Selling your Script to Netflix: The Facts
Let’s face it, choosing what to watch these days can feel overwhelming.
With streaming services dominating the entertainment landscape, we have access to everything from original dramas to documentaries and beloved classics. The sheer variety can make it tough to decide what to watch in our limited spare time.
Although many streaming services fight for our attention, from Disney+ to Amazon Prime, Netflix has become a household name. At the end of 2024, Netflix had over 300 million subscribers worldwide, making it one of the largest platforms for content distribution – and one of the most sought after streaming services for writers wanting become part of its extensive content library.
Netflix is constantly working to expand this content library. This creates opportunities for screenwriters to sell scripts to Netflix.
However, it’s crucial we understand the financial aspects of selling a script to Netflix to navigate the ever-changing industry effectively. Today, we’ll explore Netflix’s script compensation, deal structures, and how it compares to other streaming services. Plus, we’ll share top tips for how to successfully sell a script to Netflix in 2025.
Table of Contents:
- How Much Does Netflix Pay for a Script?
- What Factors Influence a Netflix Script Deal?
- Does Netflix Pay More Than Others?
- Tips For Selling a Script to Netflix
- Conclusion
How Much Does Netflix Pay for a Script?
Before pitching your script to Netflix, first consider whether your project is the right fit. Netflix doesn’t buy every script. Understanding what they look for—and how much they pay—can improve your chances of success.
Current Figures and Factors
As of 2025, Netflix’s investment in original content has reached unprecedented levels. Netflix’s budget for a single movie typically falls between $100 million and $250 million, sometimes exceeding this.
For screenwriters, this means potentially high earnings when selling a script to Netflix.
According to data from the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), the median guaranteed compensation for a Netflix screenplay deal is around $375,000.
However, this figure is based on a series of factors:
Writer’s Experience
Experienced writers earn more. Those with two or more screen credits can make around $450,000, while newcomers may start closer to $250,000.
For more on screen compensation, check out the Writers Guild of America’s comprehensive breakdown right here.
Are you looking to sell your script to Netflix? If so, you’ll want to ensure that your writing is as professional and polished as possible.
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Project Scope and Budget
Naturally, the higher the budget for a project, the higher compensation for writers. This reflects the scale and overall expectations associated with the production.
For example, feature films with budgets of over $30 million will often offer writers bonuses of over $40,500. These figures have been increased due to the recent writers’ strike, meaning residuals and other working conditions have been improved.
Negotiation and Representation
Writers represented by experienced agents or managers may secure better deals, leveraging industry connections and negotiation skills. The presence of skilled representation can significantly impact the financial terms of a deal.
What Factors Influence a Netflix Script Deal?
It’s not all just about the numbers! Beyond pay rates, screenwriters must also understand how Netflix structures its deals.
Netflix primarly works with two types of script deals: spec script sales and pitch sales. Let’s break each of these down:
Spec Script Sales
In this model, a writer finishes a screenplay independently, then pitches it to buyers. If Netflix is interested, they may purchase it outright. The compensation for spec scripts can vary widely based on the project’s appeal and the writer’s track record, as we’ve already explored.
Pitch Sales
Alternatively, a writer may pitch an idea to Netflix before writing the full script. If Netflix is interested, they may commission the script in stages, paying for each phase of development.
If you’re looking to sell a screenplay to Netflix through either of these channels, it’s imperative that you have a working relationship with a manager or agent who can solicit your work to the streaming giant.
Netflix is out to source the very best in film and television, so will only source work from sources they know they can trust fully. This will be through an agent, legal expert, or even a producer who has a connection to them.
Don’t have any connections yet? Never fear! Stay tuned for our top tips on how to get your foot in the door.
Writers Guild of America Guidelines
Because Netflix is a WGA signatory, it follows the WGA Schedule of Minimums.
As of 2025, as set out in the latest edition of the Schedule of Minimums (published in 2023), the minimum for a single draft of an original screenplay is $42,138.
However, actual payments can often exceed this amount, especially for highly experienced writers or high-profile and anticipated projects.
The WGA’s 2023 Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) introduced conditions for a guaranteed second step, requiring a rewrite of any first draft screenplays where the compensation is 200% of the minimum or less (original and non-original scripts). We all know how much work goes into revisions and script rewrites, so this is great news for writers as it gives us an opportunity to refine our scripts with additional compensation.
For a more detailed look at the WGA’s Guaranteed Second Step, click here.
Does Netflix Pay More Than Others?
Compared to other streaming services, Netflix offers some of the highest upfront payments for screenplays.
