To celebrate the upcoming premiere of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem this August, produce two fun, wacky, thumb-stopping TikTok videos that get fans excited to see the movie in theaters.
Cowabunga! Everyone's favorite turtles are breaking out of their shells and hitting the big screen. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem premieres in theaters on August 2nd. After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them. Which can only mean a totally tubular adventure is in the midst!
The goal here is to create two different, distinct, short, and entertaining videos that generate excitement about the movie and resonate with fans of the original franchise on an organic level, primarily via TikTok. These are NOT meant to feel like ads - we're not looking for a trailer cutdown or anything like that. Instead, we want you to tap into your inner "Turtle Power" and incite Turtlemania in a way that's really clever and interesting. Primarily, your concepts should encourage people to go see the movie on the big screen or to get tickets in a fun way.
The creative possibilities are endless. Perhaps you're thinking of a fun live-action approach that uses clever transitions or surprising edits. Maybe you use stop-motion animation to bring the Turtles to life in a pizza-fueled battle with some gravity-defying flips. Steer away from any boring, couch potato ideas - this project is your chance to unleash your inner ninja, so make it count!