Universal Home Entertainment is looking to create a series of videos to help individuals overcome the “digital myths” of movie downloads and get them to try it.

Have you ever noticed that the kids are the most technologically sophisticated members of your household? They have a unique knack for making you feel your age every time a new device shows up on the scene. And it’s not just that they’re “flossing” before you’ve ever heard of it - they can set up your Wi-Fi router, manage your data, rebuild the hard drive on your old laptop…. It’s kind of like the kid has become the CTO of your household.

Working with Tongal, Universal Home Entertainment wants to harness the energy of the kid CTO to help people everywhere overcome the "digital myths” of movie downloads and to drive trial of digital format downloads.

Right now, there is still an education hurdle with physical consumers (i.e. people who buy DVD & Blu-ray) adopting digital movies. In a “that’s so funny because it’s true” relatable and clever tone, we’re looking to create a series of EIGHT (8) videos to explain the challenges preventing consumers from adopting digital movies. 

• ONE (1) video 2 to 3-minutes in length that sets the tone and could act as an overview of the series;
• SEVEN (7) videos 15 to 30-seconds in length that act as add-on chapters

If you’re interested in this project, please read below for additional details:

• This is an open bid project and you will need to submit your proposed budget along with your pitch. Your bids should be between $25,000 - $35,000.

• In this project, the sponsor will determine how many submissions it will select, if any.
• We are looking for U.S. based filmmakers only. 
• Filmmakers who have experience working with children will be looked upon favorably.
• The client may be on set. Check out our on-set best practices here.
• If your open bid pitch is selected as a winner, you will need to abide by the timeline listed in Objectives and your payment schedule will be set up accordingly.
• The timeline is TIGHT with no room for delays. 
• Please pitch using the kid CTO concept, or, come up with your own! 
• During pre-production, you will need approval for:

• Casting
• Locations
• Wardrobe
• Script
• Storyboard
• Graphics

• For your pitch treatment, please let us know how you plan to approach each video.
• For each of the EIGHT (8) videos, you will need to create the following social assets:

• 1x1 cut-down version for FB and Instagram (up to 60s)
• 16x9 version for YouTube
• 16x9 cut-down version for pre-roll

The goal of this project is to create an 8-episode video series to help individuals overcome the digital “myths” of movie downloads and to drive trial of digital format downloads. 

• ONE (1) video 2 to 3-minutes in length that sets the tone and could act as an overview of the series;
• SEVEN (7) videos 15 to 30-seconds in length that act as add-on chapters

7 Key Challenges:

1. Don’t understand how to get the digital movie to his/her TV. This is the most important hurdle to overcome. If the consumer could figure out how to get the digital format to TV, they will most likely go digital moving forward.
2. Afraid to “lose” digital movie library (i.e. service goes out of business, studio changes rights etc.). They can keep a disc forever. 
3. Don’t understand “Movies Anywhere” - benefits of shared rights across retailers. 
4. Easier to collect physical product. Digital movies aren’t as “curated”. 
5. Believe they (digital formats) take up too much room on computer/device (don’t understand that a library can live in cloud).
6. There are a lot of content choices that are less expensive– subscription streaming, episodic content, YouTube etc. 
7. High price of digital formats.

Key Drivers for Digital Adoption: 

1. Impulse.
2. Availability before disc and subscription streaming. Note: digital formats usually release 2 weeks prior to disc and months (and in many cases years) prior to subscription streaming. 
3. Immediacy. Watch on any device, anywhere, anytime. Content could be streamed or downloaded.
4. Benefits of having all my movies digitally.

Key Drivers for Purchasing Movies In General (on disc or digital): 

1. Emotional connection
2. Repeatability 
3. Love to build collections 
4. Guaranteed access 
5. Kids ask for them 
6. Bonus features 

Timeline:

Pre-production: 11/6 - 11/16
Production: 11/16 - 12/10
First Cuts due: 12/10
Notes provided by the sponsor: 12/17
Revised cut due: 12/27
Second round of notes provided by the sponsor: 1/3
Second revised cut due: 1/8
Third round of notes provided by the sponsor (if any): 1/9
Picture lock: 1/11
Final revised cut due: 1/15

--Target Audience: Females, moms who are/whose families are movie lovers. 

--Executional Mandatories: 

• Please don’t minimize DVD or Blu-ray purchases.

--Tone: Conversational, relatable

--Exposure: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram

Facebook Best Practices

• Design tight stories that answer the questions: “What is it?” “Why would the audience care?” and “Why would the audience share?” Usually, these are the three answers…

1. “Oh that’s so me!” – the video is relatable.

2. This video made the viewer feel something, and they want to share the emotional gift.

3. Resonates with a belief of the viewer. This video explains it better than they could.

• The first few seconds are the most important so consider leading with a hook, or telling your story in a non-linear manner. The introduction to the video is critical, and slow builds do not work in the Facebook platform. You might also consider using a "trailer" approach with 2-3 lines of copy up front to frame/present the video.

