From Graphic Novel to Screen: Lessons from The Orangery’s Transmedia Strategy

Hook: Why your graphic novel isn't getting agency traction — and how to fix it fast

Creators and indie studios tell me the same thing: you can build a passionate readership and still struggle to get an agency or studio to take your IP seriously. The barrier isn't always quality — it's packaging. In 2026 agents at firms like WME are buying potential, predictability, and portability. They want IP that can scale across screen, stage, game, and shelf without legal knots or vague promises.

Enter The Orangery — a European transmedia studio that just signed with WME after positioning graphic novels such as Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika as adaptation-ready IP. This article breaks down their playbook into repeatable tactics you can implement in the next 90 days to make your IP agency-attractive.

Quick takeaway (read first)

If you want agencies like WME to notice your graphic novel IP in 2026, you need three things: a modular transmedia roadmap, demonstrable audience signals, and clean, transferable rights. This article gives a case-study breakdown of The Orangery's approach and step-by-step actions creators can replicate.

Context: Why agencies are signing transmedia studios in 2026

In late 2025 and early 2026 the entertainment market shifted decisively toward fewer, bigger bets on proven IP. Streaming platforms, theatrical distributors, and game publishers all prioritize IP with cross-platform potential. Agencies like WME aren't just packaging talent anymore — they're packaging IP that can generate multiple revenue streams.

“Transmedia IP Studio the Orangery, Behind Hit Graphic Novel Series ‘Traveling to Mars’ and ‘Sweet Paprika,’ Signs With WME (EXCLUSIVE)” — Variety, Jan 16, 2026

The Variety exclusive on The Orangery's WME signing is a perfect illustration: a focused studio with pre-built IP attracted agency interest because it matched what buyers are buying in 2026 — adaptation-ready storytelling, visual assets, and measurable audiences.

The Orangery playbook: 8 repeatable tactics to make your IP agency-ready

Below are the exact playbook elements The Orangery used. Each element includes an action checklist you can run through today.

1. Design the IP with adaptation in mind (not after)

The Orangery launched graphic novels where each installment doubled as a demonstrable episode or volume for screen. Think serialized beats, set-pieces, and visual language that translate to storyboards.

• Action: Reformat one chapter into a two-page scene breakdown: act beats, major character beats, and visual motifs. Treat it as Episode 1 of a limited series.
• Metric: Have a 10-scene episode map ready for pitch meetings (3–6 minute scene summaries).
• Prompt for creators: “Rewrite the chapter focusing on three cinematic sequences that could form a 40–50 minute episode.”

2. Build a modular transmedia roadmap (not just a single format)

The Orangery didn’t present a single ‘movie idea’; they delivered a map: graphic novel volumes → limited TV series → animated spin → premium mobile game → merchandise. Agencies value clear pathways to multiple income streams.

• Action: Draft a one-page roadmap showing 3–5 revenue verticals, timelines, and KPI triggers (e.g., “200k copies sold or 500k monthly active readers triggers demo pitch”).
• Deliverable: A simple visual diagram titled “Transmedia Roadmap — 5-Year Plan.”

3. Prove audience and engagement with data

The Orangery paired creative strength with audience proof: sales, social signals, newsletter metrics, and engagement spike charts. Agencies increasingly treat data as a safety net to de-risk adaptions.

• Action: Aggregate metrics: newsletter subscribers, monthly unique readers, social growth, pre-orders, and conversion rates. Put them in a single slide or one-pager.
• Minimum thresholds (2026 norms): 50k cumulative readers OR 20k newsletter subs OR 200k engaged social followers across platforms for indie IP to be considered attractive by mid-tier agencies.

4. Package rights and clean up the chain of title

One of the biggest gatekeepers is legal cleanliness. The Orangery showed WME a tidy rights ledger — who owns what, co-creator agreements, and clear transferability for screen adaptation.

