As you may have noticed, more of the brands that we work with have been asking for more control and input than in past Tongal projects. As our projects continue to get bigger and more detailed, brands look for additional controls in a variety of forms - input on casting, script review, storyboard requests, etc. These controls ensure that the final content aligns with the brand’s expectations and goals.
In an effort to clearly communicate to our community what the expectations are on these projects, we are launching a new phase that will roll out with some of our upcoming projects. And so we proudly introduce: The Pre-Production Phase.
Starting with GMC, many of our new projects will now contain a Pre-Production Phase in order to accommodate Approvals from the brand. This phase comes after the Pitch Winners are selected and announced but before the start of the Video (or Series) Phase.
If a brand requires Approvals, Pitch Winners will need to satisfy those requests before they begin shooting their video. For instance, if a brand needs Headshot Approval on a project, filmmakers will need to submit headshots of their cast and receive final sign-off from the brand before they proceed to production. The goal here is to standardize the pre-production process and timeline so that Approvals are locked before production begins.
Here are some of the most common Approvals you may encounter:
· Script - If a brand requires Script Approval, you will need to submit a script or scripts for your Video(s) by the date listed in the project brief. The brand may provide feedback on your script and ask you to submit a new version of the script(s). There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a script is approved by the brand.
· Headshot - If a brand requires Headshot Approval, you will need to submit headshots for the cast of your video by the date listed in the project brief. You must submit at least two actor options per role. If the brand does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options.
· Storyboard - If a brand requires Storyboard Approval, you will need to submit a storyboard for your Video(s) by the date listed in the project brief. The brand may provide feedback on your storyboard and ask you to submit a new version of the storyboard.
· Location - If a brand requires Location Approval, you will need to submit multiple images of your primary filming location by the date listed in the project brief. The brand may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that.
· Stylist - If a brand requires Stylist Approval (food, hair, makeup, etc.), you will need to submit your planned Stylist with your Pitch submission. Once chosen as a Pitch Winner, the brand may either approve your Stylist or ask you to submit a new one for approval.
· Wardrobe - If a brand requires Wardrobe Approval, you will need to submit wardrobe options for the cast of your video by the date listed in the project brief. These can be descriptions and/or pictures. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role. If the brand does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new wardrobe options.
When you see a project with a Pre-Production Phase, it means that the brand requires these items to be submitted for sponsor Approval before you'll be allowed to move into the Video Phase and begin filming. No filmmakers are allowed to begin shooting their Video until after the Video Phase has officially begun. If you start shooting your Video during the Pre-Production Phase, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense) so please don't jump the gun. Please pay close attention to the Pre-Production and plan accordingly before submitting your Pitch.
We’re excited to be launching this new Tongal phase and we’re confident that it will streamline communication between Pitch Winners and brands. If you have any questions or feedback about this new phase, please reach out to us at info@tongal.com.