• Don’t Bury the Lead. Introduce the brand in the first 3 seconds, however, the brand should be introduced cleverly and NOT via a standard product beauty shot.

• Storytelling needs to be driven by visuals so you should be able to convey the important parts of the story without relying on sound at all. Tell visually engaging stories, and try to give your video a constant rhythm. Use text graphics, new frames, characters and settings to move the story forward. It is recommended that something visual happens every 3-5 seconds.

• Shoot your Video with a 1:1 square aspect ratio in mind. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re cropping out important visuals in post-production because you shot in 16:9 or widescreen. Embrace the format.

• Use a Call-to-Action to invite people to a website or follow a hashtag.

• Review your edits on a mobile device. You really need to do this because 90% or more of the audience will be viewing your video on their phone.

This project is open bid and consists of FOUR (4) phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase and a Revisions Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

The sponsor will determine whether it will select a winning submission.

PHASE 1: PITCH - This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. You can download the budget template here. The sponsor would like a producer to create 8 videos with a total cost range between $25,000 - $35,000.

Submit your pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the sponsor why you should be selected to execute a series of videos using:

• Text (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this series of videos.

• 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.

• Treatment (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of how you plan to approach each video in the series. You must use our treatment template, which you can find here.

• Proposed Budget (REQUIRED): Instead of us dictating your budgets, we’re looking for you to let us know the amount you need in order to execute the series of videos. Please provide explicitly how much you need. Your budget proposal is subject to approval if your pitch is selected. Please consider the most economical way to produce your video.

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

• Headshots/Casting Boards (Optional): Casting notes or concepts, headshots of actors, etc. 

• 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, animatic, etc. are welcome.   

The most compelling pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive an advance to help create the series of videos. Please note the payment of the pitch award is subject to a payment schedule determined by Tongal. Additionally, upon submitting a series of videos that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning pitch, completing sponsor notes, providing the necessary release forms, and providing all assets required by the sponsor, the pitch winner will receive the remaining amount. 

For an example of an effective pitch, check out The Indie Machines winning “3 Artists & 5,000 LEGO bricks” pitch video. All pitches will remain private until after the winner of the Video Phase is announced and the project is complete. 

PHASE 2: PRE-PRODUCTION - The winner from the Pitch Phase will enter the Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?). During this phase, filmmakers will need to receive the following approvals from the sponsor: 

• CASTING - This project requires casting approval.

• LOCATION - This project requires location approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. This means you will need to submit multiple images of any filming location. The brand may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that. 

• WARDROBE - This project requires wardrobe approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You will need to submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast’s wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role. If the brand does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new wardrobe options.

• SCRIPT - This project requires script approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. 

• STORYBOARD - This project requires storyboard approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. 

• GRAPHICS - During pre-production, the client would like to have visibility in the style/nature of graphics.

No filmmakers may begin shooting their videos until all approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin shooting your videos during the Pre-Production Phase before you have received final approval, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense).

For your convenience, we’ve provided some helpful templates. Please use them for this project. They include templates for creating a treatment, production budget, storyboards, casting board, shot list, call sheet, and a music cue sheet. They can all be accessed here.

PHASE 3: VIDEO - Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the pitch winner will create a series of EIGHT (8) videos based upon his/her winning pitch. 

Note, for each episode, you will need to create the following social assets:

• 1x1 cut-down version for FB and Instagram (up to 60s)
• 16x9 version for YouTube
• 16x9 cut-down version for pre-roll

The cut-downs for each episode are due at the same time as the rough cuts. Please upload them as separate submissions when submitting your videos. 

--Video Phase Payout: Upon submitting a video that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning pitch, completing the sponsor notes, providing the necessary release forms, and providing all assets required by the sponsor, the pitch winner will receive the final payment.

--Music: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Jingle Punks, Killer Tracks, and Epidemic Sound, any of which can be used to source music for your video submission to this project. 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 separate Music Release Form. To learn more about using each of these music providers, click on any of the provider’s names above. 

Tongal members interested in a more customized music solution for your project are invited to connect with our partner Score A Score. Email a brief description of your project (timing, creative, budget, etc.), along with any specific music direction and/or references to their creative team at music@scoreascore.com and include “Tongal Project - Your Name” in the subject line. Their creative team will be in touch within a few minutes to discuss the simple process and options with you. Please note that you will be responsible for the fees associated with using Score A Score. 

If you are selected as a winner and choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. If you obtain music from third-party catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with your license purchase receipt when you turn in your video paperwork.

PHASE 4: REVISIONS - Once the Video Phase has closed, the winning submitters will enter the Revisions Phase (What is a Revisions Phase?). During this phase, filmmakers will perform reasonable edits on their videos according to the sponsor’s feedback. 

PHASE 5: ASSETS DELIVERY - 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 will be responsible for the costs associated with the hard drive (if necessary) and shipping.

For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post-production please click here.

1. The 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 you be selected as a winner, 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. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of the sponsor.

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

7. 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.

8. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.

9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per phase.

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

11. The sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. In addition to the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment, winning video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their winning 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 award.

15. 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.