Pitching a Domino Series to Broadcasters and YouTube: A Creator’s Playbook

Hook: Why your domino series deserves a seat at the commissioning table — and how to get it

Pitching to broadcasters and YouTube feels like juggling live tiles: you need timing, visual polish and a fail-safe plan for when a shot collapses. If you’re a creator who builds complex domino art, your challenge is twofold: translate tactile spectacle into broadcast-friendly formats, and package that spectacle in a way commissioning editors and platform partners actually buy. This playbook uses the 2026 BBC–YouTube talks as a template to turn a domino build into a short-form series that sells—complete with a sample sizzle and a practical production budget.

Topline (inverted pyramid): What to do first

1. Lead with a 60–90s sizzle reel that proves visual impact and editorial voice—this is your calling card.
2. Build a compact pitch deck that answers commissioning questions: audience, format, episode outline, distribution plan and budget.
3. Position rights and windows clearly—platforms like YouTube and legacy broadcasters (e.g., BBC) want clear licensing terms.
4. Use the BBC–YouTube deal as a template for co-developed content and platform-first packages in 2026.

Why 2026 is the moment for domino series

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw broadcasters accelerate direct partnerships with streaming platforms and creator ecosystems. The high-profile BBC talks with YouTube (reported January 2026) signal a new appetite for platform-specific, short-form editorial that still carries broadcaster credibility. In short: platforms are commissioning short, repeatable formats that can live natively on social channels while feeding linear, VOD and ancillary revenue opportunities.

“The BBC and YouTube are in talks for a landmark deal that would see the British broadcaster produce content for the video platform.” — Variety, Jan 16, 2026

What this means for domino creators

• Commissioning editors will accept shorter runtimes (2–6 minutes) when episodes are highly visual and shareable.
• Platform-first packages are preferred: vertical edits, captioned 30–90s cuts and native analytics reporting are part of the brief.
• Licensed content plays (music, branded builds) can increase revenue but must be negotiated early—consider using a licenses marketplace for music and sync like Lyric.Cloud.

How to frame your pitch deck (the essentials commissioners want)

Your pitch deck should be 8–12 slides and answer the commissioning editor’s top questions in under five minutes. Put the most important info first—format, audience, and why your domino series is timely in 2026.

1. Title + one-liner: Name the show and say what makes it unique (e.g., “Domino Lab: Art, Physics, Viral Moments”).
2. Logline & Tone: Short hook plus moodboard frames (playful, cinematic, tutorial-driven, competition-driven).
3. Format and Deliverables: Episode length (3–5 min), # of episodes (e.g., 6), vertical short cuts (30–60s), 60–90s sizzle, raw build footage for clips.
4. Audience & KPIs: Target demo, watch-time targets, retention goals, social engagement targets, benchmarked against platform norms.
5. Episode Guide: 6-episode outline with one-line summaries and hero moments per episode.
6. Production Plan & Budget Summary: High-level numbers and schedule; detail available on request.
7. Rights & Licensing Proposal: Who owns the footage, music, and brand integrations; proposed exclusivity windows.
8. Team & Proof-of-Work: Short bios, previous viral builds, links to sample videos.
9. Sizzle Reel Link: Embed or link to password-protected clip. Put it at the top and again at the end.

Designing a sizzle reel that commissions (sample 90s template)

A good sizzle tells a story in 90 seconds. It proves visuals, editorial voice and potential for repeatability.

Sizzle structure (60–90 seconds)

1. 0–5s Hook: One explosive domino moment on black background + title card (e.g., “Domino Lab”).
2. 5–25s Speed edit: Montage of three hero builds (slow-motion + top-down + time-lapse) with punchy captions.
3. 25–40s Human element: Quick interviews, reactor shots, or a creator explaining why the build matters (10–15s clips).
4. 40–65s Breakdowns: Short tutorial-style explainers (how a trick works) and behind-the-scenes logistics, showing feasibility for episodic formats.
5. 65–80s Tease of series: Episode titles as cards with a 2–3s highlight for each.
6. 80–90s Close: Call-to-action card: “For commissioning inquiries, contact…” + logo treatments.

