Produce a video for YouTube that explores the world of T-Mobile's cellular network and technology using a conversation between multiple different generations, with an upbeat and humorous format.
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey that blends humor and technology, and appeals to various generations? Well then, T-Mobile presents "In the Hotspot", a soon-to-be captivating and informative YouTube video that aims to bridge the generational gap with comical, yet educational interactions between older individuals and younger T-Mobile users as they discuss how cell networks and modern smartphone technology. As you might know by now, T-Mobile is America's largest and fastest 5G cellular network and they aspire to become a trusted source of knowledge for users of all ages. Through this YouTube video, T-Mobile hopes to break down the barriers of age and provide a platform for intergenerational learning, while having a good time. Now it's up to you to be the creative innovator that brings this concept to life!
The ultimate goal here is to produce a longer form – 5-8 minute – video for the T-Mobile YouTube channel that will showcase how different generations interact with technology, and that tests their respective tech knowledge in an entertaining and comical setting. The video should provide informative exchanges that bridge the generation gap and that educate viewers in a relatable way; we want these videos to feel like open conversations between users who might be using their phones in very different ways, rather than focusing purely on the older generation's reactions. Casting will be critical to this video, and we would like to see at least two different parings for the talent led conversations. Whether they are friends, family members, etc, it's important that your on-screen talent pairings do have real relationships, and that their comfort with one another comes through on camera. We're looking for real dynamics, reactions and conversations that allow talent's personalities and opinions to shine through.
Structurally, the video's format should include an intro or opening to explain what we are seeing, a talent segment that involves a conversation between two or more individuals from different generations, and a conclusion where the talent share their final thoughts or provide a recap on what new information they discovered. We do have an awesome series name for this already and to be "In the Hotspot" is just like being in the hot seat, with the fun "wifi spin." Imagine being under pressure, and possibly even timed, to answer a question or perform a task. In terms of the content or the topics you might look at, things are pretty open ended as long as they revolve around technology or services associated with T-Mobile, smart phone usage, and mobile networks, but you can consider something like phone models (e.g. the T-Mobile G1 – razr+ 2023), T-Mobile trivia, social media trends, or personal phone usage. Make sure you consider brand history or how cellular technology has evolved over multiple generations. T-Mobile can provide the basic information for the topics you wish to cover, though most of the video should be based of scripting that you will create.
Creatively, the video should be upbeat, informative, relatable, and comical; so think of ways to bring the tone through in the conversations and styling. Take inspiration from videos like 57 Years Apart or Indian Grandmothers React, and consider how you could provide a T-Mobile spin. We are looking for ideas on how you would imagine both the look of the set and the technology topics in appealing ways. How would you create a comfortable environment for organic conversations? What could you do to bring in T-Mobile branding - whether it's colors, or iconography, etc. - in a more subtle way. Consider elements like motion graphics, intros, outros, and visual cues to create a cohesive feel and maintain viewers attention, while providing valuable insights. In success, there's the potential to turn this into an ongoing series, covering a wider range of topics, but we need to start by developing the format.
Lastly, for the social teasers, you can utilize footage from the episodes to create social teasers rather than creating them as standalone assets, but approach them with a social-first mindset so they feel fun & attention grabbing on TikTok and Instagram, before driving viewers to check out the full episode on YouTube. You will need to provide a thumbnail created using a still frame from the 16x9 video with text included, that should all have a clean aesthetic and fit with the current T-Mobile thumbnail style. You will also need to provide a Spanish audio file for each episode, so each final episode will require script translations and Spanish voiceover artists. So, get ready to make technology fun and accessible, and remember that laughter knows no age!
Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There will be 6 total assets
EXPECTED TIMELINE: 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 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:
TONE/FEEL:
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.
HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE: The following are videos which are good examples of natural and entertaining generational conversations.
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.
MUSIC: If you use music from a library for your content, you MUST use one of Tongal's three music providers: Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music and Epidemic Sound. 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 choose to 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.