Create an epic and hilarious 2-4 minute prank show pilot intended for use by Comedy Central on Snapchat based off of one of four prank show concepts.
We’ve all got a favorite prank: Sal’s Haunted Corn Maze; Spoonie Places a Personal Ad; the birth of Unexpected John Cena ; or Line Cutting with Nathan for You.
Comedy Central is turning to the Tongal community to take the prank format to Snapchat in a 2-4 minute pilot. We recently ran a project calling for concept videos for prank shows, and narrowed down the awesome submissions to the 4 we’re most eager to see you Pitch on.
Check out the winning concepts below. We’re really excited about the possibilities for this pilot and potential series, so don’t shy away from being creative, pushing the boundaries (but keeping things safe for everyone involved), and building out each concept into a repeatable format in case your Pilot goes to series. We also encourage you to Pitch on multiple concepts – while ultimately Comedy Central intends to move forward with one Pitch, we’re excited about all 4 concepts and are eager to see where you'd take them!
Before you jump in, here’s what you need to know:
Read on to the Objectives section for more about this fun project.
The goal of this project is to create a hilarious 2-4 minute prank show Pilot for Comedy Central’s Snapchat.
What to lean into:
Your Pilot should be insanely funny and original, and should appeal to broad audiences – but not be afraid to speak directly to those who “get it” and love prank shows. If you love shows like Nathan for You, Impractical Jokers, Crank Yankers, and Jackass, movies like Neighbors, or stunts from Improv Everywhere, then you’re on the right track. Don’t shy away from being weird if it works.
You already know that Comedy Central shows aren’t afraid to speak the funny truth about current events and pop culture; their audience is young and predominantly male, but they’re culturally aware, smart, welcoming, and straight-forward…and your Pitches should be, too. Be direct, push boundaries, and be edgy and clear with your humor. Be hilarious enough to be shareable and don’t be afraid to be a little provocative if it’s hilarious.
Tell us how your format is repeatable and can give fans a consistent format they can come to expect. Comedy Central will have the option to order additional episodes after the initial production period.
What to avoid:
Being mean or cruel, being overly goofy, or causing anyone harm.
Don’t be fake and don’t try to force a laugh. This audience knows better.
While we want you to lean in to pop culture, current events, and nostalgia, we are NOT looking for found footage videos. Create something wholly original.
The Concepts: Be sure to read each Concept/watch each Concept Video thoroughly and read any attached brand notes from Comedy Central before you Pitch!
Note to Concept Winners (from the previous project): You are welcome to create a Pitch around your own concept and/or any of the other winning concepts, but should another filmmaker’s Pitch win against your concept, you are expected to work with them to help bring the Pilot to life.
Note to Filmmakers: Some of these concepts, specifically Pranks from the Crypt and Pranking with AJK, include attached talent. It is your responsibility to work with those creators to create the Pilot, should your Pitch win.
Target audience:
64% male, 36% female, 100% judging you
Largest demo is the 18–24 range. These aren’t teenagers, they’re savvy college kids and millennials who lead stressful, busy lives and like to relax with social media and digital video/shows in their hard-won downtime. So treat them right.
Tone:
Not just funny, hilarious. Make the audience laugh so hard they can’t stop watching.
Honest. Edgy. Provocative. Different.
Relatable. Know your audience so well that they see themselves or their lives in your Pilot and share them with their friends.
Relevant. No fellow kids here.
Inspiration:
First, get familiar with popular pranks and prank formats out there, from Vine and YouTube to classic sketches, shows, and movies. Then binge watch some Crank Yankers.
IMPRACTICAL JOKERS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq70U0UJgvI (We like the friend dynamic of this show)
CRANK YANKERS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DchfzuX7m14&t=174s
Improv Everywhere: Fake Press Conference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4wzAfilC0
Nathan for You: Line Cutting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a3hteaROMg
This audience also loves Neighbors, Nathan for You, Workaholics, Jackass, Super Deluxe, Buzzfeed, Improv Everywhere, Adult Swim, and Netflix. We want to remind them that Comedy Central is the funniest, because they’re the biggest comedy fans.
