Produce an emotionally captivating and relatable suite of videos for Navy Federal Credit Union's Homebuyer's Choice Loan, that brings awareness to viewers leading them to discover more online.

*This project is limited to filmmakers based in the US.*

As the nation’s largest credit union, Navy Federal Credit Union proudly serves the military community with accessible banking, financial education, and top-notch home loan options. Buying a house represents more than just the building and property; it’s about taking a major step into adulthood, setting roots, maybe starting a family, “making it” financially, and much more. Homeownership is about aspiration and possibility, but with the current state of the housing market - housing prices are up +50% since 2021, with the average age of first-time home buyers spiking to 40 in 2025 - home ownership is becoming more and more unobtainable for everyday Americans. Navy Federal believes that this milestone in someone's life can’t afford to be unaffordable. With that in mind, Navy Federal created the Homebuyer's Choice loan, allowing those with less than ideal financial statuses the ability to be competitive in the home buying market.

The goal of this project is to produce a suite of content anchored by one :60 Hero video, a host of cutdowns for paid social, and some hi-res stills pulled from footage that focus on the emotional impact of trying to buy a home, starting to make offers and attempt to get loans secured, and the belief that it's a hill that can't be climbed. This should culminate in Navy Federal's Homebuyer's Choice loan being there to help give them a real chance at this life milestone. The Hero video will be used across streaming services and have paid advertising behind it while the cutdowns and resizes will be used across the brand's social channels as well as their website. The brand is looking for one core creative concept to center the suite around with cutdown versions following the same storyline and structure as the Hero video. Instead of focusing on spectacle, the creative should elevate grounded, relatable moments, likely including showing multiple talent groups - a couple buying their first home, a single person trying to find out if it's possible for them to afford a home, a family looking to move out of an apartment into their forever home, etc. We want to focus on the real tensions and emotions present when thinking about or starting the process of buying a home; prices, rates, saving fatigue, etc. and show how Navy Federal's Homebuyer's Choice loan helps reduce those barriers and makes the possibility of owning a home feel, well, possible. This video, along with its cutdowns, should aim to champion the many benefits that the Homebuyer's Choice loan offers to Navy Federal members and guide viewers to learn more about the resources available at NavyFederal.org. The end results should relatable, supportive, educational, and speak to first time/underserved homebuyers. We want these videos to confront the belief that homeownership is no longer possible and show its viewers that Navy Federal is there to give you a helping hand. 

Homebuyer's Choice gives buyers real paths to affordability. An overview of Homebuyer's Choice can be found in the Background section along with some additional messaging information that you can use to craft your concepts. You will also find some good reference videos that should help you get a sense of how Navy Federal handles branding, and what kind of tone they convey with their social presence. These are primarily brand-awareness pieces, so while the tone we're looking to capture is emotionally resonant, hopeful, and supportive, the main focus should be on the benefits of the Homebuyer's Choice loan program and Navy Federal as a brand. 

In terms of execution, depending on your concept the brand is anticipating using multiple locations that feels lower-to-middle-class and can have an aspirational feel to them. The brand is open to concepts that don't explicitly someone walking into a Navy Federal Credit Union branch or anything that explicit, though it will be important that the benefits of Homebuyer's Choice are still communicated within the creative. Cutdowns can be created with direct pulls from the main hero video, but you'll need to deliver content in multiple different aspect ratios, so some thought should be put into how the 9x16 version will be optimized for its respective aspect ratio, as it should not simply be a center-cut reframing. We are anticipating these videos to be driven by on-screen text and voiceover, but the brand is open to other creative ideas to deliver the core message. At their heart, these videos are brand awareness pieces that will prompt viewers to visit Navy Federal's website. The messaging to check out the Navy Federal website will be handled in the post copy so there's no need to include that CTA in the videos themselves. 

There are also 10 static assets to be pulled from the footage. While we don't necessarily need a standalone photographer, some thought should be put into your shot composition and framing to keep the stills in mind. This may mean shooting some extra footage specifically to be used for the purpose of pulling stills from it. Additionally, some thought should be given to how these are framed ensuring there is some negative space around the subject, talent or product, to allow for resizing the stills.

Captions (burned-in, per provided style guide) for the cutdown versions are required for all spoken content, so please plan your visuals accordingly keeping in mind safe zone placement on social channels, specifically adhering to Reels safe zones. Each video will be delivered in 16x9, 1x1, & 9x16 so please plan your shoots keeping in mind both the landscape, square, and vertical formats. 

For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 12 total video assets and 20 hi-res stills assets.

• One :60 Hero OLV (16x9, 1x1, 9x16) 
• One :30 Cutdown (16x9, 1x1, 9x16)
• One :15 cutdown  (16x9, 1x1, 9x16)
• One :06 cutdown (16x9, 1x1, 9x16)
• Ten hi-res stills pulled from footage (1x1, 9x16)

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.

• CTV
• YouTube
• Meta
• Instagram and IG Reels
• Tiktok

TARGET AUDIENCE: 

• First Time Homebuyers
• Financial Novices 
• Millennials

TONE/FEEL: Positive, empathetic, supporting & empowering 

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• If the videos for paid social have VO or any spoken dialogue, captions must be burned into the footage.
• Talent used (VO or on-screen) cannot have current or recent ties to competitors (e.g. USAA, PenFed).
• The videos cannot feature any violence or weapons.
• The videos cannot include any political content.
• All videos will need the disclaimer "Insured by NCUA" at the end of the videos. Additional disclaimers may be provided reliant on compliance and legal review. 
• When saying brand name, first instance should be “Navy Federal Credit Union” after that it can be “Navy Federal.” You cannot refer to the brand as NFCU or Navy Fed.
• Your videos must feature the brand logo in the upper right, or upper left, corner of the screen throughout excluding any end cards used. 
• For props, wardrobe, and visuals you must pull from brand colors, military green & tan colors, and other military cues. Must avoid using the color red in the videos.
• When showing people, they cannot wear clothing with team logos, product logos, retailer logos, slogans, or other messages visible.
• If showing service members in uniform all ranks, insignias, name patches have to be blurred and must adhere to all uniform regulations.
• A non-numbered Navy Federal Credit Union card can be used in the videos, if needed.
• If a Navy Federal Credit Union card is shown, the American Express logo must be visible, and not obstructed in any way.

