We're looking for an animator/writer team to produce a fully stop-motion animated Branching Narrative Series for Enchantimals™, which will allow the audience to decide the path the story takes, and provide for multiple potential endings.
Enchantimals™ is the newest girl line for Mattel that just launched last year! If you’re wondering who the Enchantimals are, well, let me tell you... they’re a group of lovable girls (who are half animal) who have a special bond with their animal best friends. The pillars of the Enchantimals brand are caring, friendship, and compassion. Each character is complete with her animal sidekick with whom she shares an unbreakable bond of friendship. These pairs of animal besties use their uniqueness and special abilities to maintain balance, peace, and harmony amongst all living things in the world of Everwilde. Each Enchantimal and her animal bestie share similar features. For example, Felicity Fox and Flick love to explore and are ready for any adventure. Both have heightened senses and move silently. Enchantimals toy products inspire stories of friendship, empathy, and compassion towards all living things. Each doll shares a ritual with her animal friend, celebrating their unique traits and personalities.
Felicity Fox™ & Flick™: Felicity is quick, clever and completely curious about anything and everything. Felicity and Flick love to go exploring together, especially to places they have never been to before.
Danessa Deer™ & Sprint™: Danessa is the shy and quiet type whose actions speak louder than her words. Danessa and Sprint's favorite game is to race each other through the forest to see who is the fastest.
Sage Skunk™ & Caper™: Sage has a mind as quick as her feet and she's an ace problem solver. When Sage and Caper aren't working on a new song together, they're usually planning some elaborately clever prank.
Bree Bunny™ & Twist™: Bree is always up to her ears in creative do-it-yourself projects. Bree and Twist are like twin fountains of bubbling creativity. No one has more fun making something together than they do.
Patter Peacock™ & Flap™: Patter is proud of her fashionable feathers, and she loves to encourage her friends to be proud too. Patter may not have the best singing voice, but when she teams up with Flap their songs are always belted out in perfect harmony.
Please read the remainder of the brief for all the important information on this one of a kind project!
The primary goal is to create four stop motion 1- minute videos, each with three additional :30 endings (for a total of sixteen total pieces of content, that has a cumulative runtime of 10 minutes when added together) - all of which will deepen the engagement and understanding of the Enchantimals brand for their YouTube channel. These videos should first and foremost highlight fun and adventure, while also educating the audience on the Enchantimals core values of compassion and friendship. We want these videos to showcase the character personalities & their bestie relationships, all while exploring the world of Everwilde. Also keep in mind - not every ending needs to work out - failure is a part of the learning process!
Mattel encourages endings that showcase different new characters apart from the core 5 (as described above). Mattel is open to this as long as the core 5 are incorporated in the main videos. They would also like creators to think about the opening sequence or title treatment, which would be part of your video. The winning animator will also have access to the current Enchantimals voice talent for their videos!
***We’re looking for you to pitch us how your team is the best suited for this series, so make sure to include a writer for the script phase as this will be a narrative-driven series.***
What is Required to Submit your Pitch:
--Key themes & tips to keep in mind:
--Deliverables:
ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec in order to submit final payment. You will be
responsible for the costs associated the hard drive (if necessary) and shipping.
--Executional Mandatories:
--Tone: Fun, adventurous, funny, bright, colorful, informative, entertaining.
*Please check out the Assets Tab below to listen to “Caring is our Everything" and "This Might get Wild" songs for inspiration!
--Target Audience: Girls 4-8 (sweet spot is girls 5-6) and their Moms
--Key Marketing Message: Discover Enchantimals and the world of Everwilde
--Exposure: Enchantimals YouTube channel
--Product: As stated above, you will need to feature the 5 core characters in your videos. You are also encouraged to include other characters from the Enchantimals world, which can be discussed during Pre-Production. Aside from the core cast, spring product is available now, which includes Parrot, Hedgehog, Cheetah, Squirrel, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Raccoon, Pig, and Penguin Ice Cream Truck. You are RESPONSIBLE for purchasing & ordering product directly - this cost is included in the budget.
Make sure to read the "Details" section below for more information about Payment Schedule, and make sure to check out this Timeline carefully!
Estimated Timeline:
Pre-Production:
Eps 1-4 Scripting
Scripts due to Tongal w/ 5 options for alt endings per each Ep: 4/30
Tongal feedback: 5/2
Scripts due to Mattel: 5/7
Mattel Consolidated Feedback on Scripts w/ selection of 3 alt endings per Ep: 5/15
Script revisions: 5/15-5/22
Revised scripts due to Tongal w/ completed Alt Endings: 5/22
Revised scripts due to Mattel w/ completed Alt Endings : 5/24
Mattel Final Feedback & Approval of Scripts incl. completed Alt Endings : 6/1
Background Designs
Designs Due to Tongal: 4/30
Tongal Feedback: 5/2
Designs Due to Mattel: 5/7
Mattel Consolidated Feedback on Designs: 5/15
Revised Designs Due to Mattel: 5/24
VO Casting - using existing Enchantimals VO talent
Voice Recording 6/4-6/8
Eps 1-4 Animatic
First Version of Animatic due to Tongal: 6/20
Tongal Feedback on First version of Animatic due: 6/22
First version of Animatic due to Mattel: 6/25
Mattel Consolidated feedback on Animatic due: 7/2
Animatic Revisions: 7/2-7/9
Revised / Final Animatic Due to Mattel for Approval: 7/10
Eps 1-4 Production: 8/15-9/20
Rough Cuts due to Tongal: 8/15
Tongal feedback due: 8/17
Rough Cut due to Mattel: 8/20
Mattel Consolidated Feedback due: 8/28
Revisions: 8/28-9/4
Revised Cut due to Tongal: 9/4
Revised Cut due to Mattel: 9/5
Second round of consolidated feedback from Mattel due: 9/13
Second Round Revisions: 9/13-9/18
Final Files due to Tongal: 9/18
Final Files due to Mattel for approval: 9/20
This Project will be worth a total of $135,000 and consists of 4 of Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase and a Revisions Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.
PHASE 1: PITCH: 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 Ideas from the previous Phase using:
The most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive $25,000 to help create the Videos. 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 the budget. **We will be creating a payment schedule based on writing and production milestones to pay out the remaining $110,000.
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 1 Pitch Winner from the Pitch Phase will enter the Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?). During this phase, filmmakers will need to receive the following Approvals from the brand:
No filmmakers may enter into animation until all Pre-Production Approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin animation during the Pre-Production Phase before you have received final approval, there is a chance you will need to re-animate (at your own expense).
PHASE 3: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winner(s) will each create 16 pieces of content (according to the deliverables) based upon their winning Pitch.
--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 a final payment of $110,000 - in accordance with the TBD approved payment schedule.
--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.
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, the winning submitters will enter the Revisions Phase (What is a Revisions Phase?).During this phase, filmmakers will perform reasonable edits on their Videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback.
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. You will be responsible for the costs associated the hard drive (if necessary) and shipping.
For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production please click here.
1. The Video MUST not exceed 2 minutes in length. 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 you win, 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 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. 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 Sponsor.
6. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with 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. This project is open to US residents only.
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
10. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
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 Videos 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 prize.
16. 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.