Help produce an action-packed, long form narrative LEGO stop-motion YouTube series within the world of a very high-profile entertainment franchise.
The LEGO® Group is going to be producing fun, action-packed stop-motion animated videos for a brand new long form YouTube series that's going to be based on a high-profile entertainment franchise. The exact franchise and details are being kept extremely confidential at the moment, so while we can say that it's within the world of very high-profile IP, we have to be light on details here.
What we can say is that, for this project, we are looking for at least 5 (and maybe more) stop-motion animation teams to help create episodes for a YouTube series, which will be based on provided scripts, and which will need to be animated this year on a very fast timeline. Owing to the speed of the project, the expectation here is that several different teams will handle different episodes on parallel production timelines. The individual episodes will include 6 minutes of stop-motion animation each. We can't tell you more about the storylines, number of characters, or the nature of the LEGO sets involved, but the videos will definitely require high-quality stop-motion skills, with lots of characters, lots of dynamic action, and lots of fast pace edits.
These will also be verbal videos featuring dialogue from several characters. We will connect you with a voiceover director who will handle the recording session and casting, and you will NOT need to account for any of the voiceover costs in your budget. You will also be reimbursed for reasonable brick purchases for animation, with Tongal approval, separate from the production budget.
In addition to the stop-motion animation itself, you will additionally need to capture 2 minutes of live-action behind-the-scenes content to show your full animation process and any fun tidbits about the story of your video. The details will discussed further if you move into the Pitch phase, but it should underscore that we're expecting a more robust production, and you'll definitely need more of a team.
If you're interested, collect your most impressive work samples, and send them on over. Following the Pre-Pitch Phase, we'll provide a number of selected animation teams with more details to help develop a full pitch. From there, at least 5 teams will be chosen, and given a budget of at least $120,000 each to roll into pre-production and bring their pitches into reality.
Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are at least 2 total video assets.
EXPECTED TIMELINE: Animation will begin in September and final videos will need to be delivered in January 2027. The timeline will be discussed in detail with those who move into the Pitch Phase.
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: All fans of the LEGO® brand
TONE/FEEL: Exciting, action-packed, adrenaline-filled
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
AI USAGE: You may not use AI generated visual or audio assets in your final content. However, for the purposes of your pitch and pre-production materials, you are welcome to use generative AI to create visuals, storyboards, animatics, proofs-of-concept, etc. that might help the Sponsor understand your vision for creating the final content. Additionally, assistive AI tools (e.g. object removal, compositing, color grading, sound mixing, subtitling, etc.) may be used in post-production to supplement your workflow. Please keep record of any AI usage deployed in your submissions in the event that the Sponsor requests AI disclosures. If you have questions about any specific usage or tool, please ask your Tongal producer.
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.
HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE: Below you'll find an example of similar existing YouTube content that reflects the level of production quality and scale that we're expecting for this project. That said, we should flag that this is a compilation of short form videos, and we're not saying that this project is necessarily related to this entertainment franchise.
PRE-PITCH PHASE:
In order to be considered for the Pitch Phase, you must include the below materials in your Pre-Pitch Submission. The Pre-Pitch Phase gives filmmakers the opportunity to submit a 500-word synopsis of their initial creative thoughts and tell us a bit more about your aesthetic as a animation team.
PITCH PHASE:
If selected to move forward to the Pitch Phase, you will be sent additional information to create 2 treatments (with story narratives) as part of your pitch. You must include the below materials in your pitch submission to be considered for this project. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.
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.
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 Slipstream. 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.