Help SYFY Wire create an imaginative and buzzworthy fan-driven debate series, starting with a pilot video that journeys through the fifth dimension and into… The Twilight Zone.

What you’re about to read is the curtain-raiser to a most extraordinary digital series; one that is, as yet, a specter – a fleeting idea trapped between the shadow of man’s ignorance and the light of his creativity – but this project will define it.  Join us, if you will, and enter a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind, on a drop dead sprint into the wondrous land of imagination…

This December, SYFY Wire wants to create an innovative fan-driven debate series that breaks down and analyzes the legacy of great genre TV shows and movies, and they want to start it off with a pilot video that takes a deep dive into THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Every year the SYFY Channel runs a marathon of the original Twilight Zone series on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and as much as the show may be a classic, it’s actually more relevant than ever, so it’s the perfect candidate for this new digital format. 

SYFY Wire, the digital editorial branch of SYFY, wants to use this fan-driven debate and discussion structure to look at The Twilight Zone’s influence on modern media, its societal and technological foresight, and how the show still resonates at a time when it can feel like we’re living the Twilight Zone. The format allows us to embrace the passionate conversations that fans have when geeking out over a subject they love. SYFY Wire wants to capture them – and the exhilaration, excitement, and insight that comes from them – in an imaginative and visually stimulating way, using the fan voice. It’s ownable and uniquely SYFY: by fans, for fans.

The goal of this Pilot then is developing a digital video series that will establish an original, repeatable and buzzworthy format that can work for other fan favorite content. It needs a unique open or introductory hook beyond the topic of Twilight Zone, so don’t get caught up in what is merely the subject for a single video in this series.

Here is a rundown of the project:

• This project will consist of two main Phases: the Pitch Phase, and the Video Phase. TWO (2) Pitches will be selected, and if your Pitch is selected, you will move into pre-production, where you’ll need approval on your Treatment before getting the green-light to production.
• When SYFY Wire says “imaginative and visual,” they’re serious. That also means that "Debate and discussion" is open for interpretation.  This video doesn’t have to be two talking heads with witty banter and a green screen. The motivation behind a debate is the expression of passion, and the exploration of complex ideas. There are many ways to capture that. They’re open to any style or format, as long as it’s in the voice of the fans. Creativity drives the decision-making here. 
• Remember to think about the series format – but create the best pilot first. The unique opening or hook is really important to the success of this series beyond Twilight Zone. If you have strong talent for The Twilight Zone episode, we can always use different talent for subsequent episodes if your pilot goes to series. 
• You should do your research on The Twilight Zone. SYFY Wire will also provide you access to its own Twilight Zone expert if you’re selected in the Pitch Phase. There’s a geeky academic quality to what we’re talking about, and you need to embrace that. Think about the legacy of The Twilight Zone’s impact, influence, and foresight.
• You will be able to use photos, video clips, and audio from the original Twilight Zone show, and you should feel free to incorporate that into your pilot, and your actual pitch.
• The Voice and Tone is clutch – check out some examples of SYFY Wire’s current creative for a sense of how they talk to Fans. Smart, edgy, fun, even a little self-aware. Think of the mantra “By Fans, For Fans.” You don’t need to mirror these formats in any way.
  • 12 Things We Noticed When Watching Hocus Pocus
  • Robocop: Everything You Didn’t Know
  • Friday the 13th Movies in 2 Minutes
• The videos should be 2.5 to 5 minutes in length – there’s a lot of info to cover and SYFY Wire is known for its expertise on subject matter, so we’re expecting more than high-level bullet points.
• For the right Idea, SYFY can provide access to its existing SYFY Wire Talent, for either on-camera or VO asks.
• The timeline is QUICK and the deadlines are TIGHT, so be ready to move. The full timeline is provided in the Objectives section.
• The teasers will be used for broadcast TV, so your video must be up to broadcast specs as a result.

What is Required to Submit your initial Pitch:

• Text: 500 characters or less synopsizing your Pilot and how you plan to execute the debate show format.
• Title: 100 characters or less with a proposed title for your show & format, reflecting the fact that this will focus on more than The Twilight Zone if it goes into series.
• Treatment: A detailed narrative description of how the format works, what’s going to happen in the Pilot and subsequent videos, and how it’s going to look and feel, along with any visual and tonal references, and mood boards. If it’s helpful to you, we’ve provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.
• Proposed Budget: Instead of us dictating your budgets, we’re looking for you to let us know the amount you need in order to execute your Series, though you should try and stay in the range between $5,000 to $15,000. Your budget proposal is subject to approval if your Pitch is selected. Please consider the most economical way to produce your Series. (*See Budget Template in the Assets Tab).
• Links to Previous Work: Please specify your role.

