Original IP Development

We do not wait for the brief. Here we create what comes next.

Original series, scripted and unscripted formats, documentary concepts and branded entertainment developed for broadcasters, streaming platforms, brands and production partners.

Some ideas begin with a client brief. Others begin with a character, a place, a tension, a question or a world that deserves to become something larger.

Global Untold Story develops original intellectual property for television, streaming, digital platforms and branded entertainment. We create concepts that can grow into pilots, series, recurring formats and long-term media properties.

Our role extends beyond generating ideas. We shape the editorial proposition, audience, format mechanics, production model, visual identity and pitch materials required to present the project clearly to potential partners. We also maintain a growing slate of original Global Untold Story properties available for commissioning, production partnerships, adaptation and selected licensing opportunities.

The idea is only the beginning. The real work is building something that can return.

Explore Our Original IP

Our development slate includes unscripted entertainment, factual series, documentary formats, travel, culture, business, gaming and character-driven concepts.

Selected projects may be available for:

• Commissioning
• Co-production
• Platform acquisition
• Broadcaster partnerships
• Brand integration
• Regional adaptation
• Format licensing
• Development partnerships
• Production financing
• International distribution discussions

Availability and commercial structure depend on the individual property, territory and development stage.

What We Develop

Our original IP and format development work can include:

• Unscripted television formats
• Factual entertainment
• Documentary series
• Competition formats
• Reality formats
• Travel and cultural series
• Business and financial formats
• Gaming and esports properties
• Interview and studio formats
• Social impact programs
• Branded entertainment
• Digital-first series
• Podcast formats
• Talent-led properties
• Character-driven series
• Limited documentary projects
• Regional adaptations
• Multi-platform content properties

Every concept requires its own creative and commercial architecture.

Original IP Development Capabilities

Concept Discovery

A strong property often begins with one clear reason to exist. We explore the subject, audience and creative opportunity before deciding what shape the idea should take.

Concept discovery can include:

• Original idea development
• Creative workshops
• Subject exploration
• Audience definition
• Cultural and market context
• Genre selection
• Central premise
• Core hook
• Emotional proposition
• Format possibilities
• Initial references
• Development direction

The objective is not to produce a long list of ideas. It is to identify the one idea with enough depth, distinction and potential to justify further development.

The Central Hook

The audience must understand why this show matters quickly. We refine the premise until the property has a clear and memorable hook that can guide every later decision.

This process may define:

• What makes the idea distinctive
• Why the audience would return
• What creates tension or anticipation
• What changes from episode to episode
• What remains consistent
• What emotional experience the show promises
• Why the concept belongs in the market now
• How the property can be described in one sentence

A strong hook should open the door to the idea without needing to explain the entire format.

Audience and Platform Direction

An original property cannot be developed in isolation from the people expected to watch it. We define the primary audience, viewing behavior, cultural context and likely distribution environment before locking the format.

Development may consider:

• Core audience
• Secondary audiences
• Viewing habits
• Language
• Territory
• Platform behavior
• Episode duration
• Release pattern
• Talent expectations
• Content sensitivity
• Digital extensions
• International adaptation potential

This does not mean designing an idea by committee. It means understanding where the idea may have the strongest opportunity to connect.

Format and Series Architecture

A concept becomes a format when it can produce more than one strong episode. We design the repeatable structure that gives the show identity while allowing each episode to feel fresh.

Format development can include:

• Episode structure
• Segment order
• Recurring mechanics
• Rules
• Elimination or progression systems
• Presenter role
• Contributor or contestant journey
• Reveal structure
• Scoring systems
• Pacing
• Episode endings
• Season structure
• Finale logic
• Future season possibilities

The format should create consistency without making the outcome predictable.

Character, Talent and Contributor Design

Many successful properties are built around the people who carry them — a host, expert, contestant, contributor, recurring character or community. We define what kind of talent the format requires and why that person matters to the audience.

Development can include:

• Host profile
• Presenter role
• Expert role
• Character types
• Contestant logic
• Contributor categories
• Guest strategy
• Chemistry requirements
• Casting direction
• Talent research
• On-screen relationships
• Future talent opportunities

Talent should serve the format rather than become a substitute for one.

Research and Editorial Development

Factual, documentary and culturally rooted properties require credible research. We investigate the subject, contributors, locations and wider context to understand what stories are genuinely available and what remains speculative.

Research can include:

• Subject research
• Contributor mapping
• Expert identification
• Cultural context
• Historical context
• Location research
• Access requirements
• Story possibilities
• Episode themes
• Archive opportunities
• Fact verification planning
• Editorial risk assessment

Where specialist academic, legal or technical verification is required, qualified experts should review the relevant material.

