YouTube Provides Unprecedented Depth of Largely Untapped Writing Talent

The internet has transformed nearly every industry, and entertainment is no exception. While the advent of streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video has reshaped how we consume television and film, YouTube has quietly been building something equally revolutionary: a community of deeply knowledgeable creators whose expertise can—and should—be leveraged by major studios. Nowhere is this more evident than in the expansive communities of lore experts, individuals who have devoted thousands of hours to analyzing, dissecting, and explaining the intricate worlds of beloved franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.

YouTube channels such as In Deep Geek—known for its in-depth analyses of J.R.R. Tolkien's works and George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire—are prime examples of this largely untapped resource. As franchises expand, such as Amazon's The Rings of Power and HBO's House of the Dragon, the role of lore experts becomes not just helpful, but essential. These creators bring a level of narrative understanding and detail that could significantly enrich these massive projects. Yet, many studios overlook this talent pool, potentially to the detriment of their own content.

The Rise of YouTube Lore Experts

Over the last decade, YouTube has grown into more than a video-sharing platform. It has become a haven for hyper-focused communities built around niche topics, ranging from deep dives into Star Wars lore to in-depth explorations of the literary themes within Dune. Channels like In Deep Geek have amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers by offering detailed breakdowns of fantastical worlds, bridging the gap between casual viewers and hardcore fans.

In Deep Geek, for example, produces high-quality content focusing on deep explorations of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, offering nuanced discussions about characters, story arcs, and lesser-known aspects of the universes these creators have built. With years of research and hundreds of videos, channels like these provide an unmatched level of expertise that could benefit screenwriters, producers, and showrunners tackling these complex properties.

For instance, the In Deep Geek channel spends hours unraveling the political intricacies of the Targaryen dynasty or breaking down the rich mythology of Middle-earth. In many ways, these creators have become the foremost experts in their field, often rivaling the depth of understanding found in academic circles or among professional writers. Yet, as major franchises move forward with new adaptations and original series, these YouTube experts are often left on the sidelines.

Why Lore Matters

At its core, fantasy—especially epic fantasy—lives and dies by its world-building. When studios take on the monumental task of adapting sprawling works like Tolkien’s The Silmarillion or Martin’s Targaryen histories, a superficial understanding of the source material can lead to missteps. Fans of these works are often deeply invested in the lore, and any perceived deviation from canon can spark intense backlash.

We saw this with Amazon’s The Rings of Power, which faced criticism from certain segments of the Tolkien fan base for its liberties with the source material. While some of these critiques were based on artistic choices, others stemmed from a sense that the series lacked a comprehensive grasp of Tolkien's deeper themes and historical context.

Similarly, HBO's House of the Dragon, while largely praised for staying true to the spirit of Martin’s Fire & Blood, could have benefitted from further consultation with lore experts to deepen the narrative and political maneuvering of its Targaryen power struggles. These intricate details matter. They contribute to the authenticity of the world and the satisfaction of fans who have spent years immersed in these stories.

Why Studios Should Embrace YouTube Experts

So why should studios turn to YouTube channels like In Deep Geek when they have professional writers and lore consultants already on payroll? The answer lies in specialization and passion.

Most writers in Hollywood are generalists. They are capable of writing across genres and crafting narratives that appeal to a wide audience. However, lore-heavy properties like The Rings of Power or House of the Dragon require more than just good storytelling; they demand a granular understanding of the worlds these stories are set in. This is where YouTube experts come in. Unlike traditional consultants who might be hired for a brief period, these creators have spent years immersed in the lore, engaging with both academic texts and fan interpretations, and are deeply invested in the material.

YouTube creators often take a different approach to understanding a text. Their content is driven not by commercial interests but by genuine passion and curiosity. They delve into the minutiae of a world, exploring its historical context, examining its themes, and debating fan theories. This dedication is exactly what large-scale productions need to avoid the pitfalls of superficial adaptations and to satisfy both casual viewers and die-hard fans.

Additionally, YouTube lore experts have a pulse on the fan community, something that is invaluable when adapting beloved works. They understand what fans want, where the discussions are centered, and what aspects of the lore are non-negotiable. Studios that incorporate this feedback directly into their projects are likely to have smoother, more successful releases.

A Collaborative Future

Imagine a future where YouTube lore experts like those from In Deep Geek are consulted from the very beginning of a production process. Not just as occasional consultants, but as integral members of the creative team—helping craft storylines, ensuring continuity with the original texts, and representing the fan community. By tapping into this wellspring of knowledge, studios could create adaptations that feel more authentic, cohesive, and faithful to the source material.

The opportunity here is twofold: not only could studios avoid the kind of backlash that often accompanies deviations from canon, but they could also tap into an existing fan base that is eager to see their favorite stories handled with care and respect. With fantasy franchises growing larger and more ambitious, the need for detailed, lore-rich storytelling has never been greater.

YouTube has already democratized access to expertise. It’s time for studios to recognize this and start integrating these talented creators into their projects. Lore experts like In Deep Geek aren’t just fans—they are scholars, researchers, and writers who can provide the kind of depth that these sprawling stories require. With them onboard, the future of franchise storytelling could reach new levels of richness and immersion.