Time to make us laugh! Produce a comedic three-part video suite that highlights how timing works for dealers when it comes to buying a car on EBlock's automotive live auction site, using one of three playful and unexpected concepts.

E INC is an automotive company that specializes in both wholesale and retail distribution of automotive vehicles through their digital platforms. They are committed to the development, delivery, and relentless refinement of the online buying experience, in order to help maximize efficiency and offer cost savings when it comes to buying both everyday consumer cars and high-end luxury cars. Their digital dealer-to-dealer auction platform EBlock combines a buying experience that dealers know and love with the extensive online audience that wholesalers demand - all in real time. Now, sure, none of that's particularly funny, right? But comedy is about timing, and one of the big benefits with EBlock is about timing, so we're gonna use that to your comedic advantage.

E INC is looking for a witty and entertaining filmmaker to create a suite of three 1-2 minute live action videos based on some comedic concepts that have fun with the concept of timing. There are three different concepts in the Background, and you'll need to pick one of them to create three hero videos focused around that concept. The timing thematic is pretty obvious in each one, but you'll want to really think about timing as a whole, and how timing relates to how EBlock functions, because that's what's going to make this succeed. EBlock auctions are thrilling because they run at the same quick pace as a live car auction - where timing is everything - but they also have specific features that work for any car dealer looking to buy or sell cars fast. 

We are looking for some high-energy and comedic videos that revolve around the fact that their online auctions and core values are all about timing. It's important that you introduce the brand and hook the audience in the first few seconds, while keeping them engaged throughout the stories. Each video should have a lot of comedy setup (slapstick, falling off your seat, or even ironic and awkward situations) along with a narrative that help highlight the core values of EBlock. While each video can stand on its own, we want them each to uniquely play on the concept so all three videos feel connected and coherent. 

For your pitch, we’re asking that you illustrate your creative approach for one of the three concepts, so make sure the base of the concept remains, but feel free to put your own clever spin on it. You should make sure to give us a good sense of exactly what your videos will involve, how you intend to make viewers laugh, and how you could develop this concept to work as an ongoing series for EBlock. We are ideally looking for live action videos, but if you have a thoughtful or creative way to incorporate animation, stop motion, or motion graphics alongside or on top of that live action footage, we would be open to seeing those approaches.

For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 15 Total Assets.

• Three :60-:120 Hero Videos (16x9)
• Three :30 Cutdowns (16x9,1x1)
• Three :15 Cutdowns (16x9,1x1)

TIMELINE: Full project timeline

EXPOSURE:

• E.Inc and EBlock's Website, Youtube, Linkedin, and Facebook
• Please review the platform best practices page.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• Canada and U.S.
• Business to Business
• Car Dealers and Auto Auction Goers

TONE: Funny. Funnier. Hilarious even. Action packed, informative surprising, original, clever.

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• Your videos MUST contain the EBlock logo and keep their Brand Guidelines in mind.
• If client is not able to physically be on set, you MUST provide a live feed of the shoot for client feedback.
• Your videos SHOULD highlight the core values that EBlock functions on which you can see in the Background section.
• Your videosSHOULD keep in mind that EBlock is not intended for the everyday consumer. They are a business-to-business site that specifically markets to car dealers or car dealerships.
• Your videos SHOULD keep in mind that this is an online automotive auction company with a big emphasis on technology.
• Your videos can show branding on vehicles as long as the vehicles are being shown on the UI from the site or the app.
• Each video SHOULD be able to stand on its own, but we want them each to uniquely play on the concept so they all feel connected.

OPEN BID: 

• This is an open bid project, so you will get to set your own budget proposal up to $90,000. The Sponsor is interested in seeing tiered pricing options, so please feel free to submit various versions of your pitch at budget, target, and reach price points within that price range.
• By participating in this open bid project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a bid. Though most open bid projects on our platform do move forward with a greenlit bid, we will notify you in the event the Sponsor decides not to fund any bids via the project forum. Regardless of the result, all open bid submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and the project team.

Shooting live action or stop motion? Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety, and we're now requiring a COVID safety protocol plan for all relevant productions. Please review our COVID-19 Production Safety Guide and check federal, state, and local rules before and during your shoot to make sure your on-set protocols are up to date. We're working hard to keep people working during this extraordinary time, and you should ensure your submission is executable within the anticipated timeline and budget, while also ensuring everyone's safety.

VIDEO CONCEPTS - Your pitch should be based on ONE of these three concepts, each recently sourced from the Tongal community:

1. A Comedy of Errors - Imagine a Dad reading the paper when his wife yells from upstairs: "Did you get the car for Sarah's sweet sixteen?" Dad frantically pulls up EBlock: cut to daughter beaming and mom glaring at the new car. Mom to Dad: "I said, 'Did you get the card? The Card!'" For this concept, think about how misunderstandings like this could lead to a comedy of errors and use that to show just how fast and effective EBlock can be. That said, let's make sure that car dealers are the ones buying and selling cars in your videos, not just "Dad."
   