Production Feasibility

An exciting concept is not enough if the production cannot be repeated responsibly. We assess the practical requirements of the format while it is still being developed.

Feasibility planning may cover:

• Locations
• Access
• Crew structure
• Studio requirements
• Field production
• Travel
• Talent availability
• Technical systems
• Safety
• Permissions
• Production calendar
• Episode cost logic
• Season scale
• Contingencies

This helps prevent a creative concept from becoming financially or operationally unrealistic.

Treatment and Creative Presentation

The treatment explains the property in a way that allows another person to imagine the experience. It should communicate the idea, tone, structure and visual world clearly without burying the reader under unnecessary detail.

A treatment may include:

• Title
• Logline
• Central premise
• Audience proposition
• Format description
• Episode journey
• Presenter or character role
• Sample episodes
• Visual language
• Tone
• Locations
• Production approach
• Development status
• Future potential

The document is written for decision makers, not only for the creative team that developed it.

Format Bible

The format bible provides the deeper structure required to understand how the property works repeatedly.

Depending on the project, it can include:

• Format overview
• Rules and mechanics
• Episode structure
• Segment descriptions
• Talent roles
• Casting principles
• Production workflow
• Visual identity
• Set requirements
• Scoring or progression
• Compliance considerations
• Sample episodes
• Season structure
• Adaptation guidance

The level of detail depends on the development stage and how the property will be presented or transferred.

Pitch Deck and Buyer Materials

A good idea can be weakened by unclear packaging. We create concise pitch materials that help broadcasters, platforms, brands and potential partners understand the opportunity quickly.

Pitch materials can include:

• Pitch deck
• One-page summary
• Logline
• Series synopsis
• Format overview
• Audience profile
• Episode examples
• Visual references
• Talent direction
• Production model
• Comparable titles
• Commercial possibilities
• Development roadmap
• Creator statement

The materials should invite the next conversation rather than attempt to answer every possible question.

Teasers and Sizzle Reels

Some ideas need to be seen before they can be fully understood. A teaser or sizzle can demonstrate the tone, subject, talent, world or emotional promise of the property.

Development production may include:

• Concept teaser
• Sizzle reel
• Research footage
• Sample interviews
• Talent tests
• Location footage
• Visual development
• Format demonstration
• Mood film
• Sample graphics
• Temporary narration
• Buyer presentation edit

A sizzle should prove the most important part of the idea, not pretend the complete show has already been produced.

Proof of Concept and Pilot Production

A proof of concept tests a specific creative assumption. A pilot tests whether the complete format can work as an episode.

Depending on the project, pilot development can include:

• Script development
• Rundown
• Casting
• Presenter testing
• Location or studio planning
• Production design
• Graphics
• Crew and equipment
• Recording
• Editing
• Internal review
• Audience testing
• Format refinements
• Updated production plan

The result should reveal what works, what needs to change and what the production will require at scale.

Production Model and Budget Direction

Buyers need to understand more than the creative promise. They also need a realistic view of how the show can be produced.

Our development process can include:

• Production model
• Crew structure
• Studio or location requirements
• Episode schedule
• Season calendar
• Preliminary budget direction
• Cost drivers
• Scalable production options
• Regional production considerations
• Post-production requirements
• Delivery requirements
• Potential production efficiencies

Budget assumptions are refined as the format, territory and final scope become clearer.

Talent, Partner and Brand Packaging

The right host, specialist, production partner or brand can strengthen a property. We assess which relationships add genuine value and which would distract from the concept.

Packaging may include:

• Host research
• Expert outreach
• Contributor relationships
• Production partners
• Co-production opportunities
• Institutional partners
• Location partners
• Brand integration opportunities
• Sponsor compatibility
• Distribution conversations
• Talent presentation materials
• Partnership structure discussions

No partner should be attached simply to make the deck look more impressive.

Branded Entertainment

Some brands need more than advertising. Branded entertainment creates a format or series that audiences choose to watch because the content has value beyond the brand message. We develop branded properties around areas where the organization has credible access, knowledge or purpose.

Branded entertainment can support:

• Long-term audience building
• Brand authority
• Cultural relevance
• Product education
• Community development
• Talent partnerships
• Destination promotion
• Social impact
• Employer branding
• Original series
• Digital formats
• Platform partnerships

The brand should enable the story rather than interrupt it.

Regional Adaptation and Format Localization

A format may need to change when it enters a new language, culture or market. Adaptation involves more than translating the dialogue — it may require changes to casting, humor, pacing, rules, locations, prizes, social context and audience expectations.

