National Geographic is looking for creative Concepts that bring a unique new spin to the standard explainer video format.

We’ve all seen explainer videos before, so you probably know the format pretty well. They break down some fascinating topic, piece by piece, and then talk you through everything as they put it all back together, give you helpful context, and liven it all up with fun facts. Most explainers are a straight-forward mix of stock footage and voiceover with a dash of animation to illustrate hard-to-grasp concepts, and Nat Geo actually has a great explainer series like these: their 101 Videos, which cover a wide selection of subjects in the world around us; everything from meteor showers and shark attacks to dinosaurs and daylight savings time.

Now though, Nat Geo wants to mix things up. They’re looking for a new original spin on the explainer video format; something fresh and exciting that’s still on-brand and still informational. This could mean anything, so think highly stylized visuals, or dynamic color palettes, or unconventional structures, captivating edits, and confident POVs. Imagine something through the lens of your favorite filmmakers, music video directors, and artists. 

With all the informational content out there – like Buzzfeed listicles, Vice A>Z, and The New York Times’ 36 Hours – we want these explainer videos to stand out in a big, impressive way. So, you’ve got an audience full of curious intellectuals and wanderers, looking for enlightenment. Impress them. Be creative. Revolutionize the explainer.

What is Required to Submit your Concept:

500 Character Concept (Required) – Tell us your Concept for a brand new spin on the Nat Geo Explainer video format. We know generalities are hard, so be specific and give us one example of a topic you would cover with this format, and tell us how you envision the episode would work. Choose a Topic that’s really OUT THERE, instead of something obvious like earthquakes – maybe thundersnow or red tides. Don’t be afraid to suggest a format that’s a little off the wall or non-traditional, because Nat Geo is completely open, whether it involves stock footage, on-screen talent, animation, motion graphics, original footage, or something else - as long as it feels relatable and relevant for a Nat Geo audience.

The goal is to come up with a creative new Concept for a National Geographic explainer video that’s both informative and visually stimulating in a style that feels unique and ownable for Nat Geo.  We want viewers to walk away from these videos having learned something new and surprising, and feel inspired.

--Target Audience: Adults 25-54, in these two sub-sets:

• Contemporary Intellectuals - These viewers skew male and tend to be more upscale, urban and diverse, which tends to mean that they are more likely to be highly educated and have higher income. Their exposure to urban cultural hubs enables their connection with the world around them. 

  • Desire to be “in the know” to take part in the conversation with peers

  • Seek out a holistic POV

  • Follow cutting-edge leaders and brands 

  • Mantra: "I try to make others realize the importance of respecting and protecting the planet."

• Enlightened Wanderers are all about human connections, and stimulated by trending topics, always interested in something new yet also diving deep into whatever interests them in the moment. They use their knowledge as a vehicle to help them connect with (and hopefully impress) other people. They skew female and are on a journey of self-discovery so they love adventurous travel. 

  • They look to find meaning, patterns and concepts through personal stories, images or expert advice

  • Use sources of inspiration to put their desires into action

  • Think unpredictability is the perfect antidote to complacency 

  • Want a better understanding of others and of themselves

  • Mantra: "I recognize how my actions impact others around the world."

--Tone:

Educational, Entertaining, Beautiful, Satisfying, Unexpected, Confident 

--Exposure:

The eventual videos inspired by these concepts will ultimately be viewed on social channels as well as the National Geographic website.  

This Project will be worth a total of $1,500 and consist of one Phase: a Concept Phase.  Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules. 

PHASE 1: CONCEPT – Submit your Explainer Video Concept convincing the Sponsor why your Concept should be selected, as outlined in the Background and Objectives above, using:

• Concept (REQUIRED) – In 500 characters or less, tell us your Explainer Video Concept, including the topic of your episode.

The three most compelling Series Concepts will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, each will receive $500.

1. 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.

2. BY SUBMITTING AN 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.

3. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.

4. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.

5. 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.

6. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

7. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.

8. In the event that fewer than 75 Concepts are received, the Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest for up to fourteen (14) days at their discretion.

9. Winners must complete the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment.

10. 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.