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Student Project: Pitch a Transmedia Series and Build a WME-Style Pitch Deck

ttheanswers

2026-02-06

9 min read

Turn a class project into a WME-ready transmedia pitch deck inspired by The Orangery deal. Step-by-step, from bible to slide deck.

Hook: Your Portfolio Needs More Than a Single Script — Build an IP-Ready Transmedia Pitch

Students and early-career creators struggle to turn class assignments into agency-ready work. You may have a short film, a comic, or a strong character, but studios and agencies in 2026 are looking for multi-platform IP that can become a slate. The recent signing of European transmedia studio The Orangery with WME proves the market: agencies now package transmedia IP for global deals, making a WME-style pitch deck an essential tool for industry prep and a standout student portfolio.

What this guide gives you

Inverted pyramid first: here is what to deliver by the end of this project. Build a compact, professional pitch deck for a transmedia project that includes a one-page concept, a narrative bible, platform strategies, a business model, sample creative materials, and a 10-15 slide WME-style deck file. This article gives a step-by-step assignment plan, slide-by-slide guidance, legal and rights checklists, and presentation tips for getting noticed by agencies or studios in 2026.

Why now: Industry context in 2026

Late 2025 and early 2026 cemented a shift: agencies are signing transmedia IP outfits and studios favor packaged, scalable properties. The Orangery signing with WME in January 2026 is a headline example of the value chain: creator-founded studios produce graphic novels and IP, agencies package rights and talent, and platforms buy slates. At the same time, AI-assisted development, AR/VR tie-ins, and global co-production deals are standard considerations for any serious pitch.

Key 2026 trends to address in your project

IP-first slates: Streamers and studios buy ideas that can expand into multiple formats.
Data-driven audience targeting: Use short-form metrics and fandom signals to justify platform choices — see modern discoverability playbooks like digital PR + social search.
AI tools for treatment drafting: Leverage AI to prototype loglines and synopses, but keep human-led voice. Consider tool rationalization strategies from tool sprawl playbooks when choosing vendors.
Immersive extensions: AR/VR and mobile-first experiences add value beyond linear media.
Rights clarity: Agencies look for clean, transferable rights or clearly defined co-ownership.

Project brief: Class assignment outline

This assignment is designed for a 4-6 week block in a media, film, or creative writing course. It simulates delivering a pitch to an agency like WME or a studio development exec.

Week 1: Concept ideation and research
Week 2: Narrative bible and platform mapping
Week 3: Creative assets and comps (art, sizzle, sample pages)
Week 4: Business model, rights, and legal prep
Week 5: Build slide deck, presenter notes, and rehearse
Week 6: Pitch day and peer feedback

Deliverables

One-page concept and logline
Narrative bible (5-10 pages)
Platform strategy doc (2 pages)
Business model and revenue map (1 page)
10-15 slide WME-style pitch deck file (PDF and PPTX)
Optional: one-minute sizzle or animatic — see on-device capture stacks for best practices when you film vertical sizzles.

Step 1: From idea to transmedia IP

Start with a strong central concept that can morph across formats. The Orangery built IP like Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika from graphic novel roots, then positioned those IPs for broader adaptation. Use this as inspiration: a visual-first IP is easier to translate into TV, games, and merchandise.

Exercise: The 3-tier test

Core story: Can the main story stand alone as a 6-10 episode arc?
Ancillary content: Are there side stories or character spin-offs that build fandom?
Platform hooks: Does the concept lend itself to at least three platforms (comic, streaming, interactive)?

Only proceed if you can answer yes to two of the three. If you can answer yes to all three, you have strong transmedia potential.

Step 2: Build the narrative bible

The bible is your project's backbone. Keep it concise and tactical.

What to include

Series overview: Logline, tone, and themes in 150 words.
Main characters: One paragraph per lead, with arcs and stakes.
World rules: Setting, timeline, and any speculative mechanics.
Season outline: 6-10 episode beats for season one.
Ancillary hooks: Ideas for comics, game modes, social-first content, immersive experiences.

Step 3: Platform and audience map

Agencies want to know who will watch and where. Map platforms to audience behaviors, not just format prestige.

Audience map template

Primary audience: demographic, psychographic, fandom overlaps
Platform 1: Linear/streaming — core show
Platform 2: Graphic novel/comic — origin material or extended lore
Platform 3: Social/short-form — character micro-stories and UGC hooks
Platform 4: Interactive/AR — optional immersive chapter

Use data points where possible: social follower counts for similar IPs, graphic novel sales, or short-form view benchmarks. In 2026, even student projects gain credibility when paired with basic analytics or market comps.

Step 4: Business model and rights strategy

WME-style packaging thrives on clarity. Your deck must show who owns what and how you plan to monetize.

Revenue and rights checklist

Primary revenue: licensing to a streamer or network
Secondary revenue: books, games, AR experiences, merchandise
Ancillary revenue: live events, brand collaborations
Rights clarity: who owns adaptation rights, merchandising rights, and international rights

For student projects, state the intended rights structure: e g, creator retains graphic novel and publishing rights, offers first look/option to studio for audiovisual rights with clear term and payment structure. This demonstrates industry awareness.

Step 5: Creative pack and comps

Assemble visual materials that make the idea tangible. Agencies react to imagery as much as prose.

