Pitch to create the pilot episode for a new money-themed series around social-first games, challenges, or otherwise fun moments from Chime. 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. They're looking to up their social media game (literally) by creating a new, live action series built around fun money-themed games, challenges, or otherwise fun moments 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!). 

While Chime would like this series to be money-themed and tailor made for TikTok and Instagram Reels, what the games, challenges or fun moments are is up to you. Would you challenge someone to a money-themed game of Jenga? Ask someone to physically build a budget in a fun way? Talk about their best, worst, or funniest money decisions? We’re looking to go beyond financial trivia or a question & answer structure here. Chime’s goal is really to find a unique format for this series. Think about what would work best in the fast and funny worlds of TikTok and Instagram Reels, and keep in mind that - above all - we want to keep these videos upbeat and positive, so avoid anything mean-spirited. We've included some references from other brands or trends in the Background section 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. Whatever your idea for the game, challenge, or otherwise fun moment is, it shouldn't be about Chime. Chime branding should still be present (whether it's in graphics, or in pops of Chime green around the space, etc.), but you don’t need to make Chime the theme of the video, or anything like that. 

In terms of style, this is again up to you on how you see this coming to life visually. 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 at least three initial ideas for the format of this series, whether it’s a unique game, challenge, or otherwise fun moment.  Please also specify where you'd envision each idea coming to life if live action (i.e. 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.

• One :59 or less pilot episode (9x16, formatted for TikTok/YouTube Shorts)
• One :59 or less pilot episode (9x16, formatted for IG/FB Reels, and including subtitles designed to match the brand style)
• One engaging and informative thumbnail that can be used as the cover image when the video is posted

TIMELINE: For the full project timeline please see the Assets section.

EXPOSURE:

• TikTok
• Instagram/Facebook Reels
• YouTube Shorts
• Please review the platform best practices page.

TARGET AUDIENCE: 

• Gen Z and Millennial active social users in the US, with a focus on those ages 18-34
• Specifically users who enjoy hip hop music, cultural trends, traveling, sports, sneaker and hypebeast culture  

TONE: Exact tone is TBD depending on the idea, but should be within the following realms:

• Edgy and cool, 
• Funny and playful
• Bold
• Nostalgic (optional, if it makes sense for your execution)
• Witty

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• Please do not propose any ideas that involve negative or controversial behavior (i.e. vulgarity, violence, drugs, etc.).
• All text must be placed in safe zones for its respective platform.
• If your videos will need to feature music from the TikTok library, your final delivery will need to consist of a video exported without music, along with the exact timecodes for where music tracks should be added to your video when posted.
• If you are taking music from the TikTok library, please make sure you are not using a licensed sound.

OPEN BID: 

• This is an open bid project, so you will get to set your own budget proposal of up to $6,000 for the pilot, as well as up to $20,000 total for 5 episodes in a full season (this should be inclusive of the pilot cost; so a full season cost would be pilot + 4 additional episodes). 
• By participating in this open bid project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a bid. Though most open bid projects on our platform do move forward with a greenlit bid, we will notify you in the event the Sponsor decides not to fund any bids via the project forum. Regardless of the result, all open bid submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and the project team.

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.

FORMAT EXAMPLES: Below are references of filters from other unique social game, challenge, and fun moment formats created by other brands (or general trends) to help as you brainstorm:

• Taco Bell: Drag Brunch
• Cash App: Street interviews 
• Worldstar/UGC: If you laugh
• TikTok trend: Name that tune
• TikTok trend: Finish the lyrics

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): Up to 500 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 focus on past work that is social-first, rather than longer form. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.
  
  
• BID/BUDGET (REQUIRED): This is an open bid project, so you will get to set your own budget proposal of This is an open bid project, so you will get to set your own budget proposal of up to $6,000 for the pilot, as well as up to $20,000 total for 5 episodes in a full season (this should be inclusive of the pilot cost; so a full season cost would be pilot + 4 additional episodes). You can download the budget template here.
  
  
• 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.
• STORYBOARD: This project requires storyboard approval. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your storyboard and ask you to submit a new version.
• CASTING (if applicable): 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.

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 9x16. 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.