Calling all Black animators and filmmakers! SYFY's looking to produce a series of short vignettes that celebrate and amplify Black voices, stories, and experiences. We're open to any medium, including live-action.

SYFY is the Alpha and the Omega of genre. They've got everything from cyberpunk sci-fi to futuristic fantasy and the boldest, bloodiest horror films you've ever seen. Superheroes, cyborgs, monsters, mashups, crossovers, comics - whoever you are, whatever genre you dig, SYFY's got you. Every month, SYFY partners with different genre fans who work as artists, animators, designers, and directors, and gives them an opportunity to express their own love of genre in different ways, with an artistic and incredibly cool TV spot.

Now, although 2021 seems lightyears away, February's Black History Month is on the horizon, and for this project SYFY wants to spotlight Black animators and filmmakers who can produce a short video vignette that will explore and honor the Black experience in genre. While Black History Month will serve as a creative launching pad for these pieces, SYFY plans to amplify these stories beyond the month of February as well, so they're looking looking for videos that explore Black voices, stories, and experiences more broadly.

Think about the genre moments, archetypes, characters, or scenes that made you fall in love with sci-fi, superheroes, fantasy, or horror, and give them your own spin. Represent your community, your family, your unique POV, and amplify black voices by creating something that really feels like a reflection of who you are, and what you want to see. You can also choose to use genre tropes and character types as a way to illustrate your own personal stories - SYFY is open to many different creative directions. 

For your pitch, we'd recommend you show off your past work, and then submit several different narrative ideas for your video. If you're greenlit by SYFY, we'll work with you to develop ONE of your ideas during the pre-production process. Also, SYFY's open to live action approaches this month. We understand live action is hard given the current circumstances, so we'd recommend you keep the scope of any live-action pretty contained if you go that route, and keep things a little more Lo-Fi. As a reminder, all work MUST be original, and should NOT include or reference existing IP or characters.

Know someone that you think would be perfect for this? Use the 'Invite A Friend' section on our referrals page, and generate a referral code. If your referral creates a new Tongal account using your unique code, when they receive their first Tongal greenlight, you'll automatically receive $100. This referral fee is valid for any project - even if they don't get this one. Check it out.

DELIVERABLES:

• One :15, :20, or :30 video (16x9, 1x1)
• Your video should be 16x9, but the action should be framed so it can be cropped for 1x1. If you prefer not to have your video cropped, you may deliver a second version designed for 1x1.

TIMELINE: For the full project timeline please see the Assets tab.

EXPOSURE: Videos will air on SYFY and also be posted on SYFY.com, as well on SYFY’s digital and social platforms.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Adult fans of genre content.

TONE: 

• Celebratory, nostalgic, magical, reverent, mysterious - really, any tone can work!
• SYFY wants to amplify black storytellers with a uniquely genre spin, and while there's a wide range of topics you can choose to explore in that theme, the overall tone of the video should be respectful and reverential. 

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• This is NOT a SYFY logo video. If you're familiar with this initiative, you know that we typically ask to integrate the SYFY logo in some way, but that's not the case this time around, so don't worry about it.
• This project is specifically geared for artists, animators, designers, editors, and filmmakers from the Black community;  any medium can work (including live action). They'll check out 2D animation, stop-motion animation, claymation, creative motion graphics, mixed media, etc. 3D animation is acceptable, but hyperrealistic VFX work is difficult given the timeline and budget, so you must show that you can execute within these parameters. If it's live action, DIY/home-made can work too. If it helps to tell the story, you can add voiceover, narration, or visual text to your video as well.
• The final 3 seconds of your video should resolve on a simple, uncluttered frame (with minimal motion) because SYFY needs room to incorporate additional center-frame graphics that will be added after you deliver. That means the "narrative" of your video should resolve at the end of the :12, :17, or :27 mark, and the final seconds should be a cleaner frame that's related to your video, but not necessarily a part of the narrative. 
• All work MUST be original, and should NOT include or reference existing IP or characters. Any persons, places or things rendered should be of the artist’s own creation and should not be referential of any existing properties.
• "Genre" refers to science fiction, fantasy, superheroes, comic books, and horror, but it can be anything that falls under those categories, including something that combines more than one. Think about sub-genres too - science-fiction and horror include a ton of different styles and variations - and how genres have evolved over time and in different mediums.
• AVOID graphically violent or sexual  images, or overtly political subject matter.

