Create a stylized suite of active outdoor lifestyle photography content for T-Mobile that features Gen Zers experiencing nature while staying connected. You'll be provided with some creative guidance and a shot list, and you'll also need to create short-form "making of" videos for social platforms.
As America's largest and fastest 5G network, T-Mobile prides itself in its ability to enhance connection. In fact, human connection is what's at the heart of everything T-Mobile does, and they're constantly working to bring people together and help them to enjoy life's special moments - whether they're at home, or moving about the world. Sometimes, those special moments take people off the beaten path, and that's what T-Mobile is looking to highlight here: times when people may be adventuring and exploring in outdoor settings with friends and loved ones.
The goal of this project is to create a suite of stylized social content that primarily leverages still photography to capture Gen Zers having memorable experiences and connections when they're out in natural outdoor settings, using their phones. Alongside the photography, and reinforcing the connectivity message, T-Mobile also wants to capture 1 minute "making of" videos that show how the photography was captured - almost like BTS videos, but more deliberate and more focused. The brand team is looking for four different nature/outdoor setups, which you can read more about in the Background, and ultimately they'll need 3 fully retouched still images and one making of video per setup. This video footage should feel candid and definitely not staged, but it should be lead content that's purposefully created for public consumption, rather than simple behind-the-scenes capture. The video content should have some degree of narrative and structure behind it, and the T-Mobile team has also provided a shot list and descriptions that outline exactly what they're looking for in each video.
In terms of content, T-Mobile is looking to feature Gen Z individuals and groups finding solace and adventure in the great outdoors, like camping, hiking, or stargazing, all while staying effortlessly connected with T-Mobile. These aren't meant to feel like branded stock images where everyone's merely dressed in magenta with their phones out; instead, we want a more authentic and stylized peak into someone's day out with their friends, while they use T-Mobile to stay connected. They really want to emphasize the balance between digital connectivity and nature’s tranquility, so think of gorgeous, picturesque natural settings, where T-Mobile is present, but still plays a background supporting role.
The T-Mobile team has also provided visual style guidance and examples for what kinds of moments they're looking to capture. Stylistically, feel free to get creative on how you plan to capture the images and videos by mixing in vintage or disposable cameras, fish-eye lenses, post filters, and any other techniques that feel fitting to the overall suite. Everything should feel cool, atmospheric, and Gen Z-focused, so think soft, natural lighting and earthy tones. They also want to be sure to focus on wide shots that show the vastness of nature, juxtaposed with intimate close-ups of people interacting with their devices and each other. In terms of crew, you should make sure you have a sufficient team to capture professional-looking stills in all the natural settings, including low light situations like stargazing, though your videos should not look like a professional photoshoot and instead look like an attainable shoot that anyone could be a part of with their friends.
In terms of casting, should plan to have five-six Gen Z, diverse talent to be featured in the content ,and you should play close attention to curating wardrobe, hair, and makeup for all talent. Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are 36 total static images and 4 total video assets.
EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE
EXPOSURE: This project requires a full rights buyout from photographers and talent. That means all rights, globally, in perpetuity, and in all media. This is not negotiable. In terms of usage, we expect content will be used on the platforms below., Be sure talent reviews our required Talent Release before they're cast. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Gen Z and Millennial active social users in the US, with a focus on those ages 18-34
TONE/FEEL:
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.
SHOT LIST & REFERENCE IMAGES:
PHOTO SHOT LIST BREAKDOWN:
VIDEO SHOT LIST BREAKDOWN:
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.
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.
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.