Pitch-Ready Video Assets: Build a Media Kit for Approaching Platforms Like YouTube and Disney+

Hook: Stop Sending One-Pagers — Build a Visual Media Kit That Sells

You're an artist, filmmaker or creator who can make great shows and videos — but when you send a pitch to a platform, your attachments read like a jumble of screenshots and unbranded clips. Platforms like YouTube and Disney+ are increasingly commissioning bespoke content (see BBC talks with YouTube and Disney+’s expanded EMEA commissioning teams in 2026), and that raises the bar: buyers expect a clear creative identity, technical readiness and a visual package that proves you can scale.

The evolution of platform pitching in 2026 — why a visual media kit matters now

In late 2025 and early 2026 we saw major shifts: broadcasters and streamers are expanding direct platform partnerships, commissioning short- and long-form creators, and hiring locally to scale original content in new regions. The BBC is reported to be in talks to produce shows for YouTube, and Disney+ continues to restructure commissioning teams across EMEA. These moves mean platforms are not just licensing viral clips — they want properties with consistent branding, measurable audiences and clean technical deliverables.

That makes a visual media kit your single most powerful sales asset. It shows you understand both creative and production expectations and gives publishers everything they need to say “yes” — quickly.

What this guide gives you (fast)

• Step-by-step structure for a pitch-ready visual media kit tailored for platforms like YouTube and Disney+.
• Exact technical specs, file formats, and export settings to include.
• A downloadable templates and assets checklist (link below) so you can ship a finished folder today.
• A ready-to-use publisher pitch checklist and email template to get meetings.

Core components of a platform-ready visual media kit

Think of the media kit as two layers: creative identity and production deliverables. Every platform buyer will scan for both.

1. Cover One-Sheet (Show One-Pager)

• What: Single-page PDF that summarizes the show idea, tone, length, episode count, target demo, and USP.
• Key elements: Logline (one sentence), three-sentence synopsis, audience & social proof, distribution ask (commission, licensing, co-pro), contact info.
• Design tips: Include key art (header image), show logo, and a 30–45 sec sizzle timecode. Use large, legible typography and a clear visual hierarchy.

2. Key Art & Thumbnails

Thumbnails and key art are how your show converts users — give platforms multiple variations and test-ready files.

• YouTube thumbnail specs: 1280 × 720 px (16:9), max 2 MB, JPG/PNG, sRGB colorspace, readable at mobile size (text ≥ 24 px equivalent).
• Vertical/Shorts: 1080 × 1920 px (9:16) and 720 × 1280 for faster uploads. Provide PNG and JPG variants and one animated GIF or short MP4 loop (loop ≤ 8s) for social previews.
• Platform-specific extras: Provide a 3840 × 2160 px (4K) key art for Disney+ style program pages and a print-ready 300 DPI TIFF for promotional materials.
• Variations: Face-focused thumbnail, concept art, text-overlay version, and brand lockup-only variant. Label files clearly: showname_thumbnail_face_v1.jpg, showname_thumbnail_text_v2.png.

3. Trailers & Sizzle Reels

Buyers want to feel the show. Give them a fast, scannable sizzle plus full trailers.

• Sizzle reel: 60–90 seconds, high-energy highlights, punchy edits, main beats intercut with logo stinger. Include captions burned-in and provide separate SRT caption files.
• Trailers: Provide 15s, 30s, and 60–90s versions. Each should have a clear hook in the first 3–5 seconds and an end slate with contact and call-to-action.
• Delivery formats: Master file in ProRes 422 HQ (.mov), web delivery H.264 (.mp4) and H.265 where needed. Include 4K and 1080p masters if available.
• Technical metadata: Include frame rate, color space (Rec.709 or HDR PQ/HLG if graded for HDR), audio mix (stereo or 5.1), and timecode start.

4. Show Branding Package

Make it trivial for a platform to slot your show into their ecosystem: give them a brand system.