Next stop, the Twilight Zone…

The goal is to produce a 2.5 to 5 minute pilot for a digital debate and discussion series, with the pilot episode covering the legacy of the impact, influence, foresight, and modern day relevance of the original Twilight Zone TV show. Your Video should be accompanied by a 15-second Teaser for broadcast TV.

--Deliverables Due:

• One 2.5 to 5 minute Video
• One 15-second Teaser, broadcast specs
• Audio Splits & Stem Files
• Text & Graphic-free Clean Master Video

--Target Audience:

Genre fans. Sure, they skew young, diverse, and metropolitan, but this ain’t about demographics. The 50 million people who geek out over a genre show every week are all ages; all backgrounds; all shapes, sizes, and species. They are defined not by who they are, but by what they love, and this is what they love.

--Tone:

Smart, edgy, fun, self-aware. 

--Exposure:

Videos will be distributed on SYFY and SYFY Wire’s owned channels and digital platforms, specifically YouTube and SYFY.com, but potentially also Facebook and Instagram. The 15-second teaser may be aired to promote the video on TV in advance of the Twilight Zone Marathon.

IMPORTANT: You may not begin shooting your Video until you receive a greenlight from SYFY. If you begin shooting your Video during Pre-Production, there is a chance you will need to re-do work (at your own expense), so please don’t jump the gun.

--Expected Timeline: 

Note that this is a *very* aggressive timeline, and both filmmakers will be held to strict deadlines for delivery, barring any adjustments made by SYFY after pitches have been selected.

• Pitches Selected by SYFY: December 1
• Pre-Production Phase: December 1 – December 6
• Video Phase: December 6 – December 13
• First Cut Videos Delivered to SYFY: December 14
• Editorial Feedback / Pilot Selection from SYFY due: December 15
• Selected Filmmakers executes revisions: December 15 – December 19
• Revised Videos Delivered to SYFY: December 19
• Editorial Feedback due from SYFY: December 20
• Selected Filmmakers executes revisions: December 20 – December 22
• Final Revised Videos Delivered: December 22, 2017 EOD

This Project will consist of 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.

PHASE 1: PITCH - Submit your Pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute a SYFY Show Debater Pilot based on the creative ask laid out above:

• Text (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing your Pilot and how you plan to execute the debate show format.
• Title (REQUIRED): 100 characters or less with a proposed title for your show & format.
• Treatment (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of how the format works, what’s going to happen in the Pilot and subsequent videos, and how it’s going to look and feel, along with any visual and tonal references, and mood boards. If it’s helpful to you, we’ve provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.
• Budget (REQUIRED): Tell us your budget per episode, and please use the template we’ve provided in the Assets tab.
• Links to Previous Work (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.
• Pitch Video (Optional): This is your opportunity to show us 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, animatics, etc. are welcome.
• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue, VO, or text copy from the video you intend to create.
• Storyboards (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across.

The TWO (2) most compelling Pitches will be selected and enter a short period of budget negotiation, where a payment schedule will be determined, and then after submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, the Pitch Winners will continue on to create their Pilot and Series. 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 Winner from the Pitch Phase will enter the Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?), which means you will be required to submit a revised and more detailed Treatment for Approval before moving onto the Video Phase.            

• TREATMENT – You must submit a revised and detailed treatment for your video, incorporating a description of how you’re going to bring the debate show format to life, in terms of all video, audio, and text elements, as well mood and tone, along with the actual subject matter that you’re covering and how you’re covering it. You should address the prominent cinematic or production design elements that might distinguish this. SYFY 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.

No filmmakers may begin shooting their Video until Approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin shooting your Video during the Pre-Production Phase, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense) so please don’t jump the gun.

PHASE 3: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the two filmmakers from the Pitch Phase will each create a 2.5 to 5 minute Pilot based upon their winning Pitch, along with a 15-second teaser. After the Pilot Phase, continuation into Series production will be evaluated.

NOTE: The 2.5 to 5 minute Video, along with the 15-second teaser, are both due at the close of the Video Phase. Please upload them as separate videos when submitting your Videos.

--Music: Tongal has partnered with the music provider Jingle Punks for this project, which can be used to source music for your Video submission. Music from Jingle Punks 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 Jingle Punks, click the name above.

Tongal members interested in a custom music solution for your project are invited to connect with SCORE A SCORE. They specialize in the creation of custom music, on-demand. Their business model is based on a "name your price" system, so you can tell them what your budget is, and they will work with you to create a deal configuration that will work within the discussed parameters. Check out the FAQ for more information and how to contact 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 other catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with our Music Release Form 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. Once the Videos are finalized, the winners will be announced.

1. The Videos MUST not exceed 5 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 win, 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. In the event that fewer than 50 Pitches are received, the Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest for up to fourteen (14) days at their discretion.

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 prize.
    
    
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.