Exposure: Snapchat
This Project will consist of 5 Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase, a Revisions Phase and an Asset Delivery Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.
This is an open bid project with a budget range of $8,000–$12,000, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. You can download the Budget template here. The Sponsor would like each producer to create a 2-4 minute Pilot video within the cost range of $8,000–$12,000.
The Sponsor will determine whether it will select a winning submission.
PHASE 1: PITCH - This is an open bid project with a budget range of $8,000–$12,000, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. You can download the Budget template here. The Sponsor would like each producer to deliver their 2-4 minute Pilot video based on one of the winning Prank Concepts and all of the associated assets within a budget range of $8,000–$12,000.
Submit your Pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute a Video based on one of the winning Prank Concepts from the previous Project using:
The most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive a portion of their budget to help create the Video. Please note the payment of the Pitch award is subject to a payment schedule determined by Tongal. Additionally, upon submitting a Video that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, completing Sponsor notes, providing the necessary release forms, and providing all assets required by the sponsor the Pitch winner will receive the remainder of their budget. For an example of an effective Pitch, check out The Indie Machines winning “3 Artists & 5,000 LEGOs” Pitch video. All Pitches will remain private until after the winner of the Video Phase is announced and the Project is complete.
PHASE 2: PRE-PRODUCTION – The Filmmaker selected in the Pitch Phase will enter the Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?). During this phase, the filmmaker will need to receive the following Approvals from the brand:
No filmmakers may begin shooting their Video until all Approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin shooting your Video during the Pre-Production Phase before you have received final approval, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense).
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. They can all be accessed here.
PHASE 3: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winner will create one 2-4 minute Pilot video intended for Snapchat based upon their winning Pitch. Comedy Central will have the option to order additional episodes after the initial production period.
--Video Phase Payout: Upon submitting a Video that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, completing Sponsor notes, providing the necessary release forms, and providing all assets required by the sponsor the Pitch winner will receive the final portion of their approved budget.
-- Vertical Video Specifications: You must shoot full-frame 16x9 and deliver your Pilot in vertical 9x16 format. Platforms like Snapchat display content vertically and content should be reframed accordingly to fit the 9x16 aspect ratio. You may either shoot vertically, or shoot full-frame16x9 and frame for vertical. Please note that you may encounter the need to upscale, crop, pan, alter graphics, and/or add shots to make the narrative work within the vertical frame. Black bars, letterboxing, and pillar-boxing to adjust for the vertical format will not be acceptable. Here are the technical specifications for the master file for the vertical 9x16 format:
--Music: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Jingle Punks, Killer Tracks 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 provider’s names above.
The Pitch winner may also have access to Comedy Central’s music library.
Tongal members interested in a more customized music solution for your project are invited to connect with our partner Score A Score. Email a brief description of your project (timing, creative, budget, etc.), along with any specific music direction and/or references to their creative team at music@scoreascore.com and include “Tongal Project - Your Name” in the subject line. Their creative team will be in touch within a few minutes to discuss the simple process and options with you. Please note that you will be responsible for the fees associated with using Score A Score.
If you are selected as a winner and 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.
PHASE 4: REVISIONS – Once the Video Phase has closed, you will enter the Revisions Phase (What is a Revisions Phase?). During this phase, you will perform reasonable edits on your Videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback. The Sponsor will have up to three rounds of revisions on each of the winning filmmaker’s Videos.
PHASE 5: ASSETS DELIVERY - 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. In addition, to the project files you are also required to provide all raw footage on a hard drive. You will be responsible for the costs associated the hard drive and shipping.
For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production please click here.
1. 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.
2. The Video MUST not exceed 4 minutes in length. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 9x16. Acceptable file formats are .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv. Acceptable codecs are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, H.263, MPGV, WMV, DivX. Should you be selected as winner, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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 eighteen (18) years or older to enter and a legal resident of the US.
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 Video 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, winning Video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their winning 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 award.
16. All productions must be non-union.