Creating a Localized Transmedia Project in Saudi: From Graphic Novel to Screen

Hook — Frustrated by fractured local support for Saudi storytellers? Start here.

Saudi creators often face the same pain points: no single roadmap for turning a comic or graphic novel into a TV series or game, unclear pitching routes to global agencies, and the extra layer of bilingual and cultural localization needed for regional success. This guide gives a practical, step-by-step roadmap — from creating a graphic novel (رواية مصورة) to packaging a transmedia IP (حقوق الملكية الفكرية متعددة الوسائط) and pitching to agencies like WME — inspired by the recent success of The Orangery’s model in 2026.

Why the Orangery-WME deal matters to Saudi creators (and why now)

In January 2026 Variety reported that The Orangery, a European transmedia IP studio behind graphic novel hits, signed with William Morris Endeavor (WME). That deal underscores a clear industry trend: agencies and global buyers now scout visual-first IP that is already audience-tested and rights-consolidated.

"The William Morris Endeavor Agency has signed recently formed European transmedia outfit The Orangery, which holds the rights to strong IP in the graphic novel and comic book sphere..." — Variety, Jan 16, 2026

Key takeaway: agencies prefer packaged IP with demonstrable audience traction. For Saudi creators this is an opportunity — Saudi and MENA narratives are in demand, and strong visual IP can act as the launch point for multiplatform adaptations.

The 2026 context: trends you must use

• Streamers are hungry for regional stories — platforms expanding into MENA want localized IP that scales globally.
• Visual IP first — graphic novels and webcomics serve as proof-of-concept for tone, look, and fandom.
• Rights consolidation — studios/agents sign entities that control multiple rights (print, digital, screen, merchandising).
• Data-driven pitching — sales figures, digital reads, social metrics and crowdfunding performance matter.
• Hybrid funding & support — regional film funds and Saudi cultural initiatives have increased support for IP-driven projects since 2024–2025, easing seed financing.

Roadmap overview: 9-stage practical plan (12–24 months)

1. Concept & research (1–2 months)
2. Worldbuilding & bible (2–3 months)
3. Script & issue prototyping (2–4 months)
4. Art & production of pilot issue (3–6 months)
5. Launch & audience testing (2–3 months)
6. Metrics capture & rights packaging (1 month)
7. Sizzle reel & package for pitching (1–2 months)
8. Pitch to agencies and buyers (ongoing)
9. Cross-platform adaptation planning (parallel)

Stage 1 — Concept & research (1–2 months)

Start with a clear, culturally rooted high-concept hook: a sentence that sells the world. Examples: "A Riyadh-based courier who smuggles memories" or "A coastal sci-fi thriller set in NEOM-adjacent waters." Validate early: search keywords, test short polls in bilingual (Arabic/English) social groups, and map similar IP globally.

Actionable:

• Write a one-line logline and a one-paragraph synopsis.
• Create a list of comparable titles (comps) for pitch clarity.
• Identify cultural advisors and sensitivity readers in Saudi (مدقق لغوي ثقافي).

Stage 2 — Worldbuilding & bible (بناء العالم) (2–3 months)

Build a series bible — the central document you will use for the graphic novel and future adaptations. Include characters, timeline, locations, visual references, themes, and tone.

• Character arcs with 3–5 year trajectories.
• Visual moodboard: art style, color palettes, costume notes.
• Rules of the world — technology, religion, social norms (important for regional buyers).

Stage 3 — Script & issue prototyping (2–4 months)

Write the script for your pilot issue and a 3–5 issue skeleton. Keep pages tight and cinematic: the graphic novel must read like a visual pitch. If you plan to adapt to TV, think in scenes and beats that can map to episodes.

Actionable:

• Use a 22–24 page format for initial comic issues.
• Create a short animatic or motion-comic Reel (1–2 minutes) to show tone.
• Record early reader feedback from both Arabic and English testers.

