Produce a suite of short, action-packed, stop-motion video content that celebrates a new LEGO® set, based on one of two different high-profile franchises, which will be exclusively available at Walmart.
Produce fun and exciting stop-motion animated videos about two different brand new LEGO® sets that will be exclusive to Walmart. The exact franchises and details about both sets are being kept extremely confidential at the moment, so while we can assure you that they’re based on very high-profile IP, we have to be light on details here.
What we can say is that, for this project, the goal will ultimately be to create a single :30 video based on one of two sets, with a full suite of cutdowns and social versions alongside that, along with ten still images that can be pulled from each video. The expectation here is that a different team would handle video content for each of the two sets, but we're open to working with a single animator for both if it makes sense - although all of the content will need to deliver on the same timeline. We can't tell you more about the sets themselves, the number of characters, or the nature of the builds, but the videos will definitely require high-quality stop-motion skills, lots of action, and fast pace edits. Both of these videos will be non-verbal, so action will lead the way story-wise.
The featured LEGO® sets will be provided to the selected stop-motion animator for production, and you will be reimbursed for reasonable additional brick purchases that may be needed to bring the story to life. While the main format is 16x9, you will need to consider framing shots to work in a 9x16 environment as well. The social cutdowns and still images can be used from the main video, but you'll need to plan for a coherent :15 story version as well as framing for different formats, which may involve needing to shoot more than just the :30.
If you're interested, collect your most impressive work samples, and send them on over. Following the Pre-Pitch Phase, we'll provide five selected creators with more details to help develop a full pitch. From there one creator will be chosen, and given a full budget, to roll into pre-production and bring their pitch into reality.
Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are 9 total video assets and 10 still images, per set.
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: All fans of the LEGO® brand
TONE/FEEL: Exciting, action-packed, adrenaline-filled
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.
PRE-PITCH PHASE:
In order to be considered for the Pitch Phase, you must include the below materials in your Pre-Pitch Submission. The Pre-Pitch Phase gives filmmakers the opportunity to submit a 500-word synopsis of their initial creative thoughts and tell us a bit more about your aesthetic as a creator.
PITCH PHASE:
If selected to move forward to the Pitch Phase, you will be sent additional information to create 2 treatments (with story narratives) as part of your pitch. You must include the below materials in your pitch submission to be considered for this project. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.
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. 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.
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.