   
2. Romeo & Juliette - In this concept, we find out what would have happened if the timing was a little better in the classic story of Romeo and Juliet. If you don't remember, in the original story Juliet takes a poison to fake her own death and run away with Romeo, but he finds her before she awakens and, thinking her dead, he takes his own life... just moments before she reawakens. It's the very definition of bad timing - but in our approach, the timing worked out and we find them years later, living in a modern world, creating a couple's vlog and - while maybe they're past their honeymoon phase - they love to talk up EBlock and how things can work out for the best when the timing is right.

   
   

3. Timing Is... Kinda Important - Focus on awkward situations and mishaps that are only awkward because of bad timing, and use them to convey just how important timing can be. Imagine: someone claps too early at a play, or someone laughs at the first sentence of a story and misses the punchline, or a football player jumps for the ball before it's close enough, or a drummer plays way off the beat, etc.

EBLOCK CORE VALUES:

• Only EBlock’s real-time virtual auction can create the sense of urgency & energy found in a live auction. 
• Cars bought and sold in 60 seconds: Cars are "up on the block" for a limited amount of time, bidding goes quickly and cars are often sold within a minute.
• Set auction times for easy planning & prep: Our online auctions always start at a set time, 1:30PM PT and 1:30PM ET every Tuesday and Thursday. So you always know exactly when and where to show up. We are unlike other digital auctions, like eBay, that take the approach where auctions are running all day long, which makes it very difficult for buyers because they need to watch the auction all the time.
• Features to make buying fast & efficient: We send a run list before the auction starts which showcases all of the vehicles that will be up for sale in that day's auction which helps buyers to get prepared. Additionally, at the live auction there are multiple lanes running at the same time. 
• Powerful filter & search tools to connect the best buyers with the right inventory: Live reps making decisions in real time. At live action auctions the "rep" (seller) of the vehicle stands up next to the auctioneer and watches the bids and can make a call at any time to say they are happy with the price and that the next bid wins - we have a similar functionality on the app that allows the seller of the vehicle to indicate that they are ready to sell at the current price.

EXAMPLE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION, TONE, AND STYLE 

• Athenos Yiayia Suite
• Progressive Dr.Rick Parenta Life Coach Suite

EBLOCK DEMO - This demo video provides a through breakdown of what the EBlock sites looks like and how the live auction functions.

• Demo Video

In order to be considered for this project, you must include the below materials in your pitch submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this video.

• EINC COMEDY CONCEPT (REQUIRED): Please use the dropdown menu to specify which concept you are pitching for.

• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what's going to happen in the video. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.
  
  
• BID/BUDGET (REQUIRED): This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. The Sponsor would like each producer to create all of the videos listed in the Deliverables section within a total budget up to $90,000. Please ensure that your budget factors in appropriate COVID safety protocols (i.e. testing, PPE, cleaning supplies, backup talent, etc.). You can download the budget template here.
  
  
• COVID PROTOCOL (REQUIRED): Please let us know your team’s COVID safety protocols for production. If you’re doing everything yourself, or your team will be working 100% remotely, let us know that this won’t apply. Otherwise, at the very minimum, your safety plan must include information about:
  • What city and state you plan to film in
  • Whether you are filming interiors or exteriors
  • Approximately how many people you plan to have on set
  • How you’ll account for testing, PPE, and distancing on set
  • How you’ll handle talent and backup talent, including any hair, make-up, and wardrobe needs
  • Whether you’ll have a dedicated compliance officer on set

• APPRENTICESHIP ADVISOR (Optional): The Tongal On-Set Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity to support new & emerging talent in production positions with hands-on on-set experience. Please indicate on the pitch submission form if you would be interested in overseeing an apprentice on your production; your answer will neither increase nor decrease the likelihood of your pitch being greenlit. Tongal will cover the apprentice's day rate outside of your project budget, and if you are matched with an apprentice, your Tongal producer will reach out with more information. To learn more about the On-Set Apprenticeship Program and the responsibilities of an advisor, please click HERE.

• SCRIPT (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create.
  
  
• STORYBOARDS (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard template here.
  
  
• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show them what you're capable of. Consider submitting a pitch video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect should they choose your pitch. Also, test videos, animatics, etc. are welcome. For some examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery. All Pitches will remain private until after the Sponsor gives creator(s) the green light to move forward.

The most compelling pitch will be greenlit, and the responsible creator will then receive an email from Tongal producers detailing next steps. All submitters will also receive an automated email notification that a selection has been announced. To ensure you’re receiving project updates, review your email settings to check that you haven’t unsubscribed.

