PRpressIP

Press Release Template for Agency Signings: 'The Orangery + WME' Style

ssentences

2026-02-10

10 min read

A modular, trade-ready press release + headline pack to win coverage for agency signings in 2026—plug-and-play templates, quotes, and pitch tactics.

Hook: Stop rewriting releases for every outlet — use a modular, trade-ready press release that lands

Agencies and publicity teams: you have one shot to land trade press coverage for a new signing. Pitch editors want a sharp lead, usable quotes, clear rights/representation details and high-quality assets — fast. If your releases wander, omit facts or bury the news, they get ignored. This modular press release + headline bundle, built in the “Orangery + WME” style, gives you plug-and-play copy and pitching tactics designed to win trades like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline in 2026.

Why this matters in 2026: trends shaping agency signings and trade coverage

Trade editors in 2026 are dealing with shorter deadlines, tighter staffing and a premium on transmedia-ready stories: IP with cross-platform potential (comics → streaming → games) is now a primary beat. Also shaping coverage:

Transmedia demand: Studios and streamers seek IP that can scale across formats; signings that position rights and adaptation potential get faster pickups.
Globalization: European and APAC creators are major sources of distinctive IP — reporters now expect clear translation/localization notes and international release plans.
AI-assisted editing: Editors use AI to triage releases; clear, structured copy increases the chance an AI flags your story for human attention.
Exclusive economy: Trades still pay for true exclusives — but exclusivity must be justified with unique access, assets or interviews.

What this pack delivers (quick)

A modular press release template designed for agency signings
20 headline options (trade, social, SEO-friendly)
Three quote templates (agent, founder, talent)
Email subject lines, pitch scripts and follow-up cadence
Trade-targeted distribution checklist and embargo playbook

Inverted-pyramid template: the modular press release (fill-in-the-blanks)

Use these blocks to assemble a release fast. Each block is interchangeable depending on outlet and angle (exclusive, global expansion, rights sale).

1) Headline (choose one from the options below)

DECK / SUBHEAD (1 line): One sentence adding the “why now” — mention representation, rights, or recent success metric (sales, streaming numbers).

2) Dateline & Lead (35–50 words)

FORMAT: CITY, STATE/COUNTRY — Month Day, Year — Lead sentence that answers Who + What + Why now + Proof.

Example formula: [Agency] has signed [Company/Talent], the [short descriptor and notable IP or metric], to represent [rights/areas]. The deal comes after [recent success or event], positioning both for [next-step opportunity].

3) Key bullet highlights (3–6 bullets)

Highlight 1 — most newsworthy fact (rights, deals, sales figures)
Highlight 2 — transmedia/adaptation potential
Highlight 3 — international or festival traction
Highlight 4 — notable collaborators or previous credits

4) Context paragraph (2–4 short paragraphs)

Expand the lead with context: company history, flagship IP, audience numbers, platform performance and recent milestones — keep it data-driven and link-ready.

5) Quotes (plug-and-play templates)

Provide one quote from the agency, one from the founder or talent, and an optional partner quote. Keep quotes specific, forward-looking and usable verbatim.

"Agency quote: 'We're thrilled to represent [Company/Talent]. Their [IP/vision] fits right into the market demand for [trend]. We look forward to packaging projects across [film/TV/games/merch].'"

"Founder/talent quote: 'Partnering with [Agency] gives us the capacity to scale our IP for [audiences/platforms]. This signing enables us to pursue [ambition].'"

6) Boilerplate variants (short, long, transmedia)

Include three boilerplate lengths so trades can pick the one-sentence or paragraph version they prefer.

Short (one line): [Company] is a [descriptor] creating [IP types] known for [flagship titles].
Standard (one paragraph): [Company] is a transmedia studio founded in [year]. It develops graphic novels, TV/film adaptations and immersive experiences. Notable works include [title1] and [title2], which have [awards/sales/streams].
Transmedia (extended): Add rights breakdown, languages, international partners, and current adaptation status (optioned, in development, sold). This version is essential for trades focused on deals.

7) Media & Assets checklist

High-res logo (PNG, EPS)
Key art and character stills (300 dpi)
B-roll and sizzle reel (mp4, 1080p/4K)
One-sheet(s) for IP and rights grid (who owns what)
Contact list for interview requests

Use these tested headline structures. Trade editors prefer clear, specific headlines; social can be punchier.

Trade-style (short, 8–12 words)

Transmedia Studio [The Orangery] Signs With WME
[Agency] Adds European Transmedia Shop Behind '[Flagship Title]'
[Agency] Reps Graphic-Novel IP Studio After Fast Growth

Feature / Narrative (12–18 words)

From Page to Screen: [Studio] Teams With [Agency] to Expand '[Title]' into Film, TV and Games
How [Studio]'s Comic Hit '[Title]' Landed a Deal With [Agency] — and What's Next

Agency Signing: [The Orangery] + WME — Transmedia Rights & Adaptation
[Studio] Signs With WME | Graphic Novel IP & Transmedia News

Email subject lines & pitch snippets that work with trade desks

Swap the variables to fit the outlet and whether you offer an exclusive.

EXCLUSIVE: [Agency] Signs [Studio] Behind '[Title]'
Announcement: [Agency] to Represent [Studio] — Rights & Adaptation Plans
[Studio] + [Agency] — assets & interview availability

Pitch body (50–80 words): Give the lead sentence, 2 bullets of proof (metrics, festival wins, option status), and note availability for interviews. Attach assets and prefer links to a secure press kit.