Shooting live action? Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety, so 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 our advice here is to make sure your submission is executable within the anticipated timeline, while also ensuring everyone's safety.

As this initiative typically asks for the inclusion of a SYFY logo, all of our examples below are logo videos, but your video should NOT include a SYFY logo. With that in mind, notice how many of these videos create a fun way to set up and subvert audience expectations with their stories, and if you're thinking live action, we've included two at the bottom that reflect the kind of clever Lo-Fi production value that works well for live action. 

• Forgotten Women of Genre - a great example of direct storytelling with some creative 2D animation
• Vote Foot - a simple story with a good twist and a surprise ending with a message
• Make Your Mark - an overview story that immerses genre characters in the message
• Homage to B-Movies - a cool tribute to the retro sci-fi subgenre
• Post-Apocalyptic Workshop - a subversive little horror twist on familiar imagery
• Mystery Meat - a complete vignette that quickly takes an unexpected turn
• Monsters Fall in Love - a stylish vignette in an abstracted setting with a great twist
• TransPAWter - live action - a stripped down but clever story, with good lighting, tight shots, minimalist production design, and a DIY aesthetic makes this work well, and a  few simple VFX tricks really elevate it.
• Motion Sensor - live action - same as the above; it's Lo-Fi and DIY but super tactical in what it shows you so it works without being held back by production limitations.  

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. 

• TEXT (REQUIRED): 500 characters or fewer synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this video - and remember, you can propose a few different approaches too, so we're not expecting much detail here.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A more detailed narrative description of the different approaches you might take in the video. Please submit more than one so we've got a lot to work with you on. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.
  
  
• STORYBOARDS (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard template here.
  
  
• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show them what you're capable of. Consider submitting a pitch video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect should they choose your pitch. Also, test videos, animatic, etc. are welcome.

The 6 most compelling pitches will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive payments to help create the Videos. Please note the payment of the pitch award is subject to a payment schedule determined by Tongal. Please see the full payment schedule in the Assets tab.

PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to shooting filmmakers must receive the below Approvals from the sponsor.

• TREATMENT – This project requires treatment approval before filmmakers can move onto the Video Phase. The treatment should describe your video in detail, and how you plan to bring the storytelling to life visually. You should include graphic and tonal references when possible. The sponsor may provide feedback on your treatment and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a treatment is approved by the Sponsor.
• CASTING (IF APPLICABLE): This project requires casting approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You must submit at least two actor options per role. If the Sponsor does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options. Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. As a best practice, please submit three to four options per role with at least one of those options being a person of color.

No filmmakers may begin shooting their Video until all approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin shooting your Video during the Pre-Production Phase before you have received final approval, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense).

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 the Sponsor cast, location, and wardrobe options. They can all be accessed here.

REVISION REQUIREMENTS: Once the Video Phase has closed, the filmmakers enter the Revisions Phase. During this phase, filmmakers will perform reasonable edits on their videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback.

MUSIC: You will be required to use the SYFY-approved music provider Frequency to source music for your Video submission to this Project. Music from this provider is available only to the filmmakers that SYFY selects at no charge solely for their incorporation into Submissions to this Project and will not require a separate music release form. Filmmakers will be provided with a log-in and access by a Tongal producer once they are selected. 

If you are selected as a filmmaker and choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our music release form. 

FONTS: If you use any actual fonts (as opposed to drawing your own letters) you will be required to use the SYFY-approved font service Monotype to source fonts for your Video submissions to this project. Fonts from this provider are available only to the Pitch Winners at no charge solely for their incorporation into Submissions to this Project and will not require a separate Release. Pitch Winners will be provided with a log-in and access by a Tongal producer once they are selected.

CREW: Tongal supports inclusivity in all of our productions and strongly encourages you to hire diverse talent for your production and post-production departments. To find crew in your area, check out these resources and partners.

ASSET DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS: 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 will be responsible for the costs associated the hard drive (if necessary) and shipping.

For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production please click here.

1. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 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.
   
   
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. 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.
   
   
5. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
   
   
6. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.
    
7. 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.
    
8. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
    
9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.
    
10. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
11. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
12. 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 filmmaker.
    
    
13. 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.
    
    
14. 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.
    
    
15. 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.