
Using videos created through Universal Products & Experiences' Horror Unboxed: Terrifying Jump Scare Video Project as inspiration, design both a suite of horrifying, thumb-stopping GIFs, and also a campaign endcard with motion graphics.
If there's one thing that jump scare videos and GIFs have in common, it's that both formats are extremely popular on social media. In Universal Products & Experiences' (UP&E's) Horror Unboxed: Terrifying Jump Scare Video Project, six filmmakers are creating a variety of different horrifying jump scare videos that draw upon Universal's iconic horror portfolio: the Universal Monsters films Dracula, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, and Creature from the Black Lagoon, as well as M3GAN and Chucky (i.e. the broader Chucky film franchise only, excluding Child's Play (1988) and the current TV series on USA & SYFY). The jump scare videos created will all feature a some form of stylized "box" that's opened to not only scare the viewer, but also reveal a consumer product from each franchise.
That brings us to THIS project, and where you come in. We're looking for a skilled editor and motion graphic designer to utilize final assets from the original project and create six unique "unboxing" GIFs dedicated to each of the six brands. Each GIF features one of the different boxes featured in the videos. In addition, we're looking for a single campaign endcard which ties all the other videos together with a consistent CTA and campaign identity (Horror Unboxed).
The ultimate goal of the GIFs is to give a nod to the terrifying unknown that lies behind opening the box for each franchise. Each GIF should leverage the same opening sequence of the original six videos, showcasing the initial view of the closed box, followed by the box in its "unboxing moment." The product should NOT appear in the GIFs.
The first part of the project will actually involve the campaign endcard, which we can start before content is completed in the other project. Once those other videos are completed, we will provide you with the masters and project files for all six videos so that you can start work on the GIFs. Make sure to check out the project timeline since there is about a six week break between the delivery of the endcard assets and the start of the GIF creation process.
UP&E can provide some existing brand assets (e.g. fonts, legal lines, images, etc.) to help create the endcard, but you'll need to do the heavy lifting on any visual design or motion. To suss out your skills, you'll be required to submit a sample :05 endcard (9x16) in the Pitch Phase. For the purposes of the sample, use whatever Chucky film content you want (except Child's Play (1988), ; the sample is more of a proof-of-concept, so it should be exciting and flashy and feature the phrase Horror Unboxed. After being selected, we can refine it further and ensure it fully aligns with the larger campaign goals and any creative considerations that might later come up in the other project.
Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are 14 total assets:
EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE. Please note: There is a six week break between delivery of the end card and the start of the GIF creation process.
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 it is NOT limited to these platforms. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Horror and pop-culture fans
TONE/FEEL: Hair-raising, thumb-stopping, legitimately scary/surprising. It's OK if viewers laugh, but primarily they should experience a fright!
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.
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.
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 REQUIREMENTS: Prior to the commencement of actual production, creators MUST receive final approval from the Sponsor on the elements below. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until an element is approved.
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.
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.
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.