Produce energetic TikTok videos to encourage NASCAR fans to tune-in for the March Cup Series race, The Circuit of the Americas.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series is off to the races, and come March, it's time for the Circuit of the Americas. Drivers will head to Austin, TX to face their first road course test of the season. This world-class racing facility promises intense competition on its challenging track with 20 exhilarating turns. The Circuit of the Americas is hosting some of the biggest names in racing, action sports, and music on March 24th and a race of this impact is in need of exciting TikTok content that will drive viewers at home to grab their NASCAR gear, settle in and join the millions of fans worldwide in witnessing the adrenaline-fueled action at the Circuit of the Americas.

NASCAR is looking for at least one filmmaker to create a :15 or less video for TikTok that promotes tuning into Fox to watch the race. This race course in particular has a very intricate layout, including elevation changes and a mix of demanding corners. Since viewers can expect unpredictable and strategic racing as drivers navigate the circuit's twists and turns you should lean into this elements when creating your videos while also highlighting how fans can catch every heart-pounding moment from the comfort of their homes.

We're looking for creative concepts that can be executed in a way where we can create both a primary video, and an alternate version with small changes, to allow for testing (e.g. one version with voiceover, and one with text-to-speech, or one version with branding in the first three seconds, and one without). NASCAR wants to test both versions and see which ones perform better. NASCAR will work with the greenlit creators in pre-production to figure out the best approach for the alternate version. 

Creatively, we are looking for videos that feel authentic and social first; otherwise these are very open-ended, and we'd encourage editors, animators, and live-action filmmakers alike to pitch. Overall your videos should feel native to the TikTok platform and lean into the trends and styles that would organically come across for NASCAR viewers and grab their attention. We want this content to find a balance between highlighting the intensity of this major event, but in a fun and lighthearted way so viewers consider tuning into all NASCAR races. We'll want to lean into recent trends, driver highlights, and the intense on-track action that comes with each NASCAR race. Your videos should be engaging, and clever; humor is encouraged, and an authentic tone, look, and feel is important. You should also consider ways to highlight certain drivers as they become household names this year by displaying hero shots of the drivers' faces and cars. Our drivers of focus are Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Denny Hamlin. You may also consider finding a way to include Daniel Suarez given his recent thrilling 3 wide photo-finish win at Atlanta.

To see some key messaging and some examples of the tone we are going for, make sure to check out the Background and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 2 total video assets.

• One up to :15 social video (9x16)
• One up to :15 alt. version (9x16)

EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE

RELEVANT ASSETS: 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.

• NASCAR's Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok

TARGET AUDIENCE: Millennial and Gen Z NASCAR fans

TONE/FEEL:

• Fun, Celebratory, Authentic, Exciting, Momentous 
• Start of a new season

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• Your video MUST include an end card that has the NASCAR Cup Series logo with event date details (Sunday, March 24), and FOX & Premier Partner Logos which will be provided during pre-production.
• You SHOULD keep the Previous NASCAR videos and logo in mind when creating content, especially for any animation or motion graphic-related videos.
• Beyond the Relevant Assets linked to above you MAY also use NASCAR footage you find online as part of your pitch; NASCAR may be able to then provide high-resolution versions of footage in pre-production.
• You CANNOT use trending music from TikTok and must use music from the TikTok Music Library or one of the Tongal Music providers.
• All text must be placed for Instagram Reels/TikTok safe zones. Any assets with text may need to be delivered with a textless version as well.

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.

KEY MESSAGING:

• Thrilling racing
• 20 intense & challenging turns
• Tune in to the NASCAR Cup Series at COTA on Sunday, March 24 at 3:30 PM ET on FOX

HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE:

• 2024 Season Hype Videos
  
• Graphic Styling
• Championship Watch Party
• Pre-Race Inspection
• First Day on the Pit Crew
• The Clash Race Day Filter

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.

• SCRIPT (Optional): Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text.

• HEADSHOTS/CASTING BOARDS (Optional): Provide actual, or potential, casting options for your content, with relevant notes, headshots, reels, etc.

• 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 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. 

• SCRIPT (if applicable): Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text, as relevant.
• CASTING (if applicable): 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 (if applicable): 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 three music providers: Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music and Epidemic Sound. 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 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.