***Please Note that only U.S. Residents are eligible to submit for this project.***

People need help when it comes to understanding personal finance. That’s why Bank of America created the Better Money Habits platform over a decade ago. Better Money Habits is a free financial educational resource available to anyone that wants to take control of their finances. By making personal financial education easy, Bank of America empowers more people to take control of their financial lives, transforming the financial well-being of millions. However, despite the platform's success, many Gen Z adults don’t know that Bank of America even offers Better Money Habits, nor do they fully understand what makes it unique from other free financial educational resources out there. To fix that, we're looking for a savvy filmmaker who can create an exciting pilot for a new financial education video series that would bring awareness to the many resources that Better Money Habits provides. 

The goal of this project is create a pilot video for Better Money Habits' new "Answering Human Questions" financial education series. Bank of America wants everyone, especially those just starting out, to be aware of Better Money Habits as a resource, so they need something that feels fresh, innovative, and relevant to Gen Z. While there is already a great deal of Better Money Habits video content out there, Bank of America wants this new series to feel even more relevant and relatable to young adults, so they're really looking for an approach that leans into authenticity and highlights the level of human connection between Bank of America and its viewers. In addition to a :60 pilot episode, you'll need to create two shorter cutdowns: one up-to-:30 "highlight" video and a shorter up-to-:15 video that focuses on a single financial tip or piece of advice from the pilot. 

The pilot episode will be centered around the financial education topic "Taking Initiative," and will talk about how to lead your financial life with confidence and intentionality, embracing techniques like loud budgeting and visualization to help balance the priorities of daily wants and needs with progression toward future goals. To serve as the on-screen financial expert, Bank of America will provide a dedicated employee, known as a Better Money Habits Volunteer Champion, to be the lead talent of the series. More details will be provided to you in the Pitch Phase; however, depending on where the Champion is located, filming may take place in either Boston, MA or Los Angeles, CA.

When it comes to execution, the format of the series is flexible depending on your creative approach. For example, you could choose to film in a studio setting where Bank of America's Volunteer Champion interviews real people about their financial wellness questions (people that you'd need to cast). Alternately, you could take a "man on the street" approach where the Volunteer Champion interviews young people on the street about their most pressing financial concerns, or you could just go in an entirely different direction! No matter which way you go, the series must be hosted by the Volunteer Champion, it must provide digestible financial education, and it must resonate with Gen Z in a way that adheres to Bank of America's brand guidelines and tone of voice.  

The expectation is that the pilot will require a one-day shoot in mid-November. If the pilot episode goes well, there may be the opportunity to create up to four additional episodes of the series in 2025 for an additional $120,000 ($30,000 per episode). While the pilot episode will be in English only, they're ultimately looking for this content to connect with both English and Spanish-speaking audiences, so if additional episodes are produced down the road, Bank of America may ask that the episodes be produced in both English and Spanish. 

THE PROCESS

• In the Pitch Qualification Phase, we want to see who's interested, available, and has the right team and the right style for the job. You'll be asked to briefly introduce yourself, your team, and your approach. We are asking for a Treatment, but MOSTLY so that you can include additional information about your team, including bios or case studies.
• Five greenlit Pitch Qualification creators will be advanced to the Pitch Phase, provided with additional briefing information, and given $750 in funding to put together a full pitch, including a fleshed-out treatment, and potentially casting options for additional talent in the video besides the Volunteer Champion.
• Bank of America will evaluate these pitches, and select one creator to move forward to produce the pilot episode. 

Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 5 total video assets.

• One :60 .com pilot episode (16x9)
• One up to :30 social-first pilot episode "highlight" video (1x1, 9x16)
• One up to :15 social-first pilot "single tip" video (1x1, 9x16)
• Five Thumbnail images sourced from video footage
• Closed Caption Files (SRT and VTT) in English
• ADA Transcript (using bank Word script template)

EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE

EXPOSURE: We expect content will be used on the platforms below, but if casting talent, be sure they review our required Talent Release before they're cast, as it is NOT limited to these platforms. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.

• Bank of America's Website
• Social Media
• Email Newsletters

TARGET AUDIENCE: Gen Z "Confident Optimists" (ages 18-30). Bank of America looks at "Confident Optimists" as those who have an optimistic mindset and are set on achieving more in life, work, and their finances. They’re status-driven, outspoken, and tech savvy; English and Spanish speakers. 

TONE/FEEL: Educational, informative, authentic, trustworthy

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• In working with the Better Money Habits Champion during the pre-production process, all communications should be limited, focused, and extremely courteous.
• The greenlit filmmaker MUST be highly organized and have strong communication skills.
• You should be prepared to provide your own location for filming.
• You are required to provide a monitor and headsets with an audio feed in video village for the client and Tongal producer on set. There's also the possibility that a few Bank of America team members will join the shoot remotely, so be prepared to set up a virtual feed of the shoot.
• The shoot will take place on either 11/13 or 11/14. You will be responsible for travel if necessary.
• You are required to ask all interviewees this question: "What would you like the power to do?" Please have them frame their answer as: "I would like the power to _____."
• You will be responsible for providing a hair and make-up person for the Better Money Habits Champion and all on-screen talent. 
• Following picture lock, be prepared to blur logos for brands appearing in the final edit that we don’t have permission to use.

