Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Underlying & adaptation rights · Core

Underlying material

Also called: underlying IP, source material

ELI5

The earlier material a screen project is based on, such as a book, article, play or life story.

Used in conversation

“The agreement should state underlying material clearly.”

Definition

Pre-existing material on which a proposed screen project is based, such as a book, article, play, life story or earlier work.

Here “Underlying material” means: Pre-existing material on which a proposed screen project is based, such as a book, article, play, life story or earlier work.

Pitch context

You may encounter “Underlying material” in rights, contracts, finance, distribution & labour conversations or materials.

Why it matters: Explains who controls, pays for, approves, exploits or bears risk around a project.

Sources & evidence · 8

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.