Stage 4 — Art & production of pilot issue (3–6 months)

The art defines your IP. Hire a line-up: penciler, inker, colorist, letterer. For Saudi projects, prioritize artists who can deliver cultural authenticity and bilingual lettering (Arabic typography requires right-to-left composition and special kerning considerations).

Budget guide (approximate, 2026 prices):

• Script & line-art for pilot issue: 10,000–25,000 SAR (~2,700–6,700 USD)
• Full production (color + lettering + edits): 20,000–60,000 SAR (~5,300–16,000 USD)
• Sizzle reel / animatic (60–90s): 25,000–80,000 SAR (~6,700–21,300 USD)

Stage 5 — Launch & audience testing (2–3 months)

Start small, then scale. Release the pilot digitally on platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, or a bilingual Gumroad release. Run a Kickstarter or local crowdfunding campaign targeted to Saudi and MENA audiences — both validate demand and provide metrics buyers care about.

Metrics to capture:

• Reads/downloads and completion rates
• Pre-orders and crowdfunding backers
• Social engagement (shares, comments, DMs)
• Email list growth and geolocation data

Stage 6 — Metrics capture & rights packaging (1 month)

Consolidate rights early. Who owns the characters, screenplay adaptation rights, merchandising, and game rights? Create a rights matrix and register the work with an official copyright office. For Saudi creators, consider both local copyright registration and international platforms (e.g., WIPO notification).

Actionable:

• Draft a clear IP ownership agreement with collaborators.
• Register for local copyright protection and keep documented timestamps.
• Compile a one-page rights sheet for pitches.

Stage 7 — Sizzle reel & packaging for pitching (1–2 months)

Top agencies and buyers often ask for a visual sizzle: a 60–120 second reel combining art, voiceover, temp music, and key text cards. Combine your pilot art, animatic sequences, and a narrator delivering the logline and stakes.

Pitch package checklist:

1. One-page cover sheet with logline and comps
2. Series bible (10–20 pages) summarizing seasons/arcs
3. Pilot script (screen format) and sample issue
4. Sizzle reel (60–120s) and animatic materials
5. Metrics sheet (downloads, social, crowdfunding)
6. Talent attachments (if any) and rights memorandum

Stage 8 — Pitching to agencies (WME, CAA, UTA) and buyers

When you’re ready to pitch, target agencies and production partners that specialize in transmedia packaging. The WME–Orangery example shows agencies will sign studios that control strong IP and present scalable plans across screen, games, and consumer products.

What agents look for:

• Scalable IP: Can this property expand into TV, film, games, and merchandise?
• Audience traction: Proof the story resonates (metrics)
• Rights clarity: Who owns what, and can rights be licensed globally?
• Packaging: A clear production plan and attached talent reduce risk for buyers.

Practical pitching tips:

• Cold outreach is harder than warm intros — use festivals, fellowships, and industry mixers in Riyadh and Jeddah to meet producers and agents.
• Bring a bilingual packet: an English pitch for global buyers and Arabic materials for regional partners.
• Include a merchandising and revenue model in your pitch — agencies like to see secondary revenue streams.

Stage 9 — Planning cross-platform adaptations

Adaptation is not replication; it’s transformation. Treat the graphic novel as one expression of the IP. For TV, expand character interiority. For games, focus on systems and interactivity. For podcasts, leverage voice and soundscapes.

Adaptation checklist per platform:

• TV/Streaming: Series bible with season arcs, pilot script, budget range, showrunner attachment.
• Film: 90–120 page feature script and director notes.
• Games: Core gameplay loop, target platform, prototype or game bible.
• Podcasts/Audio Drama: Episode outlines, casting notes, sound design references.
• Merchandise: 3–5 proposed SKUs and license model.

Legal, rights & cultural compliance (must-do)

Protecting IP and complying with local regulations is non-negotiable. Work with a lawyer who understands both Saudi and international entertainment law. Make sure to:

• Set clear contributor agreements (work-for-hire vs. joint ownership).
• Register copyrights and consider trademarking franchise names and logos.
• Use cultural consultants to ensure compliance with Saudi content standards and avoid costly rewrites when approaching regional broadcasters.

