Help university students and graduates in Mexico make the most of their money by producing an entertaining suite of TikTok videos, each sharing a quick fact or money tip, and then driving viewers to a PayPal YouTube series for more info.

Learning how to manage your money can be stressful, whether you're just starting out at university, or you find yourself in the real world as a recent graduate. It's no fun, and for a lot of us, school barely even covers basic financial stuff, like.... interest. How does interest even work, really? There are lots of resources out there, but many of them are too boring or too complicated, so PayPal is creating an entertaining & relatable YouTube series - called Cue$tión de Lana - specifically for university students & recent graduates in Mexico, with the goal of providing easy-to-understand advice on how they can make the most of their money. To support that series, PayPal wants to create a suite of *original* in-feed ads for TikTok that offer quick money tips, and also help drive viewers to watch the full series on YouTube.

All content in this suite must be designed for TikTok with a peer-to-peer style and tone that'll feel legit to Mexican university students and recent graduates. If it screams "ad!" they're gonna swipe right past it. On top of that, it has to be entertaining, and stop them in the middle of that swipe with a good money tip or fact. Much of the money advice can be pulled from Cue$tion de Lana, but this is not an editing project, so you'll have to cast appropriate college-aged talent, and have them take lead. 

In your pitch, we'll be looking for you to use a phone (or an actual camera, if you prefer), and shoot a proof of concept video aligning with Episode 1's Budgeting topic. You can use Episode 1 for all the info you need, and to make things easy, there's no need for this proof of concept to feature your intended talent. Alongside that, we'd like to see a Treatment break down the format & style you would use to create the rest of these in-feed ads. If you can include scripts, since the videos are so short, that'd be helpful. We'd also recommend including headshots or demo reels of any potential hosts you have in mind.

For talent, you'll need someone who speaks unaccented Mexican Spanish, with real charisma, authenticity, wit - and probably the ability to land a joke or two - while still remaining credible. Think about how we can grab attention right away, and get people excited to check out the full series. Will you feature talent speaking directly to camera? Or utilize eye-catching visual tricks and clever cuts? Do something unexpected. 

We've included a link to the in-progress pilot episode for the YouTube series, planned topics for each of the 7 deliverables, and the TikTok best practices in the Background below. 

DELIVERABLES: There are seven total video assets.

• Seven :10-:15 In-Feed TikTok videos (9x16)

TIMELINE: 

• For the full project timeline please see the Assets section.
• NOTE: This timeline moves FAST; but we *may* be able to extend the delivery dates for 4 of the 7 videos.

EXPOSURE:

• TikTok In-Feed
• Please review the platform best practices page.

TARGET AUDIENCE: University students & recent graduates (ages 18-25) in Mexico

TONE:

• Fun, approachable, and informative
• Youthful & age specific for university students & recent graduates
• Refer to the YouTube series pilot episode in the Background/Additional Details section for a sense of the overall series tone

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• You do NOT need to be located in Mexico in order to pitch on this project. However, all content will need to be designed for a Mexican audience, and any talent you feature MUST speak unaccented Mexican Spanish.
• Any featured talent must be within the target age demo, ages 18-25, preferably on the lower end.
• All dialogue & text on screen must be in Spanish. However, because members of the Sponsor team speak both English & Spanish, you will be asked to provide an English written translation at each review stage to help the team with initial reviews. 
• Content MUST be optimized for sound-on viewing. 
• Content should utilize music from a Tongal library, not from the TikTok library. 

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.

Below is a link to an in-progress version to the pilot:

• Cue$tión de Lana - Episode 1 - Budgeting

Below are the topics we expect these videos to cover:

• 1 x Budgeting Video (Drive to Cue$tión de Lana Episode 1)
• 1 x How Your Spending Can Make a Social Impact Video (Drive to Cue$tión de Lana Episode 2)
• 1 x How to Use Rewards Programs & Buyers Incentives (i.e. discounts, cashback, credit card points, etc) Video (Drive to Cue$tión de Lana Episode 3)
• 4 x General Series Promotional Videos

Below are helpful best practices for In-Feed TikTok ads:

• Avoid using transparent or white background for the creative, as nicknames, ad captions, and music captions may not be visible, because the text color and UI icons on the TikTok app are white. 

