Create a live-action Yule Log that reimagines the traditional holiday fireplace through an elevated, cinematic crime-drama lens, celebrating and engaging BritBox’s mystery-loving audience.

*This project has a fast-moving timeline with final delivery on 12/1*

The holiday season is right around the corner and BritBox is launching its “However You Cozy” editorial collection campaign, a cheeky celebration of the many ways people get cozy during the holidays. BritBox is now looking to create a creative, live-action and long-form Yule Log video to help get viewers into the Holiday spirit. And yes, we're really talking about burning wood, for an hour, like the Yule Log videos of yesteryear that you'd find nowadays on Netflix or YouTube. From warm escapism to chilling suspense, BritBox is home for however you cozy this festive season.

The goal of this project is to create one live-action Yule Log video where the original video is at least 10 minutes long, with the potential to be looped for up to 60 minutes. Your video should feature movement - so we're looking for more than just a static image on a burning log. The purpose of these Yule Logs is to celebrate the wide breadth of BritBox fans, from comfort seekers to crime lovers. The campaign will feature a collection of series selections, along with two Yule Log videos that embody the “light” and “dark” sides of BritBox. With the “light” version already produced, the BritBox team is looking for its “dark” counterpart: a conversation-worthy, live-action Yule Log video that is clever, unexpected, and subverts cozy holiday tropes for cinematic mystery while driving brand engagement.

We are looking for an innovative approach to creating an immersive experience through production and sound design that lends itself to the genres of BritBox. How would a Yule Log look inside a crime drama scene? Whether it’s crime evidence burning in the fire or mysterious shadows cast against the walls, your approach should consider the sophisticated tone of BritBox crime and mystery dramas and fit seamlessly into their collection. It should feel stylish and atmospheric enough to stand alone as an “ambient content” piece for YouTube or social, while inviting viewers to settle in and get cozy. You should avoid any clichés like Santa hats and sleigh bells or anything that leans towards one specific Holiday and instead keep it elevated, editorial, winter-centric, and distinctly BritBox.

In terms of execution, this should be a fully live-action Yule Log video without any use of stock footage or compositing, though subtle GFX can be added in post. The intention is for the Yule Log scene you create to feel realistic and cinematic, in line with stepping into the world of a BritBox crime or mystery. The visuals should include textural elements (think smoke, embers, shadows, etc.), along with suspenseful sound design that can be ambient, crackling fire, or a combination of brooding music and immersive SFX to set the scene (e.g., distant thunder). You must only use Tongal-approved music and sound libraries. There should be no cast or on-camera talent at any point in the video. For post-production, you will need to edit within the Adobe Suite, as the BritBox team works primarily in Adobe. The camera directions for the video should follow this specific cadence:

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

DELIVERABLES: There are 4 total videos and 5 static assets.

• One 60-Minute Dark Yule Log Video (16x9)
• :30 Cutdown Social Teaser (16x9, 9x16, 1x1)
• Five Static Images for Editorial/Press Use

EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE *This project has a fast-moving timeline with final delivery on 12/1*

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 we CANNOT guarantee that usage is limited to these platforms. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.

• BritBox Platform
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

TARGET AUDIENCE: North American Fans of British Television, Crime Drama/Mystery Lovers

TONE/FEEL: Clever, cinematic, and slightly mischievous — a wry BritBox twist on a well-worn holiday trope.

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• Your videos MUST be edited within the Adobe Suite.
• Your videos should be filmed in 4K and delivered in HD.
• Your videos MUST be live action (no compositing or stock imagery)
• No people/talent should appear on-screen.

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.

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. Unless specifically requested, there's no need to include a budget with your submission.

• 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.
  
  
• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show what you're capable of. Consider a video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect, or consider test videos, proof-of-concept edits, animatics, etc. For examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery.

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 BIBLE & APPROVALS: Prior to the commencement of actual production, creators MUST prepare a singular pre-production "bible" document with the elements contained below, and that document MUST receive final approval from the Sponsor. We recommend that you use the bible template we provide HERE, or something very similar. The bible can be presented in stages as different elements are ready for review (i.e. it's not expected that storyboards, if required, are ready with your first draft). Apart from the below, you're also welcome to include other key items that you think would be helpful to communicate your plan (e.g. moodboards, lighting, music, shot list, etc.).

Note that there may be multiple rounds of feedback until elements are approved, and if you begin production before you have received final approval, you may need to reshoot or reanimate at your own expense.

• TREATMENT Describe 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.
• STORYBOARD: Include individual images for each key beat in your video. It is best practice to include scripted dialogue or VO, along with on-screen text or disclaimers, under each panel in our Storyboards. If there are multiple unique videos, ensure you submit a Storyboard for each video.
• 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.

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 music from a library for your content, you MUST use one of Tongal's music providers: Universal Production Music, PrimalHouse, or Jingle Punks. 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 Music Release Form. To learn more, click on any of the providers' names above.

If you 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.

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.