Sizzle technical notes

• Deliver H.264 1080p for email, ProRes or 4K for high-quality cuts on request — pair your deliverables with robust camera kits (see Creator Camera Kits for Travel).
• Vertical 9:16 and square 1:1 clips ready for platform testing — vertical-first approaches are explored in vertical AI video playbooks.
• Use licensed music or a production music swap placeholder and clear licensing rights in the deck.
• Subtitles and caption burns—commissioning editors expect accessible content.

Sample sizzle shot list (for production teams)

1. Top-down 4K slider pass of the hero build (slow 24 fps)
2. Slow-mo split-screen of domino chain + reaction (120 fps)
3. Time-lapse of setup with sped-up plates (6–8 hours compressed)
4. Macro tilt-shift for tile details (focus pull)
5. Reaction shots: creators, assistants, audience (close-ups, candid)
6. Behind-the-scenes B-roll: hand placements, measuring tools, safety rigging

Sample production budget — quick reference (2026 pricing guide)

Below are illustrative numbers for a 90s sizzle and a 6-episode short-form series (3–5 mins per ep). Adjust for local rates and scale.

Sizzle reel (single-day shoot)

• Pre-production (prep, storyboards, permits): $1,500 — don’t skimp on permits and safety prep; see recent live-event safety guidance.
• Director/DP day rates (2 people): $2,000
• Camera + lighting + grip package: $1,200
• Editor + color grade + mix (2 days): $1,800
• Music license (production library): $300 — consider using a licensing marketplace like Lyric.Cloud.
• Talent (creator fees / day): $500
• Location + logistics: $400
• Contingency (10%): $770
• Total Sizzle Cost: ~$8,470

6-episode short-form series (3–5 mins per episode)

• Pre-production (script, storyboard, safety plan): $6,000
• Production (6 shoot days across episodes): $18,000
• Crew (director, DP, 2 camera operators, sound): $15,000
• Equipment package (cameras, lenses, lighting): $6,000
• Post-production (editor, color, VFX, final deliverables): $12,000
• Music & FX library licenses (series-wide): $1,200
• Travel & accommodation: $2,500
• Insurance (public liability + equipment): $1,200 — production insurance and public liability best practices are discussed in event safety guidance.
• Contingency (10%): $6,090
• Total Series Cost (all-in): ~$68,990

Notes: You can compress costs by partnering with a broadcaster that co-produces (shared costs) or turning to branded integrations to offset production spend — see how live enrollment & micro-events convert fans into retainers and revenue.

Rights, licensing and distribution — the critical legal playbook

Be explicit about who owns what. In platform-broadcaster deals, common models include:

• Work-for-hire / Commissioned Ownership: Broadcaster/platform owns the master and may take exclusive global rights for a window.
• Non-exclusive Licensing: You retain ownership and license content to the broadcaster/platform for a fixed term.
• Co-production: Shared ownership, shared revenue—often preferred when both parties provide cash and resources.

For short-form domino content, propose a split like: broadcaster/platform exclusivity for 6–12 months, then you regain full global rights to repurpose and monetize elsewhere. Put music and third-party licensed assets in the budget and flag any branded integrations up-front. If you need help hosting and serving secure assets or sizzle reels to partners, consider platforms addressing creator infrastructure like creator infrastructure marketplaces.

How to approach commissioners and platform partners (BBC deal blueprint)

The BBC–YouTube talks suggest platforms want high-quality, platform-native content that still meets broadcaster editorial standards. Use this blueprint to reach out:

1. Target the right person: commissioning editor, head of digital, or YouTube partnerships manager. LinkedIn and MPA directories are useful; public channels sometimes list commissioning briefs.
2. Lead with metrics: show average watch time, retention, virality rates of past builds. Platforms care about retention more than raw views in 2026.
3. Send a short email: 2–3 lines, one-sentence hook, one link to a password-protected sizzle, one line for availability and budget range.
4. Follow up with a deck: If they show interest, send the 8–12 slide deck and a deliverables sheet (vertical edits, captions, thumbnails).

Sample outreach subject line & opening sentence

Subject: New short-form series: “Domino Lab” — 6×4min | sizzle enclosed

Opening: Hi [Name], we build viral domino art that averages 65% retention on YouTube Shorts—would love to show a 90s sizzle and discuss a 6-episode short-form series tailored for platform-first distribution.