• Action: Prepare a rights register listing: written works, art, characters, trademarks, soundtracks, and merchandising rights. Get basic counsel to confirm chain of title.
• Must-haves: Written assignment/option agreements for collaborators; IP ownership statements for publisher relationships; releases for any real-world locations or likenesses used.

5. Create high-impact visual proof-of-concept

Agencies and execs respond to visual certainty. The Orangery invested in slick pitch reels, animated sizzles, and series storyboards. These assets turn abstract potential into a tangible product.

• Action: Produce a 60–90 second sizzle reel using AI-assisted storyboards, concept art, and a voice-over logline. Prioritize mood over full production value.
• Budget tip: $2–8k can buy a competitive sizzle with freelance motion designers and AI-assisted art pipelines in 2026.

6. Attach talent strategically

The Orangery packaged talent that signaled a clear path to production — filmmakers, showrunners, or composers who matched the IP's tone. Talent doesn’t need A-list scale; it needs credibility and fit.

• Action: Secure one credible attachment: a director with festival chops, an indie showrunner, or a composer with relevant credits. Use introductory calls to frame the project’s creative vision.
• How to reach talent: Festivals, LinkedIn, mutual industry contacts, or targeted freelance platforms. Ask for short advisory or option letters to include in pitches.

7. Package multiple licensing hooks

WME and similar agencies want IP that opens more licensing doors than it closes. The Orangery presented not just narrative rights but merchandise, game, and experiential event options.

• Action: Draft three licensing sheets: merchandise, games, and international publishing. Each sheet lists SKU ideas, estimated audience, and a short go-to-market timing estimate.
• Example SKUs: artprint boxes, variant covers, limited-run vinyl soundtracks, AR filters for social platforms.

8. Use markets and festivals as leverage

The Orangery used European festivals and comics markets to create scarcity and buzz before agent outreach. Agencies often value projects with festival laurels or strong market sell-in.

• Action: Plan a targeted festival/market push: submit a graphic novel to two genre festivals and one comics market within the next cycle.
• Metric: Two festival selections or a market deal (like foreign pre-sales) substantially increases perceived agency interest.

What agencies like WME look for right now (2026 priorities)

Understanding the buyer is half the battle. In 2026, agencies prioritize projects that:

• Scale across platforms (streaming, games, live, international publishing).
• Demonstrate audience intent — people who will follow from book to screen.
• Have a clean chain of title and clear rights boundaries.
• Include attachable talent or at least a credible creative team.
• Generate recurring revenue opportunities (licensing, subscriptions, merchandising).

Pitch deck blueprint: what to include

Use this deck structure when approaching agencies or development execs. Keep it to 12–14 slides.

1. Cover: Logo, one-line logline, and visual hook.
2. Quick ask: What you want (representation, development funding, optioning).
3. One-sentence concept + moto.
4. Audience signals: sales, subs, engagement charts.
5. Transmedia roadmap: 3–5 verticals with timeframes.
6. Key characters & arc summaries.
7. Episode/film sample: Episode 1 scene map or film sequence treatment.
8. Proof-of-concept assets: concept art, sizzle thumbnail, mood board.
9. Team & attachments: bios, credits, advisory notes.
10. Rights & legal: chain of title snapshot.
11. Monetization and licensing: SKU examples and revenue logic.
12. Go-to-market & marketing hooks.
13. Budget and timeline (high-level).
14. Contact + next steps.

Sample outreach email to an agent or creative executive

Use a concise, curiosity-driven message — agencies receive hundreds of submissions.

Subject: Traveling to Mars — transmedia-ready sci‑fi (graphic novel property + sizzle)

Body:

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], creator of the graphic novel series Traveling to Mars. We’ve reached 45k cumulative readers, have a 28k-subscriber newsletter, and a festival selection at [Festival Name]. I’m seeking representation or development partners for a limited-series and associated transmedia slate (game + merchandise). Included: 60s sizzle, Episode 1 map, and rights register. Can I send the deck and sizzle for 10 minutes of your review?

Thanks,
[Name] — [contact info]

90-day action plan to become agency-grade

Follow this sprint to convert your IP into an agency pitch-ready package.