Cover art or key art: single poster image
Sample pages or scene boards: 3-5 pages or panels
Character sheets and mood board
Optional one-minute sizzle or animatic

Step 6: Build the WME-style pitch deck

Think of this deck as a professional elevator pitch and leave room for a conversation. Keep the deck clean, visual, and business-forward. Aim for 10-15 slides. Below is a slide-by-slide template used by agencies and development executives in 2026.

Slide-by-slide deck template

Title slide: Project title, one-line logline, contact info
Hook: 2-3 sentences that sell the core premise and why now
One-page concept: Visual treatment, tone, and core themes
Series overview: Season 1 arc and episode count
Characters: 3-4 lead character snapshot cards
Platform strategy: How this IP lives across media and why
Market comps: 2-3 comparative IPs with metrics and reasons
Creative samples: Key art, pages, or sizzle thumbnail
Audience & traction: Any existing metrics, community, or prototype results
Business model & rights: Revenue streams and rights ownership summary — link to practical templates and examples such as create-a-transmedia-pitch-deck
Distribution strategy: Target partners and packaging approach
Team & collaborators: Key creatives and why they matter
Timeline & milestones: Development to production schedule
Budget snapshot: High-level budgets and funding ask
Ask & next steps: What you want from the agency or studio

Keep each slide visually simple. Use one strong image and 3-5 bullet points. Agencies skim — make it scannable.

Design and delivery best practices

Use 16 by 9 aspect for slides and PDF export for sharing
Embed presenter notes rather than overcrowded slides
Include a one-page leave-behind summary in PDF format
File naming: ProjectTitle_PitchDeck_Year.pdf — consider cross-platform compatibility guidance like Open-Source Office vs Microsoft 365 when choosing file formats
Accessibility: provide alt text and readable fonts — follow technical SEO and structured data tips such as schema & snippets best practices

Legal checklist for students

Even in class, show you understand legal basics.

Originality confirmation: all collaborators sign a creator memo
Option and assignment framework: sample term sheet language
Third-party materials: obtain releases for any licensed artwork
Trademark search: quick check for title availability

Pitch rehearsal and delivery

Rehearse like you mean business. Agencies judge poise.

Deliver a 90-second oral pitch and a 5-minute walkthrough of the deck
Prepare a two-page leave-behind that answers the most likely questions
Practice Q and A with peers: expect rights, budget, and audience questions
Record practice sessions and refine timing using analytics

Assessment rubric for instructors

Use a clear rubric to grade these projects on craft and industry readiness.

Concept viability and transmedia potential 30%
Clarity of the narrative bible 20%
Quality of creative materials 15%
Business model and rights strategy 15%
Deck professionalism and delivery 20%

Real-world example: lessons from The Orangery and WME

The Orangery demonstrates a playbook for creator-led studios. Their graphic novels provided a launchpad and a visual identity, which made agency packaging easier. Agencies like WME look for clean IP, international appeal, and a package that includes creative materials and talent attachments. For students, the lesson is simple: produce a compact, rights-aware package that shows both creative vision and a route to market.

The Orangery signing with WME is a reminder that strong, visual IP gets agency attention in 2026

Advanced strategies for ambitious students

If you want to go beyond the class assignment, consider these advanced moves that reflect 2026 industry practice.

Prototype fast with AI: Use AI to generate multiple logline variants and A B test which resonates with test audiences — consider explainability and tool choices from live explainability APIs when you iterate.
Short-form sizzle: Create 30-60 second vertical videos for social to show character and tone — use an on-device capture & live transport stack for low-latency production and easy uploads.
Fandom seeding: Build a small community on a platform like Discord and document engagement metrics for the deck.
Immersive pilots: Build a simple AR filter or interactive comic chapter to showcase platform-specific potential — see immersive shorts and tools like Nebula XR for inspiration.
International packaging: Prepare a basic localization plan and highlight co-production prospects for markets like Italy, Korea, or Brazil.

Common mistakes to avoid

Overloading slides with text; keep visuals first
Ignoring rights and legal language
Relying solely on AI-generated creative without human refinement
Submitting raw files without a clear presentable PDF deck

Actionable takeaways

Turn one class project into a transmedia IP by answering the 3-tier test
Produce a concise narrative bible and a WME-style 10-15 slide deck
Include platform strategy, rights clarity, and a business model in the deck
Use visual samples and a one-minute sizzle to make the idea tangible
Rehearse a 90-second pitch and prepare a two-page leave-behind

Student example workflow: 4-week sprint

Week 1: Finalize logline and bible draft
Week 2: Create key art and 3 sample pages
Week 3: Draft deck and business model; legal checklist
Week 4: Finalize deck, rehearse, and present

Final notes on industry prep

In 2026, the path from student project to agency interest is clearer than ever. Agencies like WME actively seek packaged IP that can travel across formats and markets. By building a transmedia pitch deck modeled on that industry expectation, you increase your chance of getting noticed, improve your student portfolio, and learn to speak the language of development executives.

Call to action

Ready to turn your class assignment into a marketable transmedia pitch? Create your one-page concept today and assemble a first draft of a 10-slide deck. If you want guidance, submit your logline and one sample page to your instructor or portfolio and ask for a peer review using the rubric above. Take the first step toward agency-level work and make your student portfolio stand out in 2026.

theanswers

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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.