• Vector logo files: SVG (primary), EPS, transparent PNGs at multiple sizes.
• Primary & secondary color palette with hex and Pantone values.
• Typography: licensed font files (or Google/Adobe font names), font usage rules, sizes for titles/subtitles.
• Motion stinger (5–8s) in ProRes with alpha channel and a web MP4 composite.
• Lower-third templates (After Effects .aep or templated Lottie animations) and PSD mockups for key art.

5. Production Deliverables & Technical Checklist

Give platforms a technical promise: you can deliver to their spec. Include a one-page deliverables list and a timeline.

• Masters, mezzanine files (ProRes), and H.264/H.265 web copies.
• Closed captions (SRT and burn-in), subtitle packages (TTML/DFXP), and transcripts.
• Lens, camera, and LUT documentation; color pipeline notes (e.g., shot on Alexa Mini, LogC -> Rec.709).
• Music and sync rights documentation — clear chain of title and licenses.

Folder structure: deliver a publisher-ready ZIP

Make your folder self-documenting. Use this structure so an acquisitions exec can find anything in seconds:

/ShowName_PitchKit.zip
  /01_OneSheet (ShowName_one-sheet.pdf)
  /02_KeyArt (showname_keyart_3840x2160.tif, thumbnails/)
  /03_Trailers (sizzle_60s_prores.mov, sizzle_60s_mp4.mp4)
  /04_Branding (logo_primary.svg, logo_lockups.zip, color_palette.pdf)
  /05_Deliverables (masters/, mezzanine/, web/)
  /06_Rights (music_licenses.pdf, releases.zip)
  /07_Metadata (metadata_spreadsheet.xlsx)
  /08_Contact (team_bios.pdf, one_pager_contacts.vcf)
  

Practical packaging rules — export and naming conventions

• Name everything. Use predictable snake_case or kebab-case and include version numbers and dimensions: showname_trailer_v1_1080p.mp4.
• Include a README.txt at the root describing contents, contact info and preferred delivery methods (Aspera, WeTransfer, S3 link).
• Keep a technical spec sheet (one page) that lists codecs, color spaces, audio levels (LUFS), frame rates and caption formats.

Licensing, rights and the legal basics platforms will look for

Platforms will reject projects with fuzzy rights. Proactively include:

• Chain-of-title summary — who owns what and what you're granting (exclusive, non-exclusive, territory, term).
• Music licenses — sync and master licenses, or evidence of royalty-free composition with attribution rules.
• Talent releases — signed and scanned for all on-screen contributors and owners of any third-party assets (logos, archival footage).
• Statement of third-party IP — note any trademarks or product placements and supply clearance documentation.

Publisher pitch checklist: what to include in the email and attachments

Keep the email short and send the ZIP or secure link. Here’s the order of attachments and what to say:

1. One-sentence hook + one-liner in the email body.
2. Link to secured download of ShowName_PitchKit.zip (Aspera/S3/Dropbox link).
3. Sizzle reel embed link (YouTube unlisted/Vimeo private link) with timecode highlights.
4. One-sheet and key art attached as inline preview (PDF + JPEG).
5. Metrics snapshot (engagement, audience demos, cross-platform reach or festival wins) — keep it to bullet points.
6. Call-to-action: request a 20-minute meeting and propose 2 calendar slots.

Sample short pitch email (paste-ready)

Subject: Quick pitch — [Show Name] — 60s sizzle + pitch kit Hi [Name], [One-sentence hook]. I made a 60s sizzle that demonstrates tone and format (link below). We’re seeking [commission/co-pro/licensing] with partners who can scale to [territory/platform]. • Sizzle: [unlisted link] • Pitch kit (one-sheet, thumbnails, trailers, rights): [secure link] 20–30 mins is all I need to demo and answer technical questions. I’m available Tue/Thu 10–11am GMT. Thanks for considering — I’ll follow up next week. Best, [Name] [Title] | [Contact]

Design tactics that convert — thumbnail and trailer psychology

Small design decisions increase click-through and platform interest:

• Close-ups sell: Thumbnails with expressive faces and 40–60% face area perform better on YouTube and platform carousels.
• Text clarity: 3–5 words max; contrast with drop shadow for mobile readability.
• Color pops: Use brand accents (neon, warm hues) to stand out against typical UI backgrounds.
• Trailer structure: Hook > Stakes > Characters > Call-to-action. Place a logo stinger at 2–3s and an end slate with contact for buyers.

