How does Netflix choose which books to turn into movies?

Every author dreams of the day when their words, carefully crafted and bound between the covers of a book, find their way into the hands of eager readers. For many, the ultimate dream extends beyond the pages—to a moment where their story is not just read, but seen by millions. Imagine this: your book is discovered by Netflix, the global streaming giant, and it becomes the latest blockbuster adaptation.

The screen lights up, and there, unfolding before the eyes of viewers worldwide, is your story. The rewards are immense—a substantial payday from Netflix, skyrocketing book sales, and a newfound audience for both your current and future works.

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But how does Netflix choose which books to adapt, and what does it take for an author’s dream to become a streaming reality? In this article, we will navigate the fascinating process behind Netflix’s selection and adaptation of books, exploring how stories are transformed from the page to the screen.

How stories are transformed from pages to Netflix movies

In-house literary scouting

Netflix’s in-house literary scouting is a crucial element in identifying stories with the potential to become successful screen adaptations. The company employs dedicated teams of readers, writers, and producers who are constantly on the lookout for compelling narratives.

These teams are deeply immersed in the literary world, reading books across a wide range of genres to discover stories that resonate with diverse audiences. By focussing on different genres, Netflix ensures they have a steady stream of content that appeals to various viewer preferences, from gripping thrillers to heartwarming romances and everything in between.

To enhance their scouting process, Netflix often organises internal book clubs where these teams come together to discuss potential adaptations. These book clubs serve as a collaborative space where ideas are exchanged, and the merits of each story are weighed against its adaptability to the screen.

In these discussions, they consider factors such as character depth, narrative structure, and the visual elements that could translate well into a cinematic experience. By fostering such a collaborative environment, Netflix ensures that only the most promising stories are selected for adaptation, maximising their chances of becoming the next big hit on the platform.

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Literary agents and publishers

Netflix’s success in identifying and adapting books into movies is significantly bolstered by the strong relationships it cultivates with literary agents and publishers. These relationships are built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of the industry’s dynamics.

Literary agents and publishers are often the gatekeepers of the literary world, representing a vast array of authors and holding the keys to some of the most promising new stories. By establishing close ties with these professionals, Netflix gains early access to a rich pool of literary works, often before they even hit the market. This early access allows Netflix to stay ahead of the curve, identifying potential hits before other studios or streaming services can stake a claim.

In addition to these relationships, the process of pitching plays a vital role in how books are brought to Netflix’s attention. Literary agents and publishers frequently pitch book ideas directly to Netflix, presenting stories that they believe have strong adaptation potential. These pitches are carefully crafted, highlighting the unique aspects of a book that would make it a compelling film or series.

Agents and publishers often emphasise elements such as strong character development, unique plot twists, and visual storytelling potential, knowing that these are key factors Netflix looks for in its adaptations.

By fostering open channels of communication with agents and publishers, Netflix ensures a steady flow of high-quality content, giving them a competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of streaming entertainment.

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Data analysis

Data analysis plays a pivotal role in Netflix’s strategy for selecting books to adapt into movies. By leveraging its vast repository of user data, Netflix is able to gain deep insights into the viewing preferences of its global audience.

The platform meticulously analyses data on what users are watching, which genres they gravitate towards, and even which types of characters and storylines resonate the most. This information allows Netflix to identify popular genres and authors that are likely to appeal to its subscribers. For instance, if a particular genre like psychological thrillers is trending among viewers, Netflix might prioritise seeking out books in that genre for adaptation.

Similarly, if a specific author has a strong following on the platform, Netflix might explore acquiring the rights to their works, knowing there’s already a built-in audience eager to see these stories come to life on screen.

In addition to analysing user preferences, Netflix keeps a close eye on trending books and bestsellers in the broader literary market. The company tracks which books are climbing the bestseller lists and monitors the success of recent book-to-screen adaptations. This helps Netflix identify stories that are not only popular with readers but also have the potential to become successful movies or series.

By focussing on trending books, Netflix can tap into the existing buzz surrounding a title, ensuring that their adaptation will attract a significant audience. Furthermore, by tracking the success of other adaptations, Netflix can glean valuable insights into what works well in the transition from page to screen, allowing them to refine their own adaptation strategies and increase the chances of producing a hit.

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Independent film circuit

Netflix also casts a wide net in the independent film circuit to uncover hidden literary gems. Film festivals and indie movie showcases often become fertile ground for discovering promising books that might otherwise go unnoticed. These events offer a platform for smaller, independent films to shine, and within these projects lie stories with untapped potential.

To secure the rights to these promising titles, Netflix acquires options on books that resonate with their audience and strategic goals. An option essentially gives Netflix a period of time to explore the possibility of adapting the book into a film or series. This strategic approach allows them to carefully assess the project’s viability and potential fit within their content library.

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Audience suggestions

Netflix also listens closely to the pulse of its audience through social media. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are treasure troves of fan feedback, with users passionately expressing their book-to-screen desires.

By analysing trends, hashtags, and direct messages, Netflix can gauge which stories are generating the most buzz and excitement. This data-driven approach helps them identify potential adaptations that align with audience interests and expectations.

Furthermore, Netflix leverages its vast user base to refine its book selection process. Detailed viewer data, including watch history, ratings, and search queries, provides invaluable insights into audience preferences.

By understanding which genres, authors, and storylines resonate most strongly with subscribers, Netflix can make informed decisions about which books to acquire. This data-centric approach ensures that the content library continues to evolve in tandem with the evolving tastes of its viewers.

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Author outreach

In addition to traditional scouting methods, Netflix often takes a proactive approach by directly reaching out to authors whose work aligns with their vision. This direct engagement allows for open dialogue about potential adaptations, giving authors a platform to share their ideas and aspirations for their stories. Such collaborations can foster strong partnerships and result in authentic and compelling on-screen adaptations.

Once a book is selected, a rigorous process of scriptwriting, casting, and production begins. Netflix also considers factors like budget, target audience, and potential for a franchise when making adaptation decisions.