Working from provided scripts and utilizing some existing graphics templates, create a suite of seven straightforward motion graphic explainer videos with VO that answer top tax questions with clarity and build trust around H&R Block's expertise.
For about a year now, Tongal has been helping H&R Block update its YouTube channel with a large, search-first content initiative designed to answer real tax questions that people are actively looking up on YouTube and Google. Through straightforward, friendly, explainer-style videos with clear messaging, we've been working with H&R Block to answer those top tax questions and guide taxpayers through properly filling out and filing their tax forms, whether it's tax season or not. With tax season 2027 on the horizon (no, seriously), we're looking for a skilled motion graphics artist and editor who can create a suite of seven informative 'Explainer'-style YouTube videos that will help Americans avoid confusion and get a head start on their taxes this year.
Your final videos will be in the :90-2:30 range, and you'll need to trans-create versions of each video for YouTube Shorts, with punchier pacing to fit a :60 max runtime (H&R Block's preferred practice) and reworked visuals to fit a 9x16 frame. H&R Block will provide A/V scripts and some graphics templates to work from, but you'll likely need to incorporate some original design and motion elements along with casting and recording VO talent. While H&R Block may ultimately select one VO artist for all seven videos, you should be prepared to cast and record with up to two for some added diversity. Should you need any stock footage, you can utilize Tongal's stock footage library partner, Storyblocks; a login will be provided for the greenlit filmmaker.
With more search-based YouTube content planned through tax season 2027, it's very likely that you might have the opportunity to produce more videos in this same style, so in your approach, it may also be worth demonstrating how your motion graphics style can adapt and expand across a larger suite of content, including how you might adapt and expand on your creative approach to encompass a broader range of topics and keep the series feeling thematic but fresh.
For your pitch, you will need to create at least one :15 short proof of concept demo video to show us your creative approach and relevant skillset. A sample video script, some general H&R Block branding, and some graphics files from last year's content are provided under Relevant Assets. In addition, some similar videos created on Tongal for H&R Block's YouTube channel, are shared in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are fourteen total video assets.
EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE
RELEVANT ASSETS: 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 we CANNOT guarantee that usage is limited to these platforms. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Broad audiences; American taxpayers of various ages and economic backgrounds.
TONE/FEEL: Clear, concise, helpful, empowering.
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.
These videos have a similar style and visual approach to what H&R Block is looking for:
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. Unless specifically requested, there's no need to include a budget with your submission.
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 BIBLE & APPROVALS: Prior to the commencement of actual production, creators MUST prepare a singular pre-production "bible" document with the elements contained below, and that document MUST receive final approval from the Sponsor. We recommend that you use the bible template we provide HERE, or something very similar. The bible can be presented in stages as different elements are ready for review (i.e. it's not expected that storyboards, if required, are ready with your first draft). Apart from the below, you're also welcome to include other key items that you think would be helpful to communicate your plan (e.g. moodboards, lighting, music, shot list, etc.).
Note that there may be multiple rounds of feedback until elements are approved, and 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.
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.
MUSIC: If you use music from a library for your content, you MUST use one of Tongal's music providers: Universal Production Music, PrimalHouse, or Slipstream. 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 Music Release Form. To learn more, click on any of the providers' names above.
If you use original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. Please ensure your composer reviews and signs this form BEFORE beginning their work.
STOCK FOOTAGE: Tongal has partnered with the stock footage library Storyblocks, which can be used to source video clips, photography, and After Effects templates for your video submission to this project. Video or photo content from Storyblocks is available at no charge, solely for incorporation into submissions on this project, and will not require a separate Release Form. If identifiable people or intellectual property appears in a video clip or photo, you may only utilize assets that are clearly marked “Model released: Yes” or “Property release: Yes” on the clip description pages. You may NOT use any audio.
If you intend to use Storyblocks, inform your Tongal producer, and an account will be created for you to access the library. Once assets are approved for delivery, you must provide a complete list of all Storyblocks content that you used via our template HERE.
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.