Spark imagination and creativity with a Concept for a thought-provoking 2-4 minute documentary video about a specific and interesting cultural tradition from anywhere in the world. 

Traditions weave through our lives whether we know it or not, connecting us to each other and to the culture around us in a million ways, big and small. Though some are widespread, few are universal, and even those that share similar roots can differ wildly. Often, we think of traditions as belonging to a culture – a reflection of its people – but just as often they help to define that culture and create an identity for those people. 

National Geographic is famous for its anthropological work, and with your help, they’re looking to take a magnified view on traditions. What unique traditions are you aware of and can you help National Geographic bring them into the spotlight? National Geographic is looking to entice its innately curious audience and bring them along on a journey of cultural exploration and discovery. Naturally, this brings to mind far-flung destinations and rare events; however, as traditions come in many forms, we would also entertain taking a deeper dive in traditions that might seem commonplace. The only important part is that we feel a sense of discovery and learning through your story.

Check out more in the details below…

Pitch us your Concept for a 2 to 4 minute documentary video that investigates a specific and interesting cultural tradition in 250 characters or less. National Geographic is looking to spark imagination and creativity with stories that linger in the minds of their viewers, with emotions and details brought to life through stunning visuals. It is important that viewers feel they are off the couch and on location as they get an intimate view of these stories.

Subjects should feel personal and relevant. We want to try and connect explorations to current events, trends, or key issues, and tap into a vast and diverse set of stories, immersing audiences in new perspectives. We should also look to bring a provocative and thought-provoking POV – to challenge people to reassess their own perspectives and biases through intriguing new angles.

--Key Takeaways / reactions:

•  Audiences should come away feeling inspired to be creative, whether to write a song, create a recipe, or design a fashion line. We want them to feel like people all over the world share so much in common, and prompt them to want to know more about this person, place, custom, and incorporate some element of that commonality into their lives. To think: I’ve heard about this, but never seen it this way.

--Target Audience: 

• The “armchair explorer” and their social circle. They are stimulated by news and culture, keeping up to date with world events and what’s topping the cultural zeitgeist. They have a perspective on most things, often shaped by what they read, see and experience. They tend to be creative, either in practice or in their thinking, capable of putting to use their vivid imaginations in work, hobbies, and conversations. They’re social consciousness tends to make them more empathetic humans, highly moved by both the wonder and beauty in the world as well as the tragedy

--Tone: 

• Imaginative, intriguing, inspirational, provocative, thought-provoking, awe-inspiring; though in all that, not necessarily super serious.

This Project will be worth a total of $1,250 and consists of 1 Phase: A Concept Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

The Sponsor will determine whether it will select a winning submission.

PHASE 1: CONCEPT - Tell us your Concept for a thought-provoking documentary video about traditions in 250 characters or less.  Remember, a Concept is not a detailed script; it is a spark of inspiration, or a distillation of what will happen in the Video.  As always, Concepts should be clever and engaging.  The winning Concept creators will receive $250 each. 

1. 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.

2. BY SUBMITTING AN 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.

3. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.

4. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.

5. 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.

6. Limit 5 submissions per member.

7. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest at their discretion.

8. Winners must submit the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment.

9. 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.