Help horror fans decipher the dark secrets of the original Halloween film by producing an awesome SYFY WIRE digital documentary video that takes a unique look at how this film stands out as a true masterpiece of the horror genre.

40 years have come and gone since the initial release of Halloween in 1978, but Michael Myers’ horrifying mask still haunts our dreams, and the upcoming sequel offers no salvation. For audiences everywhere – and for any true horror fan – that mask, and that theme, is permanently etched into our minds. Perhaps more interesting though, is how that film is etched into the history of cinema itself. 

John Carpenter's original Halloween set the standard and left a mark on countless films, and whole generations of filmmakers. Now, with that rich history, and the official 2018 Halloween sequel on the horizon, SYFY WIRE is looking for some true fans to step up and create a short 7 to 11-minute digital documentary that can pay homage to Halloween’s significance, and offer other fans a new and thought-provoking look at the film's significance. 

To that end, the SYFY WIRE team has selected three different potential creative approaches in a previous project, and they'd like you to take a look and see what you respond to, and then use one (or more?) as the basis for your own look at the significance of Halloween. Having a strong point-of-view or a unique perspective on the creative approach is important, because SYFY is looking for a video that makes heavy use of footage from the film, and combines it with a mix of VO, text, motion graphics, and animation. There's also the chance that you'll have access to cast & crew interviews they've banked in anticipation of the upcoming sequel.

No matter what, this is largely about good editing and a strong message. Make that message smart, edgy, self-aware, provocative, and thought-provoking, because we want this piece to make the audience think, feel, or both. 

Here are the creative approaches they like:

• Beyond the Horror - In the style of the documentary Room 237  about The Shining, one option is to explore all of the possible thematic interpretations of the original Halloween. For example: is it a morality play about the dangers of premarital sex and substance abuse? Or, as Carpenter sees it, exactly the opposite? Is it misogynistic, or is it feminist? Or is it just about white flight and the dangers of suburbia? These are just a few thematic interpretations, and if you ask any fan (or film historian), they're just the tip of the iceberg. SYFY WIRE wants you perspective on this, and how the film fit both into the cultural context of the time, and how it might fit into today's culture context. Blow fans minds, and make your old film school professors proud. 
• The Isolating Fear Behind Halloween  - There are many terrifying traits encompassed in the Halloween franchise, but chief among them is the feeling of dreadful isolation. This approach would highlight some of the key moments in the film where isolation is especially apparent - like those nightmarish chase sequences where there are hardly any trick-or-treaters about - despite the fact that we're in the middle of the suburbs and it's Halloween! The characters are never far from civilization, yet the isolation is inescapable, and it offers us a unique angle with which to view the film. You can chalk some of this up to the demands of production, but much of it is a creative decision, so take a unique look at how the film preys on one of humanity's greatest fears: being alone... while... you know, facing off against a knife-wielding serial killer.
• The Horror of Simplicity - This presents the argument that Halloween's success as a horror film comes from it's stripped down simplicity. And yes, you might point out that some of that simplicity is a reflection of the film's modest budget and the scrappy way that John Carpenter brought this to life, but as filmmakers you know all too well: every dollar you spend on your film is also a creative decision. This film gives us a killer with no face, a kitchen knife, a basic backstory, single girl on the run, and an incredibly sparse but haunting score. What John Carpenter denies us, how he withholds information, how he takes away all of the distractions - that's a creative decision, and this would be a short doc exploring the psychology of how it creates horror and unease. Simply scary.

The SYFY WIRE team loves that these ideas are editorial in nature and take an insightful, thought provoking perspective on a film that is wrought with emotion and terror. So, what's next?

Here's what else you need to know:

• This is an open bid project and you will need to submit your proposed budget along with your treatment in the Pitch Phase. You should look to do something in the rough range of $6,000 to $14,000 for the video. Remember that you really shouldn't be shooting much, if anything, and you'll be provided with access to footage from the film, as well as video from cast & crew interviews, if that's relevant to your video. This is mostly about editing, with some graphic design and animation work thrown in where you need it. You can download the Budget template here.
• You will create one (1) 7 to 11-minute documentary segment about a topic of your choice. 10 minutes is the sweet spot. You should also plan for some kind of 15 to 30-second teaser, but what that teaser looks like is dependent on how the video comes together. 
• You have flexibility in how you format and structure your video, and while we can tell you that this will play on SYFY WIRE, don't feel bound to the types of content they've made in the past. 
• Your video should focus on John Carpenter's original 1978 film Halloween. We're not closed off to something that references the rest of the franchise, or other films, but you should try to avoid that. 
• Your video should avoid the use of a “host” or “correspondent,” and should instead rely on voiceover, narration, and interview dialogue, as well as motion graphics and text. 
• In order to be considered fair use, you should include a ton of commentary, and the piece should not be entirely footage from the original film. While you may reference the music from the film, you may not use the music in thematically throughout the piece (i.e. in the background).

