If you
ever wanted
the chance
to pitch
your own
streaming
series,
this is your
universe.
ever wanted
the chance
to pitch
your own
streaming
series,
this is your
universe.
Scroll below to learn more!
Watch the BTSAbout
DC Universe has teamed up with Ideas United to offer fans a chance to pitch their original non-narrative unscripted ideas with one of them ultimately becoming an original streaming series. We asked fans across the country to submit their original concepts that deliver authentic fan voices that are not only innovative and interesting, but leave audiences wanting more. From game shows to game play, from hot takes to hot food, and from hero appreciation to personal tales of heroic triumph, DC Universe is on the hunt for inspiring shows inspired by the world of DC.
- Fans have submitted their best show ideas.
- The top ten will pitch their ideas directly to DCU executives.
- The top three will develop their ideas with DC Universe & iU for pilots.
Prizing
Round 1: The top 25 submissions each earn $250!
Round 2: The top 10 submissions each earn $1,000 plus a trip to pitch your idea to DCU executives and industry professionals in Los Angeles!
Round 3: The top 3 submissions each earn $5,000 and an Associate Producer credit in the pilot! The winners also receive travel to the pilot shoot and the chance to work alongside the crew to bring the show to life.
Round 4: The entrant for the top pilot will earn another $5,000 and an Associate Producer credit in the DC Universe series! The winner also receives travel to the pilot shoot and the chance to work alongside the crew to bring the series to life.
Timeline
OCT 3, 2019
Submissions Open
NOV 18, 2019
Submissions Close
DEC 13, 2019
Top 10 Ideas Selected
JAN 8-10, 2020
Pitch Event (Top 3 Ideas Chosen by DC Universe)
MAR 2020
Pilots Development begins
JUN 2020
Pilots Premiere
How-to
- Read the rules!
- Brainstorm a brilliant idea for an original streaming series!
- Submit your idea here & join iU’s network (if you’re not already a member, you can apply while you submit)!
- Find out if you’re a Top 10 finalist on December 13, 2019!
- Fly to LA! Prepare your pitch with industry professionals.
- Develop your idea with DC Universe & iU for pilot production!
- Win cash and prizes!
- Inspire the Multiverse!
Rules
Original non-narrative unscripted show ideas only. All narrative interpretations of DC’s characters will be disqualified. Don’t submit that Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman story you’ve always wanted to tell.
You must be an active and approved member of Ideas United’s network.
You must be 18 years of age or older.
You must be a legal resident of the United States of America.
You must complete the Submission Form and submit a Creative Component.
By entering, you agree to the Official Rules including the granting of rights and indemnities to Ideas United and DC Universe.
* See the Official Rules for all official guidelines and rules.
FAQ
Why do I need to be a member of Ideas United (iU)’s network?
Ideas United is DC Universe’s creative partner and we are using the platform for all submissions. If you’re not already a member, it’s quick and easy to apply when you submit your entry into DCYou Unscripted.
How long is the iU network application approval process?
Once you’ve completed your submission and application, you should hear back within three business days.
What happens if I am not accepted into iU’s network?
Unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in the program. You are welcome to reapply to iU’s network with updated assets for consideration.
How do I submit?
You can submit your idea by visiting: https://DCUunscripted.com and clicking SUBMIT to complete the Submission Form and submit a Creative Component.
What is the “Creative Component”?
Outside of the Submission Form we would love to see some further creative that would help us understand and appreciate your idea. This could be a treatment, a video teaser, storyboards, a pitch deck, etc.
Are teams allowed to enter?
Yes, up to two people may enter as a team or you may enter as an individual.
Can I submit multiple ideas?
Yes. You or your team may submit as many ideas as you would like.
What does “All narrative interpretations of DC’s characters will be disqualified” mean?
DCYou Unscripted is looking for non-narrative ideas inspired by the world of DC. We are not looking for the new Wonder Woman, Batman, or Superman stories that you’ve been thinking of, but do want to hear ideas built on what those characters mean to fans: someone that makes their own Bat-gadgets or that’s built their own Batcave.
