Hollywood Scours Journalism’s Hidden Gems for Its Next Blockbuster Adaptations

A new initiative is bridging Hollywood and journalism. The IP List 2025 launched this week. It aims to become a vital resource for film and TV creators.

This catalog spotlights cinematic, adaptation-ready works from diverse newsrooms. It was created by journalist Christine McLaren with PopShift. The goal is to unlock stories beyond major legacy publications.

Democratizing the Source Material Pipeline for Studios

The list features works from small outlets and independent journalists. It also includes pieces from larger organizations. Stories range from investigative features to intimate human profiles.

According to details released by PopShift, the project tackles a clear gap. Major adaptation deals often bypass smaller newsrooms. This creates a false perception that few new stories exist to adapt.

Industry Leaders Herald a New Era for Authentic Storytelling

The project was guided by an advisory committee of industry leaders. This includes Emmy-nominated producer and writer Reza Aslan. He endorsed the list as a powerful bridge for authentic stories.

Romain Vakilitabar of Pathos Labs noted high demand from studios. Many are actively seeking new pathways to find undiscovered narrative gems. This initiative directly answers that industry need.

The push aims to enrich Hollywood’s creative pipeline. Simultaneously, it provides journalists with new opportunities and recognition. It turns rigorous reporting into the foundation for compelling screen stories.

This new list directly challenges Hollywood’s traditional sourcing habits. It promises a fresher, more diverse stream of journalistic IP for adaptation. The initiative could reshape where studios find their next great true story.

Info at your fingertips

What is The IP List 2025?

It is a curated catalog of journalistic works ripe for film and TV adaptation. The list focuses on stories from underrepresented newsrooms across the U.S. and Canada. It was created to connect these stories with Hollywood producers and writers.

Who created this project?

Journalist and editor Christine McLaren developed The IP List in collaboration with PopShift. PopShift is a project of the nonprofit Pathos Labs. An advisory committee of Hollywood and journalism leaders helped guide the effort.

What types of stories are on the list?

The catalog includes a wide variety of journalistic works. It features hard-hitting investigative pieces and deep human interest profiles. All entries are selected for their strong visual and narrative potential for adaptation.

Why is this list important for Hollywood?

It widens the pool of source material beyond a few major publications. This provides fresh, authentic stories from diverse perspectives. It helps studios find undiscovered narratives that resonate with modern audiences.

How does this benefit journalists?

It creates a new avenue for recognition and opportunity beyond traditional journalism. It can lead to option deals and collaborations for journalists at smaller outlets. This brings essential reporting to much broader audiences through entertainment.

Is this the first list from PopShift?

No. Last year, PopShift released a pilot list focused on fiction from underrepresented authors. Both projects received support from the Nielsen Foundation. The organization is building a track record of connecting creators with unique IP.