By participating in this project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a submission. Though most projects do move forward, we'll notify you in the event the Sponsor decides not to fund any submissions via the Project Forum. Regardless of the result, all submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and project team.

ABOUT BETTER MONEY HABITS:

Better Money Habits® is a free financial education platform for people from all walks of life to get practical, easy-to-understand knowledge about money. With hundreds of engaging videos, articles and resources, available in both English and Spanish, anyone can find precisely the right tools and information for their situation. With topics like budgeting, saving, retirement planning, owning a home and more, the platform helps them put their know-how to use, so that they can make smarter, more-confident financial decisions.

Thousands of Bank of America employees also deliver in-person guidance and advice in communities around the country. These Better Money Habits Champions learn about the people Bank of America serves, then help them learn about personal finances and how to achieve their individual goals

BETTER MONEY HABITS EDUCATIONAL REFERENCES:

• Better Money Habits | 6 ways to tackle financial stress
• Better Money Habits | How to improve your money mindset and make better choices

BETTER MONEY HABITS VIDEO REFERENCES FOR INSPIRATION/TONE:

• Better Money Habits | How to Save Money Everyday
• Better Money Habits | Options for People Who Don't Like to Budget 
• Better Money Habits | Steps to Better Money Management

PITCH QUALIFICATION PHASE:

In order to be considered for the full Pitch Phase, you must include the below materials in your Pitch Qualification Submission. This Phase gives filmmakers the opportunity to submit a 500-character synopsis with some initial creative thoughts, and tell us a bit more about your team. Three creators will then be given $750 to develop more robust treatments as part of the Pitch Phase.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed out in the Deliverables.

• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): Give us a sense of what creative direction you might take based on the information provided in the Objectives, and provide us with a profile or breakdown of what you can do, and who’s a part of your team, or who might be working with you. Feel free to include case studies, bios, or other relevant information.

• LINKS (REQUIRED): To relevant previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.

PITCH PHASE:

In order to be considered, include the below materials in your submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery. All Pitches remain private, even after a Pitch is selected, and Tongal strives to have Pitch selections made by the end of the Evaluation period, but additional time may be required by the Sponsor, depending on any number of factors.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed in the Deliverables.
  

• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A more detailed and specific description of how you propose to execute all of the content listed out in the Deliverables. Explain what we can expect to see, and how you'll make it. If it's helpful, we've provided a treatment template HERE.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, editor, artist, etc.) but do not include links to your showreel. Please link to individual videos.

• 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.

The most compelling pitch will be greenlit by the Sponsor, 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, typically included with the project timeline.

PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to the commencement of actual production, creators MUST receive final approval from the Sponsor on the elements below. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until an element is approved.

If you begin production before you have received final approval, you may need to reshoot or reanimate at your own expense. 

• TREATMENT Describe in detail how you plan to execute the content, and how you plan to bring it to life visually. Feel free to use concept art, references, style frames, or mock-ups. If relevant, share additional information about your team, and your process.
• SCRIPT: Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text, as relevant.
• CASTING: Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. Please submit three to four options per role, with at least one of those options being a person of color. It is preferable to share multimedia content (i.e. video & audio clips) to help the Sponsor gauge the talent's performance, rather than headshots or resumes.
• LOCATION: Present images of your potential filming locations, and submit at least two options per location. If possible, please include context on where you intend to film within each location, what angles you might use, or how you might dress the location.
• WARDROBE: Submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast's wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role.

For convenience, we've provided some helpful templates that you can consider using for pre-production materials, and they can all be accessed here.

BUILDING YOUR TEAM: Looking for help? Post crew and production opportunities connected to Tongal projects on Backlot. Backlot includes search tools to help you find collaborators and crew by role, skill set, location, and more, for productions of any size and type. Tongal also supports inclusivity in all productions, and strongly encourages you to hire diverse talent for your team. To find additional options for staff & crew in your area, check out these resources and partners.

REVISION REQUIREMENTS & RESOURCES: Once Content has been submitted and the initial Production Phase completed, greenlit creators will enter into Revisions. Creators 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: If you use any music from a library for your content, you MUST use Bank of America's preferred partner, Universal Production Music. Music from this provider is available to registered Tongal members at no charge solely for their incorporation into submissions to this project, and will not require a Music Release Form. To learn more about this music provider, click on the provider's name above.

If you choose to use original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. Please ensure your composer reviews and signs this form BEFORE beginning their work.

STOCK FOOTAGE: Tongal has partnered with the stock footage library STORYBLOCKS, which can be used to source video clips, photography, and After Effects templates for your video submission to this project. Video or photo content from Storyblocks is available at no charge, solely for incorporation into submissions on this project, and will not require a separate Release Form. If identifiable people or intellectual property appears in a video clip or photo, you may only utilize assets that are clearly marked “Model released: Yes” or “Property release: Yes” on the clip description pages. You may not use any audio.

If you intend to use Storyblocks, inform your Tongal producer, and an account will be created for you to access the library. Once assets are approved for delivery, you must provide a complete list of all Storyblocks content that you used via our template HERE.

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 any costs associated with the hard drive and shipping. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.

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

1. 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. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.
   
   
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. 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.
   
   
5. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p and formatted for the aspect ratios listed in the Deliverables (e.g. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. 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 creator.
   
   
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
   
   
10. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor, nor can Submissions contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
    
    
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. 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.