Find a singer or songwriter or someone who uses music to help people within The Church and create the pilot for a potential ongoing docu-series that would follow them - and other individuals like them.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is looking to create a captivating series of videos, each spotlighting a different singer or songwriter within their faith community or someone who uses music to help others whether it's children or the elderly.

The goal of this project is to show the role of music in these individuals' lives. While the Church imagines that this would come to life as a 5-6 minute docu-style video, they're ultimately looking to create a series, we are currently seeking pitches specifically for the creation of the pilot episode, focused on a single individual in the inaugural video. Importantly, this is a two-part ask: you'll want to find a potential singer or songwriter or someone who uses music to better their community and propose a compelling format for your pilot that you can plug them into. 

The individual should be around 16-28 and ideally a Church member. We are looking for you to submit one individual with your pitch, and if you have more than one option, you should consider submitting more than one pitch. The video itself should have a raw and personal feel, and not come across as highly produced or overwrought. It should profile the individual, and feature the individual's tie to music, why it's significant to them. In your pitch treatment, please detail how you would produce the pilot, but speak to how you might turn this into a series, with a sustainable format.

Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 8 total video assets.

• One up to 6-minute hero video (16x9)
• One up to 3-minute cut-down of the song (16x9, 4x5, 9x16)
• One :30 teaser cutdown (9x16, 4x5)
• One :15 teaser cutdown (9x16, 4x5)

  
  

EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE

• Note that the timeline may change, and is subject to the nature and format of your pitch. We'll work with you to update and refine the timeline, as needed if you're greenlit.

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 it is NOT limited to these platforms. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.

• The Church's social media channels; specifically YouTube, Facebook, and IG

TARGET AUDIENCE: Teens and young adults 16 - 34 years old, who are looking for content based around Jesus Christ and/or of faith, love, hope, and peace.

TONE/FEEL: Raw, personal, authentic, inspirational.

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• All videos should adhere to the Church's modesty standards and not feature drugs, alcohol, or any inappropriate content.
• All talent will need to complete a social media check by the Church before moving forward.
• If pitching with a singer/songwriter who is composing an original song, the song and its performance should be considered as work for hire, and the Church will own all rights in perpetuity.

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.

OPEN BID:

• This is an open-bid project, so you'll get to submit your own budget proposal of up to $40,000 for the pilot episode. If it makes sense, you may submit multiple versions of your bid at a budget, target, and reach price point.
• 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 do move forward, we'll 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 project team.

Hi everyone - The Sponsor has decided not to move forward with a Pitch on this project. Though most Projects do move forward with a selected Pitch, we will always notify you in the event the Sponsor has decided not to move forward. Please note that regardless of the results, all submissions are reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and the Project Team. We sincerely appreciate your time and effort on this project.  

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.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed in the Deliverables.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A more detailed and specific description of how you propose to execute all of the content listed out in the Deliverables. Explain what we can expect to see, and how you'll make it. If it's helpful, we've provided a treatment template HERE.

• CASTING VIDEO (REQUIRED): Please upload a video of the individual you are planning to cast.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, editor, artist, etc.) but do not include links to your showreel. Please link to individual videos.
  
  
• BID (REQUIRED): This is an open-bid project, and the Sponsor would like you to create ALL of the content listed in the Deliverables within a budget total of up to $40,000.
  
  
• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show what you're capable of. Consider a video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect, or consider test videos, proof-of-concept edits, animatics, etc. For examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery.
  
  
• APPRENTICESHIP ADVISOR (Optional): The Tongal On-Set Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity to support new & emerging talent in production positions with hands-on on-set experience. Please indicate on the pitch submission form if you would be interested in overseeing an apprentice on your production; your answer will neither increase nor decrease the likelihood of your pitch being greenlit.The Tongal On-Set Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity to support new & emerging talent in production positions with hands-on on-set experience. Please indicate on the pitch submission form if you would be interested in overseeing an apprentice on your production; your answer will neither increase nor decrease the likelihood of your pitch being greenlit. Tongal will cover the apprentice's day rate outside of your project budget, and if you are matched with an apprentice, your Tongal producer will reach out with more information. To learn more about the On-Set Apprenticeship Program and the responsibilities of an advisor, please click HERE.

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 REQUIREMENTS: Prior to the commencement of actual production, creators MUST receive final approval from the Sponsor on the elements below. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until an element is approved.

If you begin production before you have received final approval, you may need to reshoot or reanimate at your own expense. 

• SERIES TREATMENT: Describe in detail how you plan to execute the content, both in the pilot, and especially as a series, and sustain engagement beyond an initial episode. Feel free to use concept art, references, style frames, or mock-ups. 
• BUDGET: Provide a detailed budget breakdown for the pilot.
• SCRIPT: Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text, as relevant.
• STORYBOARD: Include individual images for each key beat in your video. It is best practice to include scripted dialogue or VO, along with on-screen text or disclaimers, under each panel in our Storyboards. If there are multiple unique videos, ensure you submit a Storyboard for each video.
• CASTING: Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. Please submit three to four options per role, with at least one of those options being a person of color. It is preferable to share multimedia content (i.e. video & audio clips) to help the Sponsor gauge the talent's performance, rather than headshots or resumes
• LOCATION: Present images of your potential filming locations, and submit at least two options per location. If possible, please include context on where you intend to film within each location, what angles you might use, or how you might dress the location.
• WARDROBE: Submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast's wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role.

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 three music providers: Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music and Epidemic Sound. 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 choose to 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.

1. 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. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.
   
   
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. 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.
   
   
5. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p and formatted for the aspect ratios listed in the Deliverables (e.g. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. 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 creator.
   
   
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
   
   
10. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor, nor can Submissions contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
    
    
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. 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.