SYFY's looking for women animators, creators, and visionaries to produce a short animated video with an original story that reflects who you are and what you love about about genre - whether that means sci-fi, fantasy, horror... or something else entirely.

SYFY is genre. Hard stop. Killer dolls, alien invaders, zombie swarms, and more magic than you can shake a wand at, they've got every genre from cyberpunk sci-fi to futuristic fantasy and the boldest, bloodiest horror films you've ever seen. Whoever you are, whatever genre you love, SYFY's got you covered. For this project though, instead of celebrating other people's superheroes and starships, SYFY actually wants to give animators, creators, and visionaries an opportunity to share their OWN genre experiences, stories, and characters, with an artistic and incredibly cool video. This is My Genre, My Story.

This month, we're spotlighting women's voices, and we're looking for women animators to create an animated video - up to 60 seconds long - that will creatively express or reflect your own view on women's experiences in genre content. You could even show us what you're making right now and the impact it has in the genre space. And SYFY's talking about all women, so if you identify as a woman, this project is for you.

This could mean anything from an original narrative to a clever homage or an artistic abstraction. Remember how we said "incredibly cool?" Be inspired. Be creative. Set up and then subvert expectations. You're not boxed into any one specific genre or tone here, and you're not making a commercial, so you can have fun with this. Show us the genre that has made you who you are. Show us what you wish to see in the genre space. You could even show us what you're making right now. 

If you're wondering where to start, think about the franchises, characters, scenes, and archetypes that made you fall in love with sci-fi, superheroes, fantasy, or horror, and give them your own spin. Think about challenges that people overcame, or big moments in genre history. Think about your community, your family, your unique POV, and just create something that feels like a reflection of what you want to see. You can reference women's history, but this is not a Women's History Month video, so don't worry about that. SYFY's interested in seeing a video that reflects YOU and your personal experience.

We know the ask is open-ended, and you probably have a lot of ideas for how you might want to tackle this, so for your pitch, we'd recommend submitting several different ideas for your video. If SYFY likes where your head's at and you're greenlit, we'll work with you to develop ONE of your ideas during the pre-production process. Keep in mind though, all work MUST be original, and should NOT include or directly reference existing IP or characters.

Checkout the Background for some inspiration, and feel free to ask questions in the forum.

DELIVERABLES:

• One up to :60 video (16x9, 1x1)
• One :15, :20, or :30 broadcast TV edit (16x9)

TIMELINE: Click here for the full project timeline.

EXPOSURE:

• TV edits will air on SYFY, so they'll need to be exactly :15, :20, or :30.
• Full length videos can run any length up to :60 and will be posted on SYFY's digital and social platforms.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Adult fans of genre content.

TONE: Epic, mysterious, magical, bad-ass, celebratory, nostalgic, reverent, hilarious - many different genre tonalities can work, as long as you remain respectful.

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• This is NOT a SYFY logo video. We're not looking for SYFY branding here, and your video doesn't have to resolve on a logo.
• This project is specifically meant for animators who identify as women; animators can work in  2D animation, stop-motion animation, claymation, creative motion graphics, mixed media, etc. 3D animation is acceptable, but hyperrealistic VFX work is difficult given the timeline and budget, so you must show that you can execute within these parameters. Live action will not work.
• You may use voiceover, narration, and visual text but it is not required.
• The final 3 seconds of your TV edit video should resolve on a simple, uncluttered frame (with minimal motion) because SYFY needs room to incorporate additional center-frame graphics that will be added after you deliver. That means the "narrative" of your video should resolve at the :12, :17, or :27 mark, and the final seconds should be a cleaner frame that's related to your video, but not necessarily a part of the narrative. 
• All work MUST be original, and should NOT include or reference existing IP or characters. Any persons, places or things rendered should be of the artist’s own creation and should not be referential of any existing properties.
• "Genre" refers to science fiction, fantasy, superheroes, comic books, and horror, but it can be anything that falls under those categories, including something that combines more than one. Think about sub-genres too - science-fiction and horror include a ton of different styles and variations - and how genres have evolved over time and in different mediums.
• AVOID graphically violent or sexual  images, or overtly political subject matter.

By participating in this project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a submission. Though most projects on our platform do move forward, we will 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 the project team.

Shooting 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 our advice here is to make sure your submission is executable within the anticipated timeline, while also ensuring everyone's safety.

SYFY did something somewhat similar last year, although we're opening up the creative ask more this year. Still, feel free to check out some of the previous videos. 

• Space Laboratory - A poignant and abstract claymation narrative about the power of women creators to craft new worlds. 
• Boob Armor - A funny papercraft send-up about the sexist trope of "boob armor" in genre movies... and how women can break out of those restrictions.
• Faces of History - A series of vignettes about all the different roles women have played in genre stories. 

Additionally we have some fun examples SYFY videos you can reference, even though your video should NOT include a SYFY logo. With that in mind, notice how many of these videos create a fun way to set up and subvert audience expectations with their stories.

• Forgotten Women of Genre - a great example of direct storytelling with some creative 2D animation.
• Vote Foot - a simple story with a good twist and a surprise ending with a message.
• Make Your Mark - an overview story that immerses genre characters in the message.
• Homage to B-Movies - a cool tribute to the retro sci-fi subgenre.
• Post-Apocalyptic Workshop - a subversive little horror twist on familiar imagery.
• Mystery Meat - a complete vignette that quickly takes an unexpected turn.
• Monsters Fall in Love - a stylish vignette in an abstracted setting with a great twist.

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.
  
  
• STORYBOARDS (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard 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 here.

PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to shooting, filmmakers must receive the below approvals from the Sponsor.

• SCRIPT: This project requires script approval, although it should be submitted WITH your Storyboard. The Sponsor may provide feedback on your script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be up to 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.
• VOICE CASTING (If Applicable): This project requires casting approval. Tongal advocates for inclusivity in 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.

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: You will be required to use the SYFY-approved music provider Source Audio to source music for your Video submission to this Project. Music from this provider is available only to the filmmakers that USA selects at no charge solely for their incorporation into Submissions to this Project and will not require a separate music release form. Filmmakers will be provided with a log-in and access by a Tongal producer once they are selected. 

If you are selected as a filmmaker and choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our music release form. 

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.