Advanced strategies for 2026 — personalization, AI and platform UX

As platforms scale commissioning, three trends matter for creators:

• Adaptive thumbnails: Platforms increasingly support A/B testing and dynamic thumbnails. Provide multiple thumbnail designs and call out which variant you believe is optimal and why.
• AI-driven editing: Use generative AI to create quick localized versions, captions in multiple languages, or shortened cutdowns for platform-specific formats. Note in your kit which assets were AI-assisted and provide human-verified masters.
• Performance-first packaging: Include sample CTR and retention numbers from similar content or past uploads, plus a simple plan for optimization and uplift (thumbnail tests, metadata, week-by-week rollout).

Case study: How a creator landed a platform development deal (example)

In 2025 a small indie doc team used a tight visual media kit to move from a viral short to a platform commission. Their media kit included:

• A 60s sizzle with clear stakes and a polished 90s trailer.
• Three thumbnail variants and a vertical short optimized for discovery.
• Complete rights documentation for archival footage and music.
• Audience metrics from YouTube: 1.2M views, 35% average view duration — summarized in a one-sheet.

Because the kit resolved technical questions up front, the platform moved quickly from interest to a development meeting. The deal closed after two rounds of notes — speed wins.

Downloadable templates and checklist (ready to use)

We made a starter kit so you don’t have to build files from scratch. The pack includes:

• One-sheet PDF & InDesign template
• Thumbnail PSD templates (16:9 and 9:16) with smart objects
• Trailer sizzle timeline (.aep) and lower-third templates
• Master folder README, metadata spreadsheet, pitch email template and a printable checklist PDF

Download: digitalart.biz/downloads/media-kit-templates.zip (Includes a prefilled example kit you can replace with your assets.)

Final pre-send QA checklist

1. All thumbnails readable at 320 × 180 (mobile test).
2. Sizzle reel plays with embedded captions and SRT file present.
3. All logos provided in vector and transparent PNG.
4. Rights & releases scanned and summarized as one-page chain-of-title.
5. README includes preferred transfer method and contact phone number.
6. Zip file tested on both Windows and macOS (no hidden files).

Approaching platforms — timing, follow-ups and negotiation basics

Approach timing matters. For commissioning windows, keep these rules of thumb:

• Lead time: For scripted series, expect 6–12 months between initial pitch and greenlight; for short-form or digital-first formats, 30–90 days is possible.
• Follow-up: If you don’t hear back in 7–10 days, send a polite status note and a fresh one-line update (new metrics or festival interest).
• Negotiation points to be ready for: exclusivity period, territory, media windows, revenue share, production financing and credit terms.

Closing: make it easy to say yes

Platforms like YouTube and Disney+ are signaling in 2026 that they want partners who can deliver audience-first content at scale. Your media kit is the proof that your creative idea is production-ready, brand-consistent and legally clear. It shortens the buying cycle and positions you as a professional partner, not just a creator with good clips.

Actionable next steps (start today)

1. Download the template pack and open the OneSheet template. Fill in your logline and three-sentence pitch.
2. Create a 60s sizzle using your best moments. Export a ProRes master and an H.264 web copy.
3. Design 4 thumbnail variants and export at 1280×720 and 1080×1920. Test them on a mobile screen.
4. Assemble the ZIP with README, rights docs and contact info. Send your first tailored pitch to one platform exec.

Resources & citations

Industry context references: Variety (BBC/YouTube talks, Jan 2026) and Deadline reporting on Disney+ EMEA commissioning team changes — examples of platforms expanding commissioning in 2025–2026.

Call to action

Ready to stop guessing and build a kit that opens doors? Download our pitch-ready media kit templates, a filled example kit, and the printer-ready checklist now: Get the Media Kit Templates. Need feedback on your kit before you send it? Reply with a link to your ZIP and we’ll review the first 10 submissions for free this month.

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