How to Get Your Brand Into Film and Television

For years, the path to entertainment was reserved for studios and networks. Brands that wanted in had two choices: sponsor someone else's show or run an ad during the break. Both options put the brand on the outside of the content, hoping to borrow attention rather than earn it.

That model is changing. Today, brands are funding, co-producing, and even owning original series and films. Not as vanity projects. As strategic assets that build long-term brand equity while reaching audiences through stories they actually want to watch.

If you are a brand exploring this for the first time, here is what you need to know.

What does it mean for a brand to get into film and TV?

It means moving beyond advertising and into ownership. Instead of buying 30 seconds during someone else's story, you become part of the story itself. This can take several forms:

Brand-funded production. The brand funds the production in exchange for integration, usage rights, and deliverables. The production company retains ownership and handles distribution. This is the most common entry point for brands new to entertainment.

Co-owned partnership. Brand and production company share ownership, revenue, and creative control under a negotiated agreement. This works well for brands with long-term content strategies and larger budgets.

Work-for-hire. The brand owns the content outright. The production company produces to spec. Most reputable producers are selective about these deals because creative control matters for quality.

How is this different from branded content?

Branded content is typically short form. A three-minute video, a social series, or a sponsored YouTube segment. It is often produced quickly, distributed on the brand's own channels, and designed to promote a product or campaign.

Branded entertainment is different. It is long form. A multi-episode series, a feature film, or a documentary that lives on streaming platforms, broadcast networks, or at live events. The production quality is cinematic. The story stands on its own. The brand lives inside the world of the show rather than on top of it.

What format is right for your brand?

This depends on your goals, your audience, and your budget:

Docuseries. Real stories, real people, real stakes. The most accessible format for brands entering entertainment. Cost-effective to produce, connects naturally with brand values, and performs well on streaming platforms.

Competition and reality formats. Original formats with built-in audience hooks. These work well for brands in sports, food, fitness, and lifestyle categories.

Scripted series. Narrative storytelling with actors, writers, and a full creative team. Higher budget, higher ceiling. Best for brands with ambitious creative goals.

Feature films. A single, standalone cinematic piece. The highest commitment but also the most culturally impactful when executed well.

How to find the right producing partner

Look for a partner who understands both the creative process and the strategic needs of a brand. They should have a story-first philosophy, distribution thinking, transparent deal structures, and real production infrastructure.

What does the process look like?

A typical engagement follows these stages: discovery call, concept development, deal structuring, pre-production, production, post-production, and delivery with distribution. From initial concept to delivery, a typical branded series takes three to nine months.

The best way to start is a strategy call with a producing partner who can walk you through the specifics for your brand, your goals, and your budget.