Creators who’ve been selected will receive funding upon completing the Winner Affidavit and the IP Assignment. Payment of the pitch funds is subject to a payment schedule determined by Tongal. Please see the full payment schedule.

PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to shooting, filmmakers must receive the below approvals from the Sponsor.

• SCRIPT: This project requires script approval. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a script is approved by the Sponsor. 
• CASTING: This project requires casting approval. Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. As a best practice, please submit three to four options per role, with at least one of those options being a person of color. If the Sponsor does not approve any of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options. Additionally, owing to the risk of disruption from COVID, you will be expected to have backup talent approved by the Sponsor in advance of production to account for any last-minute changes.
• STORYBOARD: This project requires storyboard approval. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your storyboard and ask you to submit a new version.
• LOCATION: This project requires location approval. This means you will need to submit multiple images of your primary filming location. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that.
• WARDROBE: This project requires wardrobe approval. You will need to submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast’s wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role. If the Sponsor does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new wardrobe options.

For your convenience, we’ve provided some helpful templates to use at your discretion. They include templates for creating a treatment, production budget, storyboards, shot list, call sheet, and a music cue sheet. Additionally, there are templates that will help you clearly present cast, location, and wardrobe options to the Sponsor. They can all be accessed here.

BUILDING YOUR TEAM: Tongal supports inclusivity in all of our productions and strongly encourages you to hire diverse talent for your team. To find staff & crew in your area, check out these resources and partners.

REVISION REQUIREMENTS & RESOURCES: Once the Video Phase has closed, the greenlit submitters will enter the Revisions Phase. Filmmakers will perform reasonable edits on their videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback. Check out our Filmmaker Resource Portal to access helpful post-production resources like Text-Safe Guides for different platforms, Project File Organization Tutorial, Export Presets, and Captioning services.

MUSIC: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music and Epidemic Sound, any of which can be used to source music for your video submission to this project. Music from these providers is available to registered Tongal members at no charge solely for their incorporation into submissions to this project and will not require a separate Music Release Form. To learn more about using each of these music providers, click on any of the providers’ names above. 

If you choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. If you obtain music from third-party catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with your license purchase receipt when you turn in your video paperwork.

ASSET DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS & RESOURCES: You must also provide all project files, editing sequences and a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec in order to submit final payment. You are responsible for the costs associated the hard drive and shipping.

To ensure a smoother delivery, please review the Export Presets, Specifications, and Project File Organization Tutorial in our Filmmaker Resource Portal.

1. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 16x9. Acceptable file formats are .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv. Acceptable codecs are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, H.263, MPGV, WMV, DivX. Should your submission be greenlit, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec.
   
   
2. Unless provided otherwise, all work must be your own original creation and free of any copyrighted material. You shall provide detailed information of your work regarding the source, the creator and background information as requested by Tongal.
   
   
3. In the event you utilize any third-party materials, such as music provided by a third-party music provider not provided by Tongal, you must obtain full written license and consent from the owner of such third-party materials and provide such license and consent forms to Tongal.
   
   
4. BY SUBMITTING A VIDEO ENTRY, YOUR SUBMISSION IMMEDIATELY BECOMES THE SOLE PROPERTY OF TONGAL OR ITS ASSIGNEES – SEE OFFICIAL RULES FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT OWNERSHIP OF ENTRIES. YOU MAY NOT PUBLICLY SHARE OR PUBLISH YOUR SUBMISSION IN ANY MANNER AND YOU MAY NOT POST OR UPLOAD YOUR SUBMISSION TO ANY WEBSITE OR VIDEO HOSTING SITE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE OR VIMEO), WITHOUT THE PRIOR EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF TONGAL. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF YOUR ENTRY IN THE PROJECT.
   
   
5. You may not contact any employees or members of the Sponsor’s organization, their affiliates, or any of their partners. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification of your entry in the project.
   
   
6. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
   
   
7. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.
    
8. By submitting to this project, you acknowledge that your work may become subject to public voting on the Tongal site. Public voting may be used to help the project sponsor determine the final rank order.
    
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
    
10. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.
     
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. In addition to the judging criteria stated in the OFFICIAL RULES, Pitches will also be evaluated on that member's ability to execute the final Video based on their prior work and experience as a filmmaker.
    
    
14. The Sponsor will be entitled to reasonable revisions on the finished Videos without providing additional compensation. Remember it's easier to re-edit than re-shoot so try to get as much coverage as possible.
    
    
15. In addition to the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment, greenlit Video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their Videos, as well as a photograph/headshot OR copy of a photo ID for all On-camera Talent releases. You must also provide all project files, editing sequences and a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec to claim your earnings.
    
    
16. See OFFICIAL RULES for additional contest information, terms and conditions. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between these requirements and the Official Rules, the terms and conditions of these requirements shall prevail.