Negotiation levers and what to ask for

• Minimum guarantees: Ask for a minimum payment for production and a performance bonus tied to KPIs (views/retention/subscriber growth).
• Windowing: Try for a limited exclusivity window (6–12 months) rather than perpetual exclusivity.
• Ancillary rights: Reserve rights for merchandising, physical kits, and licensing to other territories.
• Promotion commitments: Ask the platform or broadcaster for guaranteed promotional support—homepage placement, playlists, or featured shorts. New discovery channels and badges (e.g., platform-specific features) can be powerful—see coverage of emerging discovery channels like Bluesky LIVE badges.

Monetization & growth strategies creators must include

Don’t treat a deal as a one-time payday. Build recurring revenue streams:

• Branded integrations: Create sponsored builds and tutorial tie-ins; tie-ins can be sold as experiential products in the same way micro-events drive retention (live enrollment case studies).
• Merch & kits: Sell themed starter packs for fans—make the show a product funnel. For pop-up and retail playbooks that turn browsers into buyers see curated pop-up tactics and weekend pop-up playbooks.
• Licensed clips: Sell high-quality B-roll to newsrooms, documentary producers, or education platforms — make sure your rights language allows clip licensing via marketplaces.
• Workshops & appearances: Monetize live build events and virtual workshops tied to episode releases.

Production logistics for large domino builds (safety-first tips)

Large-scale domino art requires planning beyond camera and editorial:

• Safety plan: Fire marshal if using pyrotechnics, first aid, and crowd control for public builds.
• Insurance: Public liability and production insurance are often required by broadcasters.
• Rehearsal & practice runs: Time-lapse and micro-build rehearsals catch setup pitfalls and camera blind spots.
• Redundancy: Multiple camera angles + redundant recordings (dual card, backup audio) to avoid reshoots.
• Continuity logs: Document each tile placement and measurement for rebuilds and post-analysis.

KPIs and reporting — what platforms want to see in 2026

Commissioners care about these numbers:

• Average view duration (higher weight than raw views)
• Retention percentage at key points (30s, 60s, end)
• Click-through on thumbnails and conversion to channel subscribe
• Social sharing velocity (how quickly clips get re-shared across platforms)
• Brand lift for sponsored episodes (if applicable)

Case study brief: How to pitch using the BBC–YouTube play

Imagine a short pitch: the BBC is exploring YouTube-first content. You position “Domino Lab” as a natural fit—highly visual, explainable science moments, and format-friendly to both BBC editorial standards and YouTube’s short-form algorithms. Offer a co-production model where the broadcaster funds production and provides editorial oversight while YouTube handles native distribution and promotional support.

Benefits to pitch:

• Broadcaster credibility (trust, editorial oversight)
• Platform reach + native features (shorts, chapters, analytics)
• Repurposing value: linear cutdowns, social clips, classroom/kids’ content

Actionable checklist: Ship your pitch in 10 days

1. Day 1–2: Finalize logline, episode slate and one-sheet.
2. Day 3–5: Shoot and edit a 60–90s sizzle (use the sizzle shot list above). Consider borrowing a lightweight camera kit from the creator camera kit guide.
3. Day 6: Build the 8–12 slide pitch deck and rights summary.
4. Day 7: Draft outreach list (commissioners, YouTube partnerships, brand partners).
5. Day 8: Prepare budget summary and legal notes (rights, music, insurance).
6. Day 9: Send targeted outreach emails with sizzle and one-sheet attached.
7. Day 10: Follow up and be ready with a short virtual meeting to screen the sizzle live — remote work and virtual screening workflows are smoother with platforms like Mongoose.Cloud.

Final takeaways

2026’s landscape rewards creators who can pair spectacle with a platform-first distribution plan. The BBC–YouTube talks show that broadcasters and platforms are willing to collaborate when creators present clear, measurable, and repeatable formats. Your domino series should be visually unmissable, operationally robust and legally clean—deliver a sizzle that hooks, a deck that clarifies, and a budget that proves you can build at scale.

Call to action

Ready to turn your domino builds into a commissioned series? Download our free pitch-deck and sizzle checklist, or email our Creator Partnerships team with your 90s sizzle. We’ll review, give feedback, and help you refine the budget and rights language that commissioners want. Let’s make your next build the one that lands on a broadcaster front page and a YouTube homepage—together.

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