1. Days 1–14: Rights audit & one-page roadmap. Get basic legal confirmation on chain of title.
2. Days 15–30: Produce a 60s sizzle + convert one chapter into an Episode 1 map.
3. Days 31–50: Bundle audience metrics into a simple one-pager; set minimum outreach target of 20 agents/executives.
4. Days 51–70: Secure one credible talent attachment or advisory letter.
5. Days 71–90: Finalize 12-slide pitch deck, begin targeted outreach to agents like WME and boutique IP reps; submit to one festival/market.

Negotiation basics: what to expect when an agency shows interest

When WME-style interest arrives, expect exploratory calls and a request for exclusives. Here’s how to protect your project while maximizing value:

• Do: Offer a short option term (6–12 months) with clear development deliverables.
• Do: Retain non-screen rights if you plan to self-publish or license merchandise independently.
• Don’t: Sign away worldwide rights without a clear production or distribution pathway.
• Tip: Use a staggered rights package — film/TV option first, merchandising later — to preserve leverage.

2026 trends to fold into your strategy

These developments shaped The Orangery deal environment and should influence your plan:

• AI-assisted visuals: Faster concept art and sizzle creation reduce cost and time-to-pitch. See tools and workflows for AI-assisted visual pipelines.
• Short-form audience funnels: TikTok/Shorts now function as discovery engines that convert to long-form readers and viewers; community streams and micro-popups are complementary discovery channels (micro-popups & streams).
• Streaming consolidation: Fewer buyers, but deeper investments in franchise-ready IP.
• Cross-trade collaborations: Game and animation studios co-develop with literary IP for multi-platform launches — think tokenized drops and game tie-ins (game retail playbook).

Real-world example: distilled lessons from The Orangery

From available reporting and industry moves, we can infer the concrete steps The Orangery used:

• Curated IP slate: Multiple ready-to-adapt titles (Traveling to Mars, Sweet Paprika) instead of a single book.
• International-first mindset: A European base with global licensing aspirations made the IP regionally flexible.
• Invested in production assets early: High-quality concept art, sizzles, and episode outlines reduced buyer uncertainty.
• Played to agency priorities: Clear rights, modular format options, and audience proof made WME’s decision logical.

Actionable prompts and templates for creators

Use these quick prompts to jumpstart the conversion process.

• Worldbuilding prompt: “List 6 core rules of the universe that create unique visual and emotional hooks for screen.”
• Episode prompt: “Summarize Chapter X as an eight-scene 50-minute episode with three visual set-pieces.”li>
• Sizzle checklist: “60s, 3 visual beats, 1 hook line, 1 music cue, call-to-action for execs.”
• Metrics template: “List top 5 KPIs: cumulative readers, monthly active users, newsletter conversion, social engagement rate, pre-order sales.”

Final checklist before outreach

• One-page transmedia roadmap — complete
• 60s sizzle reel — ready
• 12-slide pitch deck — ready
• Rights register & basic legal signoff — done
• Audience metrics one-pager — assembled
• At least one credible talent attachment or advisory note — secured

Closing: Why this matters for creators in 2026

The Orangery-WME example proves a simple point: agencies no longer chase single-format manuscripts — they buy structured, scalable IP ecosystems. For creators, that means thinking like a mini-studio. With focused effort — a transmedia roadmap, clean rights, a sizzle, and measurable audience signals — independent IP can land the same agency interest once reserved for big publishers and entrenched studios.

Actionable takeaway: Start today with a one-page transmedia roadmap and a 60-second sizzle. Those two items alone will move you from ‘interesting creator’ to ‘agency opportunity’ in most conversations.

Call to action

Ready to convert your graphic novel into agency-grade IP? Download our 12-slide pitch deck template and 90-day sprint checklist, or book a 20-minute review session with our transmedia editor to get feedback on your roadmap and sizzle. Turn your comic into a franchise — the market is primed in 2026, and agencies like WME are actively looking.

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