• All video creatives must have sound. 
• No watermarks (including the TikTok watermark) are allowed in the creatives. 
• The ad creative must not mimic the TikTok interface. 
• Ads do not allow for Duet or Stitch videos to be used.

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.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): 500 or fewer characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this video.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what's going to happen in the video. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.
  
  
• HEADSHOTS/CASTING BOARDS (Optional): Casting notes or concepts, headshots of actors, etc.
  
  
• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show them what you're capable of. Consider submitting a pitch video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect should they choose your pitch. Also, test videos, animatics, etc. are welcome. For some examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery. All Pitches will remain private until after the Sponsor gives creator(s) the green light to move forward.

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.

• SCRIPT: This project requires script approval. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a script is approved by the Sponsor. 
• CASTING: This project requires casting approval. Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. As a best practice, please submit three to four options per role, with at least one of those options being a person of color. If the Sponsor does not approve any of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options. Additionally, owing to the risk of disruption from COVID, you will be expected to have backup talent approved by the Sponsor in advance of production to account for any last-minute changes.
• LOCATION: This project requires location approval. This means you will need to submit multiple images of your primary filming location. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that.
• WARDROBE: This project requires wardrobe approval. You will need to submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast’s wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role. If the Sponsor does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new wardrobe options.

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.

1. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 16x9. Acceptable file formats are .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv. Acceptable codecs are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, H.263, MPGV, WMV, DivX. Should your submission be greenlit, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec.
   
   
2. Unless provided otherwise, all work must be your own original creation and free of any copyrighted material. You shall provide detailed information of your work regarding the source, the creator and background information as requested by Tongal.
   
   
3. In the event you utilize any third-party materials, such as music provided by a third-party music provider not provided by Tongal, you must obtain full written license and consent from the owner of such third-party materials and provide such license and consent forms to Tongal.
   
   
4. BY SUBMITTING A VIDEO ENTRY, YOUR SUBMISSION IMMEDIATELY BECOMES THE SOLE PROPERTY OF TONGAL OR ITS ASSIGNEES – SEE OFFICIAL RULES FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT OWNERSHIP OF ENTRIES. YOU MAY NOT PUBLICLY SHARE OR PUBLISH YOUR SUBMISSION IN ANY MANNER AND YOU MAY NOT POST OR UPLOAD YOUR SUBMISSION TO ANY WEBSITE OR VIDEO HOSTING SITE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE OR VIMEO), WITHOUT THE PRIOR EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF TONGAL. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF YOUR ENTRY IN THE PROJECT.
   
   
5. You may not contact any employees or members of the Sponsor’s organization, their affiliates, or any of their partners. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification of your entry in the project.
   
   
6. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
   
   
7. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.
    
8. By submitting to this project, you acknowledge that your work may become subject to public voting on the Tongal site. Public voting may be used to help the project sponsor determine the final rank order.
    
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
    
10. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.
     
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. In addition to the judging criteria stated in the OFFICIAL RULES, Pitches will also be evaluated on that member's ability to execute the final Video based on their prior work and experience as a filmmaker.
    
    
14. The Sponsor will be entitled to reasonable revisions on the finished Videos without providing additional compensation. Remember it's easier to re-edit than re-shoot so try to get as much coverage as possible.
    
    
15. In addition to the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment, greenlit Video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their Videos, as well as a photograph/headshot OR copy of a photo ID for all On-camera Talent releases. You must also provide all project files, editing sequences and a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec to claim your earnings.
    
    
16. See OFFICIAL RULES for additional contest information, terms and conditions. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between these requirements and the Official Rules, the terms and conditions of these requirements shall prevail.