What are some examples of non-narrative forms or genres?
They can run the gamut. Travel shows. Game shows. Reality shows. Documentaries. The list goes on.
Can I submit from my phone?
You are welcome to submit your idea through our mobile website, but we suggest using a desktop platform to ensure everything works smoothly.
When is my submission due?
All submissions need to be fully submitted by 11:59 PM PDT on November 18, 2019.
How do I know if you received my submission?
You will receive a confirmation email upon successful completion of the Submission Form and Creative Component.
When will I hear if I’ve made it into the Top 10?
You can expect to hear from the Ideas United team via email by or around December 13, 2019, if your idea has been chosen to be pitched to DCU executives and industry professionals. You can always reach us at: family@ideasunited.com if you need more info.
What happens after the ideas are chosen?
Once the Top 10 ideas are chosen, the participants will be invited to pitch their idea to DCU executives and industry professionals. From there, THREE (3) ideas will be chosen to have pilots developed.
When is the pitch experience?
The pitch event will be at the beginning of January 2020 in Los Angeles, California.
Is travel covered for the pitch meeting?
Yes. We’ll take care of travel and lodging for the creators (up to 2 official team members) of the 10 ideas selected to be pitched.
When does production start on the pilots?
The selected pilots will be produced between March and April of 2020.
What happens if I am chosen in the top 25?
If your entry is chosen as a top 25 entry, we will contact you and provide you with an agreement that will allow us to continue to review your idea. This agreement will include a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) and an Option Purchase agreement. If an entrant does not choose to sign the NDA and Option agreement within the timeline in the Official Rules, the entry will be disqualified.
What can I earn?
Round 1: The top 25 submissions each earn $250!
Round 2: The top 10 submissions each earn $1,000 plus a trip to pitch your idea to DCU executives and industry professionals in Los Angeles!
Round 3: The top 3 submissions each earn $5,000 and an Associate Producer credit in the pilot! *This includes travel to the pilot shoot and the chance to work alongside the crew to bring the show to life.
Round 4: The entrant for the top pilot will earn another $5,000 and an Associate Producer credit in the DC Universe series! *This includes travel to the series shoot.
Round 2: The top 10 submissions each earn $1,000 plus a trip to pitch your idea to DCU executives and industry professionals in Los Angeles!
Round 3: The top 3 submissions each earn $5,000 and an Associate Producer credit in the pilot! *This includes travel to the pilot shoot and the chance to work alongside the crew to bring the show to life.
Round 4: The entrant for the top pilot will earn another $5,000 and an Associate Producer credit in the DC Universe series! *This includes travel to the series shoot.
Will I get credited?
Each ideator whose pilot is produced will be credited in the finished work. If you work on the pilot or series in an additional capacity, you will receive the appropriate credit for that role as well.
Who votes? Panel/judges?
A panel comprised of DCU executives and industry professionals will review and judge the TOP 10 ideas during the in-person pitch event and determine the THREE (3) pilots to be produced.
What happened to my entry?
You can expect to hear from the Ideas United team on or around December 13, 2019 if your idea has been chosen to be pitched. You can always reach us at: family@ideasunited.com if you need more info.
Who owns my idea?
The top 25 entrants will option their rights to DC Universe while we are choosing the top 3 entrants. After we choose the top 3 entrants, the 22 entrants who are not chosen will be released from the option agreement and will continue to own all of the rights in their ideas and creative submissions (excluding any intellectual property previously owned by DCU). All entries that are not selected will revert back to the entrant. If an entry is chosen to be produced as a pilot, DC Universe will execute the rights under the Option Purchase Agreement and will retain ownership of the idea and all creative submitted with the idea. See the Official Rules for details.
Can I use crowdsourcing to increase the pilot production budget?
No, the budgets for each produced pilot will be subject to the discretion of DC Universe and Ideas United.
How old do I have to be to participate?
You must be 18 years or older to submit an idea into the program.
What if my question isn't answered here?
You can reach out to us at family@ideasunited.com with any questions.
* See the Official Rules for all official guidelines and rules.