Pitch to create the pilot episode for a quick, entertaining, and educational financial literacy series for use on Chime's social media channels. With a successful pilot, you have the chance to turn this into an ongoing series.
Chime is a financial technology company founded on the premise that basic banking services should be helpful, easy, and free, so it's no surprise that their social media presence is aimed at making the sometimes boring (and intimidating!) financial world a bit more upbeat, fun, and approachable. This is especially true when it comes to financial literacy, and helping Chime users to make smarter money choices. That's why the Chime team is looking to create a quick, entertaining, and educational video series about commonly asked financial topics, made specifically for use on TikTok and Instagram Reels. While this project is just for the pilot episode to start, in success there would be an opportunity to extend this project into an ongoing series with additional budget (more on that below!).
Chime would like this series to be educational and tailor-made for TikTok and Instagram Reels, but what that looks like and how it comes to life is totally up to you. They would like to go beyond the standard explainer, so think about how we can make financial literacy creative and entertaining. Would you challenge someone to explain a topic while racing against a ticking clock, or act out a scenario? Is someone out in the real world trying to show lessons in the context of everyday situations, or are they in a studio? Above all, your pilot should make financial topics that might otherwise be dull and complicated come across as entertaining and easy to understand. We've included some references from other brands or trends in the Background section below as you brainstorm, but be sure to check out Chime's TikTok and Instagram channels for a sense of their brand tone.
This is NOT an ad, and what we're looking for should be made to connect organically with viewers in their feeds or For You pages. This content should really be about helpful money tips, rather than selling Chime. Chime branding should still be present (whether it's in graphics, in pops of Chime green around the space, etc.), but you don't need to offer "using Chime" as a tip for viewers.
For the pilot episode, Chime would like you to focus on the topic of "What's a Good Credit Score in Your 20s?" with the educational details outlined in this existing blog post. You do not need to use every point listed in the blog, and can instead focus on smaller sections based on what works best for your concept (and what you think would ultimately fit into a minute or less). But really think about how this can go beyond the traditional explainer, and help get the educational points across in a more creative way. This is not a lecture - it should be edu-tainment.
In terms of style, Chime would like to stick to primarily live action, but are open to mixed media if you have an idea that combines motion graphics with live action footage. This episode should seem more elevated than pure UGC content, but not so polished that it feels like a TV commercial. So really we'd be looking to strike the balance between something that feels a little more polished than the average TikTok video, while still feeling like it belongs on the platform.
In your treatment, please include details on the creative format you envision for this series, and how you’d translate the educational points of “What’s a Good Credit Score in Your 20s?” into that format. Please also specify where you'd envision your idea coming to life (e.g. a studio, outside, etc.). For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are two total video assets, one still asset.
TIMELINE: For the full project timeline please see the Assets section.
EXPOSURE:
TARGET AUDIENCE:
TONE: Exact tone is TBD depending on the idea, but should be within the following realms:
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
OPEN BID:
Shooting live action or stop motion? Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety, so please review our COVID-19 Production Safety Guide and check federal, state, and local rules before and during your shoot to make sure your on-set protocols are up to date. We're working hard to keep people working during this extraordinary time, and you should ensure your submission is executable within the anticipated timeline and budget, while also ensuring everyone's safety.
EDUCATIONAL YET ENTERTAINING VIDEO EXAMPLES: Below are references of educational yet entertaining series from other brands that are made for social to help as you brainstorm:
In order to be considered for this project, you must include the below materials in your pitch submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.
The most compelling pitch will be greenlit, 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. Please see the full payment schedule in the Assets section.
PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to shooting, filmmakers must receive the below approvals from the Sponsor.
For your convenience, we’ve provided some helpful templates to use at your discretion. They include templates for creating a treatment, production budget, storyboards, shot list, call sheet, and a music cue sheet. Additionally, there are templates that will help you clearly present cast, location, and wardrobe options to the Sponsor. They can all be accessed here.
BUILDING YOUR TEAM: Tongal supports inclusivity in all of our productions and strongly encourages you to hire diverse talent for your team. To find staff & crew in your area, check out these resources and partners.
REVISION REQUIREMENTS: Once the Video Phase has closed, the greenlit submitters will enter the Revisions Phase. Filmmakers will perform reasonable edits on their videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback.
MUSIC: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music and Epidemic Sound, any of which can be used to source music for your video submission to this project. 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 separate Music Release Form. To learn more about using each of these music providers, click on any of the providers’ names above.
If you choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. If you obtain music from third-party catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with your license purchase receipt when you turn in your video paperwork.
ASSET DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS: 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 the costs associated the hard drive and shipping.
For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production, please click here.