Embargo & exclusives playbook

An exclusive to a top trade (e.g., Variety) still moves the needle — but only if it's real access. Late 2025 and early 2026 patterns show editors honor real exclusives that include unique interviews or first-look assets. If you offer an exclusive:

Confirm the outlet and embargo terms in writing.
Provide a timed press kit link and schedule for embargo lift (time zone and exact minute).
Plan rapid secondary distribution immediately after the exclusive runs.

If you don't have an exclusive, send an immediate-wide release timed to morning trade windows (see distribution checklist below).

Timing & distribution checklist (trade-focused)

Best days: Tuesday–Thursday (use morning ET for US-based trades; 9–11 a.m. ET).
Lead time: 24–48 hours for features; same-day for breaking signings or deals.
Target list: Primary trades (Variety, THR, Deadline), then niche verticals (comics/graphic-novel trades, animation journals), then business outlets for rights/sales angles.
Localization: Send translated pitches (English + local language) for major markets if signing a non-US company.
Follow-up: One gentle reminder 2–4 hours after distribution, a second follow-up the next morning for missed contacts.

Pitch persona & angle mapping

Match your angle to the outlet's beat:

Variety/THR: Deal focus, rights, cross-media packaging, talent reps
Deadline: Speed, exclusives, agency/watt-buzz relevance
Comics trades (e.g., CBR): Creator background, story universe, art team
Business/Investor press: Financing, IP valuation, international sales

Practical quote coaching — get usable soundbites every time

Editors want pithy, publishable quotes. Use these coaching bullets with spokespeople:

Keep quotes under 35–40 words.
Make each quote forward-looking: mention what you're packaging or pitching next.
Include one concrete metric or named partner if possible.
Avoid jargon and legal-sounding hedges.

Case example: A bespoke 'Orangery + WME' style sample release

Below is a concise, trade-ready example you can adapt. This mirrors the type of announcement that generated coverage in January 2026 while remaining an original sample tailored for your agency use.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WME REPS EUROPEAN TRANSMEDIA STUDIO THE ORANGERY
Deck: The Turin-based studio behind graphic novels 'Traveling to Mars' and 'Sweet Paprika' joins WME for global packaging and adaptations

TURIN, Italy — Jan. 16, 2026 — The William Morris Endeavor Agency (WME) has signed The Orangery, a European transmedia IP studio behind the bestselling graphic novels 'Traveling to Mars' and 'Sweet Paprika', to represent the company's global adaptation and licensing rights. The deal follows a string of international licensing wins and accelerated interest from streamers and game studios.

Highlights:
• 'Traveling to Mars' has sold over 250k copies in Europe and is optioned for television development.
• 'Sweet Paprika' has a strong adult readership and merchandising potential identified by European retailers.
• The Orangery will partner with WME to pursue feature, TV and game adaptations across North America and international territories.

"We're thrilled to work with The Orangery," said [WME Executive]. "Their original IP and bold worldbuilding fit the market's appetite for transmedia stories with global appeal."

"Partnering with WME gives us the reach to scale our IP across screens and platforms," said Davide G.G. Caci, founder of The Orangery. "This is the start of a new chapter for our stories and creators."

Press contact: [Name], [Agency], [email], [phone]
Assets: High-res images and sizzle reel available at secure assets

Boilerplate: The Orangery is a Turin-based transmedia studio creating graphic novels, immersive experiences and IP for screen adaptations. WME is a global talent agency representing film, TV, music and multimedia rights.

Advanced strategy: tailoring for transmedia and global rights buyers

When your announcement includes IP with transmedia potential, add a short rights grid and status table in the release or as an attachment. Buyers and trades care about:

Which rights are controlled (film, TV, stage, audio, games, merchandising)
Existing option or license deals and their territories/durations
Key attachments or producers already involved

Include a one-line summary for each flagship title: genre, audience, units sold/streams, and adaptation status. This makes it easy for editors to assess newsworthiness quickly.

SEO & metadata tips for digital pickups

Use targeted keywords in headline and subhead: press release, agency signing, WME, trade press, transmedia.
Include canonical link to your press page and open graph tags in the press kit for social embed quality.
Alt text for images should include title and rights owner (e.g., "Traveling to Mars key art — The Orangery").

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Vague headlines — be specific about representation and rights.
No assets — editors skip releases with no usable images or b-roll.
Overused 'exclusive' claims — only offer exclusives when you can deliver unique access.
For international signings, failing to localize pitch material — translate at least the pitch and deck.

Actionable takeaways (copy-and-use checklist)

Pick a headline from the list and test it in the subject line.
Craft a 40–50 word lead that answers Who + What + Why now + Proof.
Include 3 short bullets with metrics and rights status.
Provide 2–3 publishable quotes and a short boilerplate.
Package a press kit link with high-res assets and a rights grid.
Send to primary trades at 9–11 a.m. ET; offer an exclusive only if you can provide interview access or assets.

Final thoughts — why modular wins

In 2026, speed and clarity beat flourish. Editors, algorithms and buyers want structured, data-forward announcements that make decisions simple. A modular press release — with ready-made headlines, quotes and asset packs — scales your agency’s ability to announce signings, close deals and secure trade visibility without rewriting from scratch every time.

Call to action

Ready to convert signings into headlines? Download the full Templates & Prompt Bundle for agency signings (trade-ready headlines, 50+ email subject lines, and editable release blocks) or request a bespoke release review from our senior editor. Email press@sentences.store with "Agency Signing Pack" to get started — we’ll return an edit within 24 hours.

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