Create a compelling video and accompanying static images for BritBox's social channels that showcase their collection of crime shows to ultimate feature and promote the latest season of Trigger Point, which is now available to stream on BritBox.
Jed Mercurio is known as the creator of some of the best crime shows that the UK has to offer, and that, honestly, cements the concept of what British television means. With well-crafted, character-driven scripts, Mercurio's shows create a visceral sense of place, while maintaining an inimitable charm and a delightful dose of wit. Most North American audiences are not aware of the Mercurio name, and it's not our goal here to make them aware, but North American audiences do know and love his shows, and we want to leverage that. In fact, one of his most recent shows, Trigger Point, will soon launch its second season as a BritBox original, and BritBox wants to support the show by leaning on the other big Jed Mercurio franchises, like Line of Duty and Payback. They hope to show that the series has a rightful place alongside a rich collection of other must-see crime shows available to stream on BritBox.
For this project, we're looking for a stellar editor and designer to work with existing assets from Trigger Point and other Jed Mercurio shows to create both a :30 crime show supercut video, and two static images, all to promote the second season of Trigger Point and the other crime shows that are available to watch on BritBox. We'll be speaking to North American viewers that are looking to expand their binge-watching beyond murder mysteries, and instead step into the world of crime shows. We want to captivate these viewers and give them the sense that these are gripping dramas full of complex stories with vivid, complex characters. You should approach this project as an overall crime show campaign that will highlight multiple titles, while primarily pushing the season 2 launch of Trigger Point.
While all of the assets here should feel like they're part of the same campaign, each asset should also be able to stand on its own, and each asset should be unique. That specifically means the static images shouldn't just feel like frames from the video. Additionally, alongside a traditional 16x9 version, you'll want to think carefully about how this content can be utilized on social media in other aspect ratios, and understand that there's a chance that both the video and static assets might be combined as a single Instagram carousel (where any overlap between them would be immediately obvious to a viewer).
Importantly, we do not actually want to use the Mercurio name within the assets. We're promoting shows; not a personality, and you should work to incorporate all three shows utilizing the characters, the places, the well-crafted scripts, and even a bit of the wit to connect the shows to BritBox and the Best of British TV. In terms of how much each show appears, it'd be helpful if you struck a balance where about 45% of the video content was focused on Trigger Point, with 30% on Line of Duty, and the remaining 25% on Payback. The static assets themselves should push Trigger Point as the star, but can incorporate the other two shows subtly in some way..
Creatively, focus on the breakneck pacing and snappy dialogue that drive the gripping, plot-driven style that contains layered storytelling, misdirection, and escalating tension. These shows are always driven by a central mystery or investigation, never underestimating the audience, and they speak to niche seekers who demand a smarter storyline that keeps them hooked and guessing until the very end. The stories are layered and interwoven with tiny clues and puzzles scattered throughout, and the shows often include strong female leads. You should lean into using recognizable actors and actress that American audiences could connect to, such as Peter Mullan, Thandiwe Newton, Vicky McClure, Martin Comstock, and Kelly Macdonald.
These shows are known for their quintessential Mercurio dialogue so you should look to include clever sound bites within your edit. If you are including VO or text, you can ONLY use the trailer and episode assets provided, in the Assets link below, and you CANNOT use the music included in scenes; just the dialogue or sound effects within them. Considering the videos will also be used across multiple aspect ratios you should also think about how you will reframe the scenes and how you may want to make slight edits to make these cuts work for where they will be living on social.
Critically, you must also work within the Adobe Suite for this project, and for your pitch submission, we're looking for you to edit a :15-:30 sample video to display how you would cut together the different clips dynamically and interestingly and we would highly recommend that you include a treatment that includes how you plan to approach the static images . Check out more information about the series and some reference videos in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are 12 total assets.
EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE
RELEVANT ASSETS: HERE
EXPOSURE: We expect content will be used on the platforms below, but you should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.
TARGET AUDIENCE: North American Fans of British Television and Crime Shows
TONE/FEEL: Gripping, intense, emotional, quick pace, action-packed, add a bit of lightness to the crime edge
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.
STATIC MESSAGING AND DETAILS TO INCLUDE:
SERIES INFORMATION:
HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE:
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.
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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: Jingle Punks and Universal Production Music. 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.