Adaptation can include:

• Market research
• Cultural review
• Language adaptation
• Presenter direction
• Casting logic
• Format adjustment
• Episode examples
• Visual adaptation
• Production model
• Local partner coordination
• Regional pitch materials
• Updated format bible

The recognizable core of the property should remain intact even when the execution changes.

From One Format to a Media Property

A strong original idea can extend beyond the original episode or platform. Depending on the concept, the property may create opportunities for:

• Future seasons
• Regional versions
• International adaptations
• Digital extensions
• Social content
• Podcasts
• Live experiences
• Events
• Brand partnerships
• Talent development
• Community participation
• Merchandise
• Educational material
• Licensing discussions

Not every property should expand in every direction. The strongest extensions grow naturally from the original audience experience.

Development Stages

Each property should clearly show its current stage. Recommended stages include:

• Concept — the central premise and audience opportunity have been defined
• In Development — research, format mechanics and creative materials are being built
• Pitch Ready — the core pitch materials are prepared for selected conversations
• Sizzle Available — a teaser or proof of concept has been produced
• Pilot Ready — the development and production plan are prepared for pilot production
• Available for Commissioning — the property is open to suitable broadcasters, platforms or production partners
• In Production — the project has entered active production

Commercial and Partnership Models

Depending on the property, Global Untold Story may explore:

• Original commissioning
• Co-development
• Co-production
• Production partnerships
• Regional adaptation
• Format licensing
• Brand-funded entertainment
• Pilot financing
• Distribution partnerships
• Platform partnerships

The final arrangement depends on the rights, territory, financing, production responsibility and intended use of the property. Specific commercial terms are handled privately.

Why Work With Global Untold Story?

We develop intellectual property with the perspective of people who will eventually need to produce it. That changes the questions we ask: is the idea distinctive? Can it sustain a season? Is the audience clear? Can the format travel? What makes each episode different? What will it cost to produce? Why should a buyer consider it now?

Partners bring us in when they need:

• Original concept development
• Unscripted and factual format design
• Creative thinking connected to production reality
• Treatments, bibles and pitch decks
• Teasers, sizzles and pilot production
• Audience and platform direction
• Regional and international adaptation
• Arabic and English development
• Branded entertainment concepts
• A partner prepared to create, challenge and take ownership

We do not stop at the idea. We build the structure that gives the idea somewhere to go.

What We Need to Begin Development

To assess an existing idea or begin a new development process, it is helpful to understand:

• The starting concept
• Intended audience
• Preferred genre
• Intended platform or buyer type
• Language
• Territory
• Available access
• Potential talent
• Existing research
• Development stage
• Available materials
• Desired commercial route
• Expected timeline
• Development budget guidance

A finished concept is not required. Sometimes the most useful starting point is simply the question you cannot stop thinking about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you develop original television formats?

Yes. We develop unscripted, factual, documentary, entertainment, studio and digital formats from concept through pitch materials and pilot planning.

Do you own original IP?

Yes. Global Untold Story develops and owns selected original properties that may be available for commissioning, co-production, adaptation or selected licensing discussions.

Can I submit an idea for development?

Yes, subject to an initial review and an agreed development structure. Ownership, confidentiality and development responsibilities should be clarified before substantial creative work begins.

Can you create a pitch deck and format bible?

Yes. We develop treatments, pitch decks, one-page summaries, series bibles, episode structures and supporting creative materials.

Can you produce a teaser or sizzle reel?

Yes. We can develop and produce teasers, proof-of-concept films, talent tests and sizzle reels according to the sales and development strategy.

Can you produce a pilot episode?

Yes. We can plan and produce pilot episodes, including casting, production, graphics, editing and post-production.

Do you work with broadcasters and streaming platforms?

We develop properties intended for broadcasters, streaming platforms, digital networks and production partners. Commissioning remains subject to each buyer’s strategy, process and final decision.

Can you develop branded entertainment?

Yes. We create original formats and content properties where the brand has a credible role inside the audience experience.

Can you adapt formats for different markets?

Yes. We can support language, cultural, talent, production and editorial adaptation for regional and international markets.

Do you guarantee that a concept will be commissioned?

No. Commissioning depends on the buyer, audience strategy, timing, budget and wider market conditions. Our role is to strengthen the creative, production and commercial readiness of the property.

Build What Audiences Will Return To
Whether you already have the beginning of an idea or need a development partner to create something original, we can build the concept, format and presentation around its strongest potential. Share the starting point, intended audience and development ambition — our team will review the opportunity and respond within one business day with the right questions and next steps.