Working from a provided script, produce a comedic and outlandish instructional video that prepares new Production Assistants for their first day on set.
Quiet on set! Tongal's calling all comedic filmmakers to pitch us their execution for a genuinely funny and surprising instructional video that covers on-set etiquette for first-time Production Assistants (PAs). The video that you will be create should be 5 to 7 minutes in length, and will cover topics such as walkie-talkie protocol, punctuality, dress code, set lingo, understanding a call sheet, fighting the urge to casually drop your latest film script on the Director's chair, and more.
Using the provided script as inspiration, show us how you would create an outlandish and decidedly amusing educational video that conveys what it is like being on a set for the first time, while communicating all the important information you can learn. You will be essentially shooting as though this is "behind the scenes" of another shoot (or shoots), so we want it to feel authentic, and that means you don't have to worry about camera or lighting equipment being in the shots, and you can even film talent walking around a cyclorama or a sound stage. Heck, if you've got some other real shoot scheduled and want to take advantage of that and tack this on, go ahead, as long you're still able to create something really interesting within those confines, and as long as you make sure it's still informative.
That said, we know the script is ambitious, so we encourage you to think about what might be the best way to bring this to life. While we would love to have all the money in the world to make this video, we are on a limited budget so it's time to get creative and make some organic content. Maybe you go in the other direction, and find someone with a knack for comedy timing, and throw them against a green screen, and use their delivery and some clever editing and post work to really bring the script to life. We're primarily looking for live-action executions here, but if you think you can wow us with some animation, or if you think an on-set sock puppet's gonna knock our... well... our socks off... then feel free to run with it. If you have fun, people will retain this information better, and when you later hire that person as a PA, you won't regret it.
Check out more about what this video will be used for and references videos of the tone we are looking for in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There is 1 total asset:
TIMELINE: HERE
EXPOSURE: We anticipate content will be used on the platforms listed below, but if casting talent, please be sure your talent reviews the required Talent Release, 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 page.
TARGET AUDIENCE: First-time production assistants and other aspiring filmmakers and crew members.
TONE: Comedic, Informative, Relatable
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
Shooting live action or stop motion? Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety, so 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.
To help prepare first-time PAs in our On-Set Apprenticeship Program (and for other first-time PAs too!), we're commissioning this comedic instructional video that covers all the essential topics that you'd need to understand to ensure a successful and safe on-set experience. Here are a few resources for other information we will be providing to these apprentices:
REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION OR TONE:
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.
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.
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: If you use any 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 about using each of these music providers, click on any of the providers’ names above.
If you choose to use custom or 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 content 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 beforehand, and an account will be created for you to access the library and its features. Once your video submissions are approved by the Sponsor, 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 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.