Budgeting & funding sources (2026 perspective)

Funding can be hybrid: self-funding, crowdfunding, local cultural grants, private investors, and early pre-sales. Since 2024–2026, several regional programs and commissions have been more active in supporting IP-first projects; check programs from the Saudi Film Commission and General Entertainment Authority and regional festivals for grants and pitch forums.

Suggested early-stage funding targets:

• Pilot issue + sizzle reel: 60,000–150,000 SAR (16,000–40,000 USD)
• Pre-production for screen adaptation (treatment + pilot script): 50,000–200,000 SAR
• Series development & packaging (attach talent, prep materials): 200,000+ SAR

Marketing & community building — grow your fanbase the smart way

Audience is your leverage. Build a bilingual community from day one and give them ownership. Use serialized content, behind-the-scenes posts, creator livestreams, and local events. Metrics that demonstrate a passionate base help when pitching to agencies and buyers.

• Host Arabic/English AMA sessions on Twitter/X and Instagram Live.
• Use short-form reels and motion panels for TikTok and Snapchat to reach younger Saudi audiences.
• Run local pop-ups, signings, and tie-ins with cultural festivals like the Red Sea Film Festival.

Case study: Lessons from The Orangery (applied to Saudi projects)

The Orangery’s recent deal with WME shows several repeatable lessons for Saudi creators:

• Start with strong, visual IP: Their graphic novels established tone and fan interest.
• Consolidate rights early: Owning print, screen, and merchandising rights makes a studio attractive to agencies.
• Package and present: Sizzle reels, bibles, and data package the IP as investible.
• Think global from day one: Offer bilingual materials and universality of theme while keeping cultural specificity.

Checklist: What to have before you pitch (short)

• Logline + comps
• Series bible (10–20 pages)
• Pilot issue (print or digital) and pilot script
• Sizzle reel (60–120s)
• Metrics snapshot (reads, sales, crowdfunding)
• Rights memorandum and contributor agreements
• Basic budget & revenue model

Common roadblocks — and how to solve them

Roadblock: No funding to produce a professional pilot

Solution: Split the pilot into tiers. Produce a low-cost digital preview, run a Kickstarter for a paid issue, and apply for regional grants. Offer early backers bilingual rewards (Arabic prints, English digital editions).

Roadblock: Difficulty finding collaborators who understand local nuance

Solution: Build a local talent roster on Saudis.app Business Directory — list artists, letterers, and cultural consultants. Host a local creators’ meet to recruit and test chemistry before committing.

Roadblock: Pitch meetings go nowhere

Solution: Improve packaging. Agencies will respond to numbers, not just passion. Show engagement, pre-sales, and a clear licensing plan.

Future predictions — what 2026+ means for Saudi transmedia IP

• More global agencies will partner with regional studios that can present bilingual, rights-ready IP.
• Interactive cross-platform stories (AR/immersive experiences) will be a value-add in pitches.
• Regional fandom economies will incentivize direct-to-consumer releases alongside licensing deals.

Actionable takeaways — start this week

1. Write your one-line logline and three comps.
2. Draft a 5-page series bible: characters, world rules, episode seeds.
3. Build a one-minute animatic of your best scene using phone-recorded voiceover and static panels.
4. List your project on a local directory (Saudis.app Business Directory) and gather 100 email signups in 30 days.

Final notes — balance ambition with discipline

Transmedia success is both creative and commercial. Learn from The Orangery’s approach: start with exceptional visual IP, consolidate rights, and present measured, data-backed packages to agents like WME. For Saudi creators, the global market is more open than ever — but the path requires planning, bilingual assets, and smart community building.

Call to action — list your project, get feedback, and connect

Ready to turn your graphic novel into Saudi IP that travels? List your project in the Saudis.app Business Directory to get discovered by producers, agents, and local collaborators. Need a review of your pitch packet? Submit your one-page bible and sizzle link — our editors and local industry partners will give practical feedback to help you prepare for your first pitch.

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