AI USAGE: You may not use AI generated visual or audio assets in your final content. However, for the purposes of your pitch and pre-production materials, you are welcome to use generative AI to create visuals, storyboards, animatics, proofs-of-concept, etc. that might help the Sponsor understand your vision for creating the final content. Additionally, assistive AI tools (e.g. object removal, compositing, color grading, sound mixing, subtitling, etc.) may be used in post-production to supplement your workflow. Please keep record of any AI usage deployed in your submissions in the event that the Sponsor requests AI disclosures. If you have questions about any specific usage or tool, please ask your Tongal producer.

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.

NAVY FEDERAL'S HOMEBUYER'S CHOICE LOAN PROGRAM

• The aim of this program is to offer a one of a kind mortgage product to first-time homebuyers and underserved communities to provide a fair and accessible path for them. 
• Navy Federal wants to re-establish hope for those that feel buying a home in this market is impossible. Re-igniting the American dream.

KEY MESSAGING POINTS:

• Emotional Messaging:
  • When others look for the perfect applicant, the Homebuyers Choice loan gives real people a real chance.
  • Nearly half of Navy Federal's borrowers choose a no money-down loan.
  • Half of Navy Federal's borrowers are first time homebuyers.
• Product Messaging:
  • Buy with 0% down — start your journey without draining your savings
  • No PMI even without 20% down — every dollar matters
  • Optional 3% down with fee waiver (usually 1.75% of total loan balance) — flexibility when budgets are tight. 
    • The FHA will never waive the funding fee regardless of down-payment
  • RealtyPlus Program gets you up to $9,500 to help you cover those closing fees
  • Fixed payments — stability in an unstable market
  • No‑Refi Rate Drop — when rates fall, you shouldn’t have to start over 
    • For a flat fee of $250, you can lower your interest rate without needing to refinance your loan

HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE:

• PenFed Home - A good example of what the competition is doing and what Navy Federal does not want to do. AI being used, no connection to the core problems Navy Federal knows first time homebuyers are facing, no emotional connection to the on-screen talent or action. 
• Navy Federal National Disability Employee Awareness Month - Social execution but a good example of the emotion and tone that Navy Federal uses. 
• Navy Federal Goals - Social execution shows Navy Federal's tone as well as how they communicate, for these placements, the support and member benefits on offer. 

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.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed in the Deliverables.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A more detailed and specific description of how you propose to execute all of the content listed out in the Deliverables. Explain what we can expect to see, and how you'll make it. If it's helpful, we've provided a treatment template HERE.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, editor, artist, etc.) but do not include links to your showreel. Please link to individual videos.

• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show what you're capable of. Consider a video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect, or consider test videos, proof-of-concept edits, animatics, etc. For examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery.
  
  
• APPRENTICESHIP ADVISOR (Optional): The Tongal On-Set Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity to support new & emerging talent in production positions with hands-on on-set experience. Please indicate on the pitch submission form if you would be interested in overseeing an apprentice on your production; your answer will neither increase nor decrease the likelihood of your pitch being greenlit.The Tongal On-Set Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity to support new & emerging talent in production positions with hands-on on-set experience. Please indicate on the pitch submission form if you would be interested in overseeing an apprentice on your production; your answer will neither increase nor decrease the likelihood of your pitch being greenlit. Tongal will cover the apprentice's day rate outside of your project budget, and if you are matched with an apprentice, your Tongal producer will reach out with more information. To learn more about the On-Set Apprenticeship Program and the responsibilities of an advisor, please click HERE.

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.

• TREATMENT Describe how you plan to execute the content, and how you plan to bring it to life visually. Feel free to use concept art, references, style frames, or mock-ups. If relevant, share additional information about your team, and your process.
• SCRIPT: Include clear descriptions of the visuals, actions, camera movements, or transitions, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text, as relevant.
• CASTING: Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. Please submit three to four options per role, with at least one of those options being a person of color. It is preferable to share multimedia content (i.e. video & audio clips) to help the Sponsor gauge the talent's performance, rather than headshots or resumes.
• STORYBOARD: Include individual images for each key beat in your video. It is best practice to include scripted dialogue or VO, along with on-screen text or disclaimers, under each panel in our Storyboards. If there are multiple unique videos, ensure you submit a Storyboard for each video.
• LOCATION: Present images of your potential filming locations, and submit at least two options per location. If possible, please include context on where you intend to film within each location, what angles you might use, or how you might dress the location.
• WARDROBE: Submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast's wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role.

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.

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.

1. In addition to the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment, greenlit Video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their 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 earnings. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.
   
   
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. 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.
   
   
5. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p and formatted for the aspect ratios listed in the Deliverables (e.g. 16x9). Acceptable file formats are .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv. Acceptable codecs are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, H.263, MPGV, WMV, DivX. Should your submission be greenlit, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. You may not contact any employees or members of the Sponsor's organization, their affiliates, or any of their partners. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification of your entry in the project.
   
   
8. 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 creator.
   
   
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
   
   
10. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor, nor can Submissions contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
    
    
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. 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.