
Produce an imaginative and wild short video that cleverly brings the Nickelodeon splat logo to life in a way that transports viewers into the outrageously fun world of Nickelodeon.
Nickelodeon is the number one entertainment brand for kids and kids-at-heart, and it's where you can always expect unpredictable fun and an outrageously good time. For those of us who grew up watching Nickelodeon in the 90s and 2000s, the iconic Nickelodeon splat logo holds a special place in our hearts - but now the splat is back, and with a fresh new look that you might've already seen on their social channels. If you haven't, be sure to check it out on their Instagram. Its iconography is bold and new for the younger audience, but it also represents an evolution for the older crowd, tapping into the nostalgia of the Nick splat of the 2000s era. More than that though, the new logo is a literal portal to the boundless world of unbridled imagination and endless possibilities that comes with following your "kidstincts."
Here's where you come in! The Nickelodeon team is calling filmmakers, animators, and content creators to bring the new splat logo to life in different fun, imaginative, and outrageous ways. This is your chance to tap into your inner Nick kid by cleverly revealing the Nick splat logo in a short video that can run up to :30. In terms of executions, all mediums are on the table (live action, animation, stop motion, etc.), and it's important that you come up with something wacky and creative that plays into the idea of the splat logo being a "portal" that takes viewers inside the crazy world of Nickelodeon. Think about everything that makes Nickelodeon such a beloved kids entertainment brand (slime, orange blimps, zany characters, more slime, etc.) and then create a stylish and highly visual video that will bring the splat logo to life in an unexpected way. This is not about a narrative so much as it is about creating a fun way to set up and subvert audience expectations.
How you visualize the splat as a "portal" is totally up to you. You CAN animate the splat to see the portal materialize on screen, or it can already exist and we see something go through it, or it can be a means of transformation. The sky's the limit. Make sure to check out visual examples the Background to get a sense of the wide range of creative directions you can take this. You can access the splat logo files HERE.
While you CAN show Nickelodeon animated characters in your video, it is NOT required. If you do plan on featuring Nickelodeon characters, it's encouraged that your video features older and/or more nostalgic characters alongside more current characters, since we need to ensure all content is geared towards people ages 16+. While you will have access to official reference images of Nickelodeon characters, the expectation is that you will be drawing/animating the characters yourself to fit the creative concept you submitted. You're also encouraged to think about fun ways you can incorporate "Easter eggs" from your favorite Nickelodeon shows into your video. If you're pitching a live-action approach, you CAN use on-screen talent (check out this video for a clever way to do this), but it is not required. Regardless of your approach, your video should feel contemporary and adult-facing, while still remaining family-friendly.
Nickelodeon is looking to greenlight multiple creators here, but each creator will only be responsible for making ONE video. We also encourage you to submit an optional proof-of-concept video that illustrates how your idea would come to life. Feel free to include links to any existing social videos (they don't have to be your own) that represent the style you'd be aiming for.
For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: Each greenlit creator will create one logo video:
TIMELINE: HERE
EXPOSURE: We anticipate content will be used on the platforms listed below, but if casting talent, please be sure your talent reviews the required Talent Release, 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 page.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Young adult/older Gen Z nostalgic fans; Millennial nostalgic fans
TONE: Vibrant, wacky, playful, energetic, creative, surprising, nostalgic and imaginative.
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
OPEN BID:
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.
The most compelling pitches will be greenlit, and the responsible creator(s) 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.
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.
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 & RESOURCES: 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. 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 any 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 about using each of these music providers, click on any of the providers’ names above.
If you choose to use custom or 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 content 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 beforehand, and an account will be created for you to access the library and its features. Once your video submissions are approved by the Sponsor, 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 the costs associated the hard drive and shipping.
To ensure a smoother delivery, please review the Export Presets, Specifications, and Project File Organization Tutorial in our Filmmaker Resource Portal.