Using 2D animation or stop motion, bring to life three different dating horror stories sourced from the BLK Dating App community.

Dating has always had its nightmares, and in the age of dating apps, there is no shortage of bad date stories. To celebrate Halloween this year though, the team at BLK dating app wants to bring some of those dating horror stories to life to entertain their audiences. They've already sourced some date night scaries directly from their community, and now they're looking for you to help bring them those stories to life in an eye-catching way with the magic of animation.

The goal of this project is to select three of the BLK stories, and adapt them as three different :30 videos, using whatever exciting animation style you feel works best, within the realm of 2D and stop motion. We're also open to advanced motion graphics approaches, but they'd need to feel pretty special. The BLK team primarily wants these to create engagement and generate conversation in the digital world, so think about unique ways that you could make the animation stand out and elevate the stories. You can find the story options in the Background, and you'll see that they're not yet fully-fleshed out scripts. You'll have the freedom to adapt them as necessary, or make reasonable changes, so apart from style, you should also think about how best to structure the narratives for :30. 

Tonally, while these are "horror" stories, we're not actively looking to scare our audience - this is about entertainment and humor. We'd certainly be open to horror/Halloween stylings if they're visually striking, but you don't need to be too on-the-nose. The videos should be relatable, a joy to watch, and super-shareable. The supporting assets, GIFS, and static images can be pulled directly from the videos that you create. VO is not necessary, but if you feel it's additive, they're open to approaches that include VO. Otherwise, this is not a product spot, so you don't necessarily need to include imagery of the BLK app unless it's organic to the story, but we may want to include the logo or end card.

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

DELIVERABLES: There are 6 total videos, 2 GIFs, and 2 static images.

• Three up to :30 Video (16x9, 9x16)
• Two up to :10 GIFs (1x1)
• Three static character images pulled from video (4x5)

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.

• YouTube
• BLK's social channels
• BLK Blog
• PR news pieces

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• Black individuals aged 18-35
• Tech-savvy
• Highly engaged with social media and digital content
• Open-minded and curious
• Committed to personal growth

TONE:

• Friendly and relatable
• Funny
• Authentic

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• Do NOT portray negative representations of being single or make fun of other dating apps.

By participating in this project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a submission. Though most projects on our platform do move forward, we will 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 the project team.

BLK COMMUNITY STORIES: You may select any three of these stories as the basis for individual videos, and build upon them, or make reasonable changes, as necessary. 

• My date picked me up for a date and he didn't look anything like his pictures, but I was already in his car so I just went with him anyway. Something tells me to look in the backseat, so I turn around, and there it was: a shovel, tarp, duck tape and ropes. I held my cool and told him let's go to Walmart real quick because I needed to use the bathroom. He took me there, and I ran off, and I ran so fast my shoe went flying off my foot. A week later I watch the news and the police were looking for him; he was wanted for murder. I am alive and well praise be. 

• We connected downtown and had some drinks, and then one thing led to another and we woke up the next morning at the hotel. From there, I left to go to work, and when I got there my manager said 'hey I want u to meet the new hire,' and, well... guess who it was.

• I found out I was lactose Intolerant before a date I had been looking forward to. I woke up, made a bowl of cereal, then showered and dressed. Sooo we went to eat. And we were having a good time. Then... it kicked in. I went to the bathroom, but it just wouldn't stop. I just knew I smelt like it, so I refused to go back out and sit with him. I left and caught a ride to my cousins house, who literally laughs at this story to this day....it was awful. 

• For a first date, I once went on a romantic moonlit walk around a lake with a guy, and I fell in. On the way back to his car, he couldn't stop laughing. My shoes were full of water and every time I took a step he said, "Squish squish!" and started laughing even harder. That was also our last date.

• When we finally met, he did have me a little nervous. He told me he had a GF and they lived together, and still, we fucked, and I enjoyed, not gonna lie, but then this the fucked up part: he's supposed to take me home after, but he takes me to a convenience store, asks me to get him something. I forget to take my belongings with me not knowing, and he then pulls off with my stuff in his car, including my phone and house keys. I had to call the police using the convenience store phone. The police come asks me questions, track the car back to the house we were at. I'm in the back of a police car, and they take me back to the house. They kept me in the car to prevent any drama like physical altercations from happening, which I didn't want. Found out he threw my bag and jacket in a dumpster, because he was driving his bitch car and didn't want her to find it someone else's belongings in the car. 

• This girl, first date mind you, picked me up in a car that I didn't know, was stolen. And SHE stole it. I know she did because the cops pulled us over and took her to jail. Thank God they let me go! I was NOT an accessory to robbery.

• So I was using a dating app and I was interacting with at least 5 different guys. I finally set up a date with one of them guys and we decided to meet. I got there a little early and was nervous as hell because this was going to be the first time I had ever met up with someone from a dating app. I sat there for a while and finally text my date to see if they were en route. When he text me back he told me he was already there and had been there for a while. I was thinking I don't see anyone here that looks like the guy in the pictures. I replied to his text and told him I didn't see him. He went ahead and called and told me he was at the bar, so I asked him yo describe what he had on. He went ahead and told me what he was wearing and all of a sudden it dawned on me that I had met an entirely different guy at the bar and must have mixed the messages up! I was so embarrassed and definitely had to remain calm and play it off!

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.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed out 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, both in terms of what we can expect to see, and how you’ll make it. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.

• STYLE FRAMES (Optional): Illustrated stills that showcase what your animated take will visually look like.

• SCRIPT (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create.
  
  
• STORYBOARDS (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard template here.

• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show them what you're capable of. Consider submitting a pitch video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect should they choose your pitch. Also, test videos, animatics, etc. are welcome. For some examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery. All Pitches will remain private until after the Sponsor gives creator(s) the green light to move forward.

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.

• SCRIPT: This project requires script approval. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a script is approved by the Sponsor. 
• STORYBOARD: This project requires storyboard approval. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your storyboard and ask you to submit a new version.
• STYLE FRAME: This project requires style frame approval. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your style frame and ask you to submit a new version. There will be multiple rounds of feedback until a style frame is approved by the Sponsor.'
• VO CASTING (if applicable): This project requires casting approval. Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. As a best practice, please submit three to four options per role, with at least one of those options being a person of color. If the Sponsor does not approve any of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options. Additionally, owing to the risk of disruption from COVID, you will be expected to have backup talent approved by the Sponsor in advance of production to account for any last-minute changes.

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.

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.

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.
   
   
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 filmmaker.
   
   
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.