Produce a thoughtful and engaging English-language docu-style video for Sapporo Black Label Beer about North Americans living in Japan.

Due to the influence of COVID-19, it’s become difficult to meet family and friends, especially for those who live far away from home. Black Label wants to depict how Black Label and Sapporo Premium can be a bridge between North Americans living in Japan and their loved ones back home. So the goal of this project is to show that through a docu-style :30 English-language video, capturing an authentically Japanese experience.

While Sapporo is well known and distributes its products in North America, its Black Label beer (localized in North America as Sapporo Premium) has different packaging and is named differently from its Japanese counterpart. This hinders North American consumers from making the connection between the two beers. Your docu-style video should help Sapporo promote its Black Label beer to North Americans living in Japan by showing how Sapporo Black Label is the key to bridging what they are familiar with back home (Sapporo Premium) with their new experiences. Your video should also show the role of Sapporo Black Label in helping North American consumers find balance living in Japan.

In addition to the :30, Sapporo also wants you to create a longer director's cut of that video, up to 2:00, along with a written director's statement expressing the core creative idea/backstage story reflection of this production. Your video and statement should talk about the unique process of creating content for Black Label on Tongal during this time and about your experience on the project. This will be published on the brand content website along with the other deliverables.

DELIVERABLES:

• :30 video (16x9)
• Up to 2:00 director’s cut (16x9)
• Director's statement (written)
• Five still images 
• 2D End Card

EXPOSURE:

• The videos will be published on Sapporo owned media and distributed via Outbrain, YouTube, Zefr, and Teads.
• Distribution Targets: English consumers in Japan + Travel/Japan enthusiasts in the US

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• North Americans living in Japan - individuals who are curious and love culture and adventure. They may know Sapporo Premium, but not Black Label. They have enjoyed Sapporo Premium (the #1 selling beer imported to North America) at home in the US and now they find Black Label, the root of Sapporo Premium, in their new home in Japan (product could be found in convenience stores, grocery stores, vending machines, bars, and restaurants).
• Please keep in mind that the drinking age in Japan is 20 and that they have different policies for alcohol consumption. 

TONE:

• Authentic, on-brand, dramatic, surprising, thoughtful, and engaging.

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:

• While a documentary style is preferred, the client is open to other styles as well. The client is not looking for animated takes.
• Ideally, we're looking for someone who can shoot this in Japan so that we ensure authenticity to Japanese culture and location, but if you have creative ideas on portraying a post-covid lifestyle without needing to shoot in Japan, we're open to hearing them.
• This video should be in English.
• Depiction of Sapporo Black Label (Japanese version) is mandatory, the depiction of Sapporo Premium (Western version) is optional.
• Avoid using stock footage.
• Please include at least 1 scene to represent “Japan-ness” in daily life. 
• There is no preferred gender for the main character.

• Do not show or reference minors consuming alcohol (actors must be and appear 25 years of age or older).
• Talent in videos must be 25 years or older and must reasonably appear to be over the age of 25. Proof of ID must be documented.

• Do not show or reference animals consuming alcohol.
• Product and logo need to be shown, but there is no need to make a “display cut.”
• Do not show or reference other brands.
• Your videos must include legal disclaimers (it will be provided by the client).
• Avoid crowded spaces such as restaurants. Create a scene fitting to the lifestyle after COVID-19 
• Please be mindful of government rules before and during your shoot and make sure your on-set protocols are up to date.
• Avoid long-distance traveling and shooting with a large group.

NOTE: 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 our advice here is to make sure your submission is executable while also ensuring everyone's safety.

We're running this project a bit differently, so if you are interested in learning more and pitching on this project, submit a short synopsis and your past work in the Pre-Pitch Phase. Filmmakers that demonstrate they have the production capabilities to produce a video in Japan will receive additional information to help craft their pitch for the next phase. Note, however, that the Pitch Phase will still be open for anyone to submit a full pitch, even if they missed the Pre-Pitch Phase.

Here are some additional considerations Sapporo would like you to keep in mind as you develop your pitches and videos:

• Brand statement: Taste for adults. Basic, yet perfect. Mature.
• The brand aura is more about being indoors vs being outdoors and has a bit of introspectiveness
• Please focus on showing “Why Black Label”
• As other brands such as Jack Daniel have already produced content during COVID, please AVOID using a similar setting/scenario: https://www.lbbonline.com/news/jack-daniels-spreads-a-message-of-love-during-covid-19-pandemic
  
  

REFERENCE:

• Sapporo Content Hub
• Recent Black Label commercials

PRE-PITCH PHASE:

In order to be considered for the Pitch Phase, you must include the below materials in your Pre-Pitch Submission. The Pre-Pitch Phase gives filmmakers the opportunity to submit a 500-character synopsis of their creative vision for the final Videos, confirm their availability for production, and submit samples of previous work. It’s your chance to raise your hand and say, “Hey, I’m available and I have this opportunity and want to learn more!”

• TEXT (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing why you are interested in and think you could be a great fit for this project.
  
  
• 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.

PITCH PHASE:

If selected to move forward to the Pitch Phase, you must include the below materials in your pitch submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery. 

• TEXT (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this video.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what's going to happen in the video. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• HEADSHOTS/CASTING BOARDS (Optional): Casting notes or concepts, headshots of actors, etc.

• LOCATION (Optional): Examples of the locations where you would film.
  
  
• 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 creators the green light to move forward.

The most compelling pitch will be greenlit and, upon completing the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, the responsible creator will receive funding. Please note: the payment of the pitch funds is subject to a payment schedule determined by Tongal. Please see the full payment schedule in the Assets section.

PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to shooting, filmmakers must receive the below approvals from the sponsor.

• SCRIPT: This project requires script approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The sponsor may provide feedback on your script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback.
  
  
• HEADSHOT: This project requires headshot approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You must submit at least two actor options per role. If the sponsor does not approve of either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options.
  
  
• STORYBOARD: This project requires storyboard approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The sponsor may provide feedback on your storyboard and ask you to submit a new version.
  
  
• LOCATION: This project requires location approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. This means you will need to submit multiple images of your primary filming location. The sponsor may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that.
  
  
• WARDROBE: This project requires wardrobe approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You will need to submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast’s wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role. If the sponsor does not approve of either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new wardrobe options.
  
  
• BEVERAGE STYLIST: This project requires beverage stylist approval if you wish to show the beer in glasses (show the sizzle and foam). You do not need to appoint a beverage stylist if you just show the beer in cans. Per these guidelines, if applicable, please submit your planned stylist with your pitch submission treatment. Once your pitch is greenlit, the sponsor may either approve your stylist or ask you to submit a new one for approval.

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.

REVISION REQUIREMENTS: 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.

MUSIC: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music 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 providers' names above. 

If you 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.

ASSET DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS: 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.

For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post-production, please click here.

1. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 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.
   
   
2. Unless provided otherwise, all work must be your own original creation and free of any copyrighted material. You shall provide detailed information about 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. 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.
   
   
5. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of the sponsor.
   
   
6. Submissions must not portray the sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with the sponsor.
    
7. 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.
    
8. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
    
9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per phase.
    
10. You must be at least twenty-one (21) years or older to enter.
    
    
11. The sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
12. 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.
    
    
13. 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.
    
    
14. 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 a 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.
    
    
15. 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.