Capture footage for engaging product demo video in Chicago that will feature a LEGO associate highlighting key features of a new LEGO set.
The LEGO Group has specialists in stores all over the world who are experts about the latest features and details of LEGO builds. Now, in order to highlight their specialists' expertise and show off the latest and greatest LEGO products, they're looking for a filmmaker to capture some in-store "show and tell"-style product demo footage with a real LEGO specialist in Chicago, Illinois.
The goal of this project is to shoot footage with of a LEGO associate in-store that will be used to create an authentic and engaging "Brick & Tell" demo video. You won't actually need to do any post-production for the Brick & Tell video, as that series is being handled by another editor, and you'll only need to deliver your raw assets.
The product demo video will need to film sometime between May 22nd and June 1st. The store needs to be closed during production, so you should plan on filming either in the morning or evening, outside of store hours. For this, we want something that feels authentic and personality-driven, and you'll be expected to create a loose shooting outline based on talking points provided by The LEGO Group. During pre-production you will be expected to hold a kickoff call with the store associate, where you can get to know them and ensure that they feel comfortable on camera. Since this will be a non-actor, it will be important to direct them for performance and ensure that their personality shines through on screen.
The exact LEGO set being featured will be a new, confidential product, and we’ll be able to provide images and more details once you’re greenlit. The official LEGO model shop will handle the actual building (so you are only responsible for the filming elements of production). The LEGO Group will handle shipping the glued models to the stores where you will film on the day, so you don’t need to account for that in your budget.
The overall vibe they’re looking for is authentic, personality-driven, and social-first. We're leading with 9x16 vertical content and need a team that can elevate content with a social-first perspective. That said, we'll also need 16x9 and 1x1 assets, so you should keep all aspect ratios in mind while filming. We also want these videos to feel like they reflect the local character of the store and would love for you to think of creative ways to incorporate regional authenticity (whether that be through lighting, environment, etc.) While post-production will be handled by a separate editor, when filming, keep in mind that we’ll want to incorporate motion graphics and overlays to enhance the storytelling.
After the shoot, you will be asked to send proxy files to the editor digitally, as well as ship a hard drive with all raw footage and photos. You will not be responsible for any video post-production services on that.
Please note you do NOT need to be based in this market to pitch on this project, but there is no additional travel budget available, and any crew travel or lodging should be covered under your production budget.
Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: All organized raw footage
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 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.
TARGET AUDIENCE: LEGO fans of all ages!
TONE/FEEL: Authentic, engaging, personality-driven, fun
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
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.
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. Unless specifically requested, there's no need to include a budget with your submission.
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.
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.