Create a suite of four :15 videos that use provided scripts to build awareness and trust around Block Advisors by H&R Block's industry-specific tax expertise ahead of the upcoming tax season.
When people have a complex clogged pipe, want to sell or buy a new home, or need an in-home caregiver, they call an expert. Why should it be any different with your taxes? Whether you're a plumber or technician, a realtor, an in-home nurse, or a gig worker, you didn't start your small business to do taxes; that's where Block Advisors by H&R Block come in. These tax experts understand the ins and outs of specific industries and the needs those small businesses have, from taxes to year-round support with payroll services, full-service bookkeeping, and business formation resources. Basically, if you're a small business owner or a gig worker, Block Advisors by H&R Block has got you covered, from tax season and beyond.
That's the message we want to share with small business owners in a few key industries and gig workers this tax season, and that's where you come in: we're looking for a filmmaker to produce a suite of four :15 videos (with :06 cutdowns) that build awareness and trust about the many services Block Advisors by H&R Bock provide for their small business and gig customers year-round. Using scripts and UI graphics components provided by H&R Block, your videos should be relatable and approachable, and give viewers confidence that Block Advisors by H&R Block are the experts their small businesses need, and that filing with a Block Advisor, online or in-person, is the best way to correctly file their business taxes and get every credit and savings they deserve.
Three of your videos will focus on specific small business industries, and the fourth will focus on gig workers. All four videos will be a mix of live action with on-screen talent and VO, and UI motion graphics that show relatable small business owners at their jobs and connecting with a friendly, approachable Block Advisor.
Full scripts and graphics components will be provided upon greenlight, but the topics for this suite include:
Some similar videos, including a couple that Tongal produced for H&R Block's tax season 2025, are shared in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are 16 total video assets.
EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE. Please note this project has an expedited timeline, with final delivery needed by 12/16.
EXPOSURE: We expect content will be used on the platforms below, but if casting talent, be sure they review our required Talent Release before they're cast, as we CANNOT guarantee that usage is limited to these platforms. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Small business owners and gig workers
TONE/FEEL:
Helpful, approachable, knowledgeable; not condescending or insider-y.
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
By participating in this project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a submission. Though most projects do move forward, we'll notify you in the event the Sponsor decides not to fund any submissions via the Project Forum. Regardless of the result, all submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and project team.
While not a perfect match for this year's visual / narrative approach, these videos serve as a good reference for tone, style, and overall approach for your content:
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. Unless specifically requested, there's no need to include a budget with your submission.
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 BIBLE & APPROVALS: Prior to the commencement of actual production, creators MUST prepare a singular pre-production "bible" document with the elements contained below, and that document MUST receive final approval from the Sponsor. We recommend that you use the bible template we provide HERE, or something very similar. The bible can be presented in stages as different elements are ready for review (i.e. it's not expected that storyboards, if required, are ready with your first draft). Apart from the below, you're also welcome to include other key items that you think would be helpful to communicate your plan (e.g. moodboards, lighting, music, shot list, etc.).
Note that there may be multiple rounds of feedback until elements are approved, and if you begin production before you have received final approval, you may need to reshoot or reanimate at your own expense.
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: Universal Production Music, PrimalHouse, or Jingle Punks. 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 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.