Create the pilot episode for a new, live action YouTube series featuring a charismatic host trying and comparing a range of everyday lifestyle products at different price points, in order to show viewers that price really isn't everything.
Chime is a financial technology company founded on the premise that basic banking services should be helpful, free, and easy, so it's no surprise that their social media presence is aimed at making the sometimes boring (and intimidating!) financial world a bit more upbeat, fun, and approachable. The financial world is more than just banking too, and it includes making smart money decisions in general. For example, when it comes to purchases, the usual assumption is that "expensive = better," but Chime knows this isn't always the case, and so they're looking to create a new live action YouTube series that can show viewers that price really isn't indicative of quality. They imagine that this entails a charismatic host, who will try out and compare different real-world lifestyle products - not Chime banking products - at different price points.
The goal of this project is to produce the pilot episode of the series, but in success there's an opportunity to extend this project into an ongoing series with additional budget. For your pilot, Chime is open to any kind of product that a host could try out, from home goods to food, to clothing, technology, and more. Importantly, they want your perspective on how trying those items could fit into an episode, and how you'd show items at low, mid, and high price points, but you have a lot of flexibility in how you interpret and present those comparisons. Is your host trying multiple different items per episode in one broader category (e.g. home goods), or are they focusing on one single type of item for the full episode? They're hoping for something 10-15 minutes in length, but a compelling pitch that runs shorter could work too. While we do genuinely want people to be able to learn about the value of different products, you should think about how this pilot can still be unique, entertaining, and fun.
Casting is also key here. Chime is ultimately looking for a charismatic host that can take on the task of being both entertaining and informative, while giving informed opinions on products, and judging those products by criteria like price, quality, level of effort, time, craftsmanship, etc. Your host should have a good sense of humor, and any improv experience would be a plus. It's also important to note that we don't want to get very negative about any of the items the host is trying. While we can poke fun at what might make one product better than another, we should never get mean-spirited.
From a setting standpoint, Chime is open to a studio or real world environment - whatever works best for your vision. However, it is important to note that whatever setting you choose would need to be replicated for a consistent look and feel across future episodes. But apart from that, they're also open to how you'd bring this to life visually, and what you think would work best in terms of styling. As a final note, you should plan for some light motion graphics in terms of series title intro, lower thirds, etc., so please be sure to factor that into your budget considerations.
In your pitch, please tell us a bit more about your vision for the episode, the items you'd want the host to try in the pilot episode, and any references for what your set might look like. You do not need to have specific casting in mind at this stage, but if you have references for the personality you'll be aiming for in your host, please include those in your treatment. For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are 5 total video assets, and 2 still assets.
TIMELINE: For the full project timeline please see the Assets section.
EXPOSURE:
TARGET AUDIENCE:
TONE: Lighthearted & relatable
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
OPEN BID:
Shooting live action or stop motion? Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety, and we're now requiring a COVID safety protocol plan for all relevant productions. 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 you should ensure your submission is executable within the anticipated timeline and budget, while also ensuring everyone's safety.
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.
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 in the Assets section.
PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to shooting, filmmakers must receive the below approvals from the Sponsor.
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: 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 & 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.