Reimagine the Infinite Zoom video technique to create an epic, larger-than-life, and massively attention-getting :30-:60 social video and in-depth BTS content to support the release of Napoleon in theaters on November 22.
We all know the name Napoleon Bonaparte. Now, Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix are bringing his story to life in visceral, dynamic glory, with a new spectacle-filled action epic about the soldier/general/emperor/twice exiled French figure in Napoleon, coming exclusively to theaters on November 22. This film covers Napoleon's relentless journey to power; stages his biggest battles with an unflinching lens on the action and brutality of 19th century warfare; and explores the tangled web of Napoleon's life-long love and on-again, off-again power struggle with Josephine. Obviously, if you're a war film fanatic, a history buff, or a fan of Ridley Scott's films, Napoleon is likely already on your radar – but the audience for this movie doesn't end there.
Sony is now looking to create something equally epic and attention-getting with a 'larger-than-life' Infinite Zoom video that reimagines one or both of the movie's trailers (linked in the Background) and/or still images from the trailers in a unique and stunning way. This technique manages to portray a vast scale on a small screen by either pinch zooming in or out of a still image, revealing layers and layers of details 'hidden' in the depths of the original image; to see what we mean, check out some example links we've shared in the Background along with the trailers.
While we want you to push your creative interpretation, we want to see how you'd use the pinch-pull action of the Infinite Zoom technique to bring a new creative perspective, an unexpected narrative approach, and/or a mixed-media sensibility to your reimagining of the trailer(s) and/or image pulls. Creatively, we're open to your interpretation of how you'd bring the story of Napoleon to life through Infinite Zoom, but it must be astounding, and your video must match the grand scale of the movie. Going deeper, we'd love to see how you can incorporate the artforms, mediums, craft styles, and tools available to artists in Napoleon's time for an added visceral layer: think oil paint, charcoal, marble sculpture, woodworking, porcelain and terracota forms, textile and embroidery, ragdolls, etc. What kind of starting/ending image would you create and how would you create it? And how would you combine techniques, both real and/or digital, to bring key moments from the film to life in a visceral and unexpected way?
Keep in mind that we're looking for epic, innovative, and larger-than-life approaches that reimagine both the trailer(s) and the Infinite Zoom technique to create something seamlessly grand and cinematic to capture the gravity of both Napoleon the historical figure and Napoleon the epic film. Since the timeline is rather tight, logistics and crew will be as important as your creative approach, because we'll need to know that you can execute your vision.
The potential here is immense, and we're hoping you can seize upon that potential like Napoleon at the Battle of Austerlitz. For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: Two creators will each create three video assets:
EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE
EXPOSURE: We expect content will be used on the platforms below, but if casting talent, be sure they review our required Talent Release before they're cast, 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.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Adult moviegoers; Ridley Scott fans; fans of the cast, led by Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby
TONE/FEEL: Above all, epic. Modern, impactful, unexpected, clever, intriguing; prestigious, unmissable.
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
By participating in this project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a submission. Though most projects do move forward, we’ll 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 project team.
INFINITE ART ZOOM TECHNIQUE EXAMPLES
In order to be considered, include the below materials in your submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery. All Pitches remain private, even after a Pitch is selected, and Tongal strives to have Pitch selections made by the end of the Evaluation period,but additional time may be required by the Sponsor, depending on any number of factors.
The most compelling pitch will be greenlit by the Sponsor, 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, typically included with the project timeline.
PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to the commencement of actual production, creators MUST receive final approval from the Sponsor on the elements below. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until an element is approved.
If you begin production before you have received final approval, you may need to reshoot or reanimate at your own expense.
For convenience, we've provided some helpful templates that you can consider using for pre-production materials, and they can all be accessed here.
BUILDING YOUR TEAM: Looking for help? Post crew and production opportunities connected to Tongal projects on Backlot. Backlot includes search tools to help you find collaborators and crew by role, skill set, location, and more, for productions of any size and type. Tongal also supports inclusivity in all productions, and strongly encourages you to hire diverse talent for your team. To find additional options for staff & crew in your area, check out these resources and partners.
REVISION REQUIREMENTS & RESOURCES: Once Content has been submitted and the initial Production Phase completed, greenlit creators will enter into Revisions. Creators 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.
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 any costs associated with the hard drive and shipping. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.
To ensure a smoother delivery, please review the Export Presets, Specifications, and Project File Organization Tutorial in our Filmmaker Resource Portal.