Work directly with Rugs USA to produce a relatable, elegant and stylish live-action YouTube ad video to inspire viewers to check out the wide array of unique rug offerings that they have for all home styles on their website.

This product will only ship to the United States and Canada, so while you can be based in another country, you must be able to receive the product at a US or Canadian address.

When it comes to furnishing your home, office, or patio, rugs are an essential part of the design equation. Whether it's a spill-proof rug for a heavily trafficked area, a washable rug for the outdoors, or a sisal rug to ergonomically balance the office vibes, the right rug can make all the difference in making your space succeed. Rugs USA would know, as they're one of the largest online e-commerce sites and they've got a rug for every occasion. Now, they want YOUR help in spreading the word!

For this project, you'll work directly with Rugs USA to produce a :30 live action YouTube ad video that reinforces the idea that Rugs USA offers both style and functionality that anyone can enjoy. The video should be both elegant and approachable; relaxed in a way that's akin to a lifestyle brand, but on-trend with the range of product offerings showcased. Importantly, Rugs USA wants to avoid any verbiage or visual style that feels too "exclusive," as this is a relatable brand for everyone, so striking the right balance of comfort and chic will be what wins here. In the Background, we've provided some tonal examples based on past Rugs USA content that should give you a feel for where this balance lives within their brand. 

Since Rugs USA is largely an e-commerce business, it's important to craft your concept around the ultimate goal of driving viewers to visit their website. This will include featuring a CTA at the end of the video driving them there, and as you'll be creating your video specifically for YouTube as a paid ad, you also need to consider YouTube's ABCDs of creating effective video ads. This is a live action production, but fun motion graphics or text that may enhance the video are definitely on the table. Beyond those elements, Rugs USA is curious to see how you can weave everything into an emotional narrative for the video too. For example, how might ordering your rug online be an immediate benefit to your life? What advantages to that approach helps make your day better? Words and phrasing like "elevate your everyday," "refresh your look," and "effortless elegance" are all interesting thought starters from a thematic standpoint that Rugs USA is interested in seeing come to life here.

All product will be shipped and awarded to the greenlit filmmaker, so this does not need to be factored into your budget considerations (and will also be a fun way to enhance the sophistication of your own home after the shoot!).

Critically, for this project, once a filmmaker is selected, they will be put directly in contact with the sponsor. All communication and feedback between both parties will run through the Tongal platform.

Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 2 total video assets.

• One :30 hero video (16x9) 
• One :30 alternate version (16x9).  This version will only entail using an alternate final call to action and/or end card.

EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE

EXPOSURE: We expect content will be used on YouTube, but if casting talent, be sure they review our required Talent Release before they're cast, as it is NOT limited to YouTube only. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Adults. ages 25-55

TONE/FEEL: Sophisticated yet approachable, relatable and elegant

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• You must adhere to Rugs USA brand guidelines, which will be provided upon being awarded the project.
• A CTA to the Rugs USA website MUST be included in the video.
• You must be able to provide a location that can reasonably feature all of the rugs shipped for your video in a furnished home.

In the past, Rugs USA has had a lot of success in collaborations with different designers (which you can see on their website). You'll see this reflected in some of their Instagram and Pinterest posts, which people look to for inspirational design ideas, or when creating big interior design themes on a budget. Some of the videos in the link below also reflect this, but the link also contains other videos that have performed well for Rugs USA in the past.

HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE

In order to be considered, include the below materials in your submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery. All Pitches remain private, even after a Pitch is selected, and Tongal strives to have Pitch selections made by the end of the Evaluation period, but additional time may be required by the Sponsor, depending on any number of factors.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed in the Deliverables.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A more detailed and specific description of how you propose to execute all of the content listed out in the Deliverables. Explain what we can expect to see, and how you'll make it. If it's helpful, we've provided a treatment template HERE.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, editor, artist, etc.) but do not include links to your showreel. Please link to individual videos.

• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show what you're capable of. Consider a video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect, or consider test videos, proof-of-concept edits, animatics, etc. For examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery.

• SCRIPT (Optional):  Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text.

• STORYBOARDS (Optional):  To better illustrate your vision, include actual storyboards, additional concept art, shot lists, or anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard template HERE.

The most compelling pitch will be greenlit by the Sponsor, 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, typically included with the project timeline.

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. 

• SCRIPT: Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text, as relevant.
• STORYBOARD: Include individual images for each key beat in your video. It is best practice to include scripted dialogue or VO, along with on-screen text or disclaimers, under each panel in our Storyboards. If there are multiple unique videos, ensure you submit a Storyboard for each video.
• CASTING (if applicable): Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. Please submit three to four options per role, with at least one of those options being a person of color. It is preferable to share multimedia content (i.e. video & audio clips) to help the Sponsor gauge the talent's performance, rather than headshots or resumes.
• LOCATION (if applicable): Present images of your potential filming locations, and submit at least two options per location. If possible, please include context on where you intend to film within each location, what angles you might use, or how you might dress the location.
• WARDROBE (if applicable): Submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast's wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role.

For convenience, we've provided some helpful templates that you can consider using for pre-production materials, and they can all be accessed here.

BUILDING YOUR TEAM: Looking for help? Post crew and production opportunities connected to Tongal projects on Backlot. Backlot includes search tools to help you find collaborators and crew by role, skill set, location, and more, for productions of any size and type. Tongal also supports inclusivity in all productions, and strongly encourages you to hire diverse talent for your team. To find additional options for staff & crew in your area, check out these resources and partners.

REVISION REQUIREMENTS & RESOURCES: Once Content has been submitted and the initial Production Phase completed, greenlit creators will enter into Revisions. Creators 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 music from a library for your content, you MUST use one of Tongal's music providers: Jingle Punks and Universal Production Music. 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, click on any of the providers' names above.

If you choose to use 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 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, and an account will be created for you to access the library. Once assets are approved for delivery, 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 any costs associated with the hard drive and shipping. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.

To ensure a smoother delivery, please review the Export Presets, Specifications, and Project File Organization Tutorial in our Filmmaker Resource Portal.

1. 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. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.
   
   
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. 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.
   
   
5. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p and formatted for the aspect ratios listed in the Deliverables (e.g. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. 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 creator.
   
   
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
   
   
10. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor, nor can Submissions contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
    
    
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. 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.