has a proven track record of commercially successful films, they are more likely to get paid well up front for the script, or even just an idea or treatment. However, a relatively new writer may also do exceptionally well if they present and pitch a script that stands out as truly exceptional. Whatever your status in the industry, having an agent or lawyer representing you is going to increase both your likelihood of selling a script and the total compensation by the end of it all.
For a detailed breakdown of all the current factors influencing your final deal, check out our piece: How Much Does Netflix Pay for a Script?
What Agents Work with Netflix?
To find an agent that works with Netflix, you’ll have to hang up your writer’s hat for a moment and put on your detective cap. Finding an agent that works with Netflix will take a little digging because as of right now there is no such thing as a “Netflix Agent”.
To clarify, there are absolutely thousands of agents who work with Netflix, just none who are direct employees of the streaming company. So how does you, the amateur detective, find a “Netflix agent”?
Luckily there is a database dedicated specifically to documenting cast and crew information about film and television productions: The Internet Movie Database, better known as IMDb.
If you look at any Netflix-produced project it will give you a list of credits for every person who worked on a given film or TV episode. Along with other useful features, an IMDB Pro account will give you access to the contact info for a number of agents and producers within the industry who have worked on Netflix projects.
Are Cold-Calls Okay?
No.
Do not just send out emails or start cold-calling every person who’s ever worked on a Netflix project. Not only is this a waste of time, it’s incredibly rude and may ultimately be counter-productive. No one likes an unsolicited call from a stranger asking for a handout.
Most agents have an IMDb page where you can review their body of work, see who they represent, and view their contact info if you have a Pro account.
Your goal should be to try and build a genuine working relationship with anyone you reach out to. Choose projects you like or are at least familiar with before sending a message to anyone in the production team.
See what other work they have done; does it fit with the work you are trying to do? If it does, try to connect naturally through industry events or seek an intro through a common contact. Everyone knows someone in the industry. It’s just a matter of figuring out who and how.
From Research to Representation: A Strategic Contact Protocol
The biggest mistake a writer can make is treating an agent’s contact information as a lottery ticket. Since cold submissions are almost universally ineffective, your contact protocol must prioritize building credibility and securing a referral.
- The Power of the Referral: In the small, tightly-knit professional screenwriting world, direct pitches from unknown writers rarely succeed. Agents work on trust. They are far more likely to consider a submission that comes through a trusted channel—a recommendation from a producer, a director, an entertainment lawyer, or an industry contact. Your goal is to find this trusted connection through networking, workshops, or professional groups.
- The Professional Query Package: If a referral is impossible, the contact package must be impeccable. You must have more than just a completed script. Before reaching out, prepare and polish:
- The Logline: A one-sentence pitch that sells the concept.
- The Synopsis: A brief, compelling summary of the plot and characters.
- The Bio: A professional summary that clearly establishes your credentials and why you are qualified to write this story (Your E-E-A-T/Experience).
- Leveraging Industry Platforms:
- Competitions and Mentorships: Reputable screenwriting competitions and fellowships (such as those offered by ScreenCraft or The Black List) place winning scripts directly into the hands of industry professionals who often act as the missing link to an agent.
- Targeted Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn to engage with the professional industry. Follow journalists, executives, and reputable agents, and engage with their professional content to establish your entity and knowledge before making any formal contact. Avoid direct script pitches on these platforms; focus on building professional recognition.
FAQs: How to Find a Netflix Agent
Yes. Netflix does not accept unsolicited pitches. Projects must be submitted through licensed agents, managers, or established producers with existing relationships.
No. Netflix only reviews material that comes through trusted industry partners, not direct submissions or cold outreach.
Most writers attract representation by building momentum—placing in major competitions, landing fellowships, gaining referrals, or creating produced work that generates attention.
Not always. Strong, market-ready writing samples can be enough, especially if they show a clear voice and fit the types of stories Netflix produces.
Your sample should be polished, professionally formatted, and aligned with current film or TV standards. Agents want proof you’re ready for the professional marketplace.
Conclusion
No matter your situation, make sure your materials are ready. Put that writer’s hat back on. Is your script solid?
Do you have a query letter ready to submit? Is your pitch on point? Expecting to land a Netflix agent without preparation is like expecting to solve a mystery without any clues.
If you have a great script there is an agent out there who will be more than willing to help you. Great scripts make money and when you make money, agents make money. Fun fact: Agents love making you money.
Now that you know how to find a Netflix agent, go out there, get representation and get your script made. (And maybe even make some money along the way.)
Focus on your story, not your formatting.
Let Celtx’s Script Editor automatically apply all industry rules while you focus on the story.
What to Read Next:
How to Pitch a TV Series to Netflix
Once you understand how representation works, the next step is learning how projects are actually pitched. This guide breaks down what a Netflix TV pitch includes, how pitches are structured, and what decision-makers expect to see.