According to WGA data, Netflix’s median screenplay deal is $375,000, while Amazon offers a median of $300,000. Netflix tends to provide higher upfront payments compared to some of its competitors.
It’s not just with initial scripts that Netflix appears to offer higher compensation. With rewrites, Netflix pay a median of $150,000, whereas Amazon pay a median of $105,000. Streaming services seem to be investing more in writing as an ongoing creative process, placing more value into revisions and rewrites.
Residual Payments
While Netflix offers high upfront payments, residuals residual payments—ongoing payments for content reuse—can be lower.
Movies and TV shows are often exclusive to one platform and not always released through traditional media such as DVDs, so the opportunities for writers to earn residuals are becoming even more limited.
During the 2023 writers’ strike, Kristine Huntley—writer and producer on AppleTV+ series Surfside Girls—told Reuters:
“We used to get very healthy residuals. A writer might go a year without work or maybe two and you would be able to live off those residuals, comfortably, and you’d still get paid for the work that you have done… you would get maybe a five-figure residual now you might get a three-figure residual.”
Kristine Huntley
There are two types of residuals a writer can earn:
Fixed Residuals
Fixed residuals are paid to writers involved in original works and are calculated using a complex formula set out by the WGA to determine how much writers are paid per movie, and per episode.
The following elements are taken into consideration:
- Residual Base (length of the program)
- Subscriber Factor (size of the service when the program was written)
- Exhibition Year %
To create the formula:
Residual Base x Subscriber Factor x Exhibition Year
For the full breakdown of the formula and how residuals are calculated, check out the WGA’s page here.
Revenue-Based Residual
For licensed films and series, a percentage of the licensing fee goes to writers.
Case Study | Suits
Deadline magazine analyzed residual payments for Suits, which followed a revenue-based model.
Suits originated on USA Network and was later licensed to Peacock and Netflix. Residuals owed are 1.2% of the license fee for writers and 3.6% for principal performers.
Katie Campione, Deadline, 2023
For Deadline’s full analysis on the writer residual payments for Suits, check out their full article here.
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Tips for Selling a Script to Netflix
It’s time for those top tips we promised you earlier on in the blog on how to sell a movie to Netflix! Again, while Netflix only accepts scripts from trusted sources, everyone needs to start somewhere.
Firstly, successfully selling a script to the streaming giant requires planning and an understanding of Netflix’s preferences and processes. So, let’s start planning:
Understand Netflix’s Content Needs
Research the types of projects Netflix is currently investing in. As we know, the platform values original and diverse content that appeals to its worldwide audience.
While you don’t want to copy any of Netflix’s current content, you can tailor your script to align with the platform’s preferences to increase the attractiveness of your work.
Secure Professional Representation
Having an experienced agent or manager by your side and championing you as a writer can open doors and facilitate the delicate negotiations on the horizon.
It’s these professionals who have already established relationships within the industry and can advocate on your behalf.
This doesn’t mean that you can sit back and relax when it comes to building your own relationships within the industry. Don’t rely on your representation to forge your path – get out there and network.
Related Celtx Article: The 10 Best Screenwriting Agents and Agencies
Develop a Compelling Pitch
Agent or no agent, compiling a kick-ass pitch can help set your work apart from the rest. This is especially important if you’re pitching an idea rather than a completed script.
Ensure your pitch is concise, engaging, and clearly conveys your story’s uniqueness. You should also highlight what makes your concept stand out. With a compelling pitch prepared, you’re always ready to capture the attention of key decision-makers.
Need some help developing your next pitch? Our article on elevator pitches is just what you need!
Be Prepared for Negotiations
Familiarize yourself with industry standards and WGA guidelines so you can approach negotiations confidently. While your agent or manager will do the bulk of the negotiating, it’s always important to be able to advocate for yourself as a writer and confidently discuss compensation and deal terms.
Stay In the Know!
The entertainment industry is constantly evolving. Keep yourself informed of trends, such as the increasing use of mini writers’ rooms, or the impact of artificial intelligence on content creation. Keeping track of industry changes can give you valuable context for your next negotiation!
Conclusion
Selling a script to Netflix in 2025 can be an exciting and rewarding journey. While the competition is fierce, Netflix continues to offer competitive compensation and valuable opportunities for writers.
By understanding how deals are structured, staying informed about industry trends, and ensuring you have the right representation, you can improve your chances of landing a deal.
Keep honing your craft, develop strong pitches, and don’t be discouraged by rejection. Every step forward is a step closer to seeing your work on one of the world’s biggest streaming platforms. Happy writing and best of luck!
Ready to bring your script to life? Get started with Celtx.
Enjoyed This Article? Keep Reading:
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