Check out more details below…

The goal of this project is to create a 7-11 minute digital documentary video based on one (or more) of the three creative approaches that the SYFY WIRE team has offered. Once you select a creative approach, the scope and scale of what you cover is up to you, but you should look to create something really thought-provoking, that's going to engage and deepen the viewers’ understanding of Halloween, it's influence, and it's impact. Come at this like the Halloween fan that you are, because SYFY is the place for fans, and SYFY wants your fan perspective. Dive deep, go “behind the mask” and spotlight this story and this franchise for other fans, new and old. 

The format of the video is open for interpretation, so feel free to think about other fan-made formats that you’ve seen online, and the unique perspectives that have been taken when looking at other important films, and obviously, think about things that you’d want to explore, or that you know other fans care deeply about when it comes to Halloween. 

--Tone: Smart, edgy, self-aware, provocative and thought-provoking. We want this piece to make the audience think, feel or both. You can incorporate elements of darkness, horror and suspense, but this is not about trying to scare the audience: this is about revealing something they didn’t know about Halloween. If humor or “fun” organically manifests in the work, it should be observational, self-referential or tongue firmly in cheek.

-- Video Assets: You should include footage from the film - because, how could you not? There is a chance that we will have access to existing interview footage of the cast and creative talent behind the new Halloween film, so your Pitch can include that if you feel that it might make for an interesting angle, as long as it's still rooted in giving a fan perspective on the franchise. We'll also provide brand assets and style guides for SYFY WIRE, to use as needed. 

--Target Audience: Halloween and horror fans. Given the scope of Halloween’s influence, they are multigenerational, but diverse, and metropolitan. The millions of people who geek out over this franchise and the horror genre all ages; all backgrounds; all shapes, sizes, and species. They understand the story of Michael Myers is significant in cinema, but might not appreciate the full scope of this film’s influence on the American film landscape. 

--Expected Timeline: *Updated 08/20/18*

• Winning Pitch Selected by SYFY: 08/24
• Pre-Production Kick-off Call: 8/27
• Pre-Production: 08/24 - 09/3
• Video Phase: 09/3 - 09/21
• Rough Cut delivered to Tongal: 09/21
• Rough Cut delivered to SYFY: 09/24
• Rough Cut feedback from SYFY: 09/27
• Fine Cut delivered to SYFY: 10/01
• Fine Cut feedback from SYFY: 10/03
• Picture Lock delivered to SYFY: 10/05
• Picture Lock sign-off from SYFY: 10/08
• Final Cut delivered for approval: 10/10
• Final files delivered to SYFY: 10/11

--Exposure: Videos will be distributed on SYFY WIRE’s owned channels and digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, as well as the SYFY website, and potentially on air.

This Project will consist of 5 Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase, a Revisions Phase, and a Delivery Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

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 each producer to create a video within a budget range of $6k-$14k.

Submit your Pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?)  convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute a Video based on one of the winning Ideas from the previous Phase using:

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

• Bid & Budget (REQUIRED): Feel free to download and use the Tongal budget template here.

• Creative Approach (REQUIRED): Select which of the three Creative Approaches you'll use as the foundation of your video. Note that your video may use elements of more than one approach, but we still expect that one will be the primary. 

• 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 what's going to happen in the video. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.

• 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 a portion of their budget to help create the Videos.

Please note the payment of the Pitch award is subject to a payment schedule determined by Tongal. This payment schedule will include milestones for pre-production, production, and post-production, and payments will be issued based upon reaching these milestones for each Video (or batch of Videos). Final payment will be contingent upon submitting Videos that satisfy the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, completing Sponsor notes, providing the necessary release forms, and providing all assets required by the sponsor.

For an example of an effective Pitch, check out The Indie Machines winning “3 Artists & 5,000 LEGOs” 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  Pitch Winners 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 brand: 

• SCRIPT – This project requires Script Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The brand may provide feedback on your Script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a Script is approved by the brand. 

• TREATMENT  – This project requires Treatment Approval before filmmakers can move onto the Video Phase. The treatment should describe how you plan to execute the video and how you plan to bring the storytelling to life visually. The sponsor may provide feedback on your Treatment and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a Treatment is approved by the brand.

• VO / CASTING (If applicable) - If your Video includes Voiceover or On-screen Talent, this project will require a Casting Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You must provide at least 2 options per role, and the brand may request to see additional options.

No filmmakers may begin shooting their Video until all Approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin shooting your Video 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 to use at your discretion. They include templates for creating a Treatment, Production Budget, Storyboards, 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 7-11 minute Video based upon their winning Pitch.

--Video Phase Payout: Upon submitting a Video 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 final portion of their approved budget.

--Music:  If you use music from a library, you will be required to use the SYFY-approved music provider Frequency to source music for your Video submission to this Project. Music from this provider is available only to the Pitch Winners at no charge solely for their incorporation into Submissions to this Project and will not require a separate Music Release Form. Pitch Winners will be provided with a log-in and access by a Tongal producer once they are selected. 

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. Also, if Raw Files are included in the SOW please use this language…In addition, to the project files you are also required to provide all raw footage on a hard drive.  You will be responsible for the costs associated 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 Video MUST not exceed maximum length of 11 minutes in length. 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 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 Sponsor.

6. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with 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 Video(s) 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.