Rethink educational storytelling through the lens of the map, and help National Geographic with Concepts for an innovative and thought-provoking digital video format that uses maps to explain interesting topics.

Long gone are the days of spinning globes and road atlases.  These days instead we’re all addicted to Google maps and apps like Waze.  But this project is about looking at maps in an entirely new light.

Maps are an incredibly useful visual tool.  The concept of educational storytelling through maps is not revolutionary.  For instance, maps have been used to track the hibernation patterns of bears, chart the positioning of the stars in the sky, and monitor the prevalence of solar energy production.  These are just a few more obvious examples of the power of maps and their ability to educate the public on important subjects.

Now though, Nat Geo wants to push the boundaries.  They’re looking for you to rethink educational storytelling through the lens of the map. They want you to come up with an innovative and thought-provoking digital video format that uses maps in a non-traditional way. This is your chance to be super creative and revolutionize how people consume maps in a digital video format! 

What is Required to Submit your Concept:

• 500 Character Concept (Required) – Tell us your Concept for an innovative and thought-provoking digital video format that uses maps to explain interesting topics.  We know generalities are hard, so you can be specific and give us one example of an unconventional topic you would cover with this format, and tell us how you envision the episode playing out.  Don’t choose a topic that obviously involves maps, like “the expansion of the Roman Empire” – instead, choose a topic that allows you to use maps in an unexpected way to give people a unique perspective.  But keep in mind, topics should still make sense for National Geographic’s brand, i.e. science, history, exploration, animals, culture, or personalities.  But don’t be afraid to suggest a format that’s a little off the wall or non-traditional, because Nat Geo is completely open as to 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 Concept for a National Geographic digital video format that uses maps in a new way to explain interesting topics.  Nat Geo is open to length and format, though try to think about the 1 to 3 minute range, and while it will likely incorporate stock footage and animation, it could also include live action, motion graphics, or stop-motion.  At this stage, you can also feel free to specify whether your Concept works best for a specific digital platform, like Instagram Stories or Snapchat (though we should avoid VR).  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:

• Your Concepts will have an impact on how Nat Geo decides to use the videos that are inspired by those Concepts. Generally, though, they will likely 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: Series Concept. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules. 

PHASE 1: SERIES CONCEPT – Submit your 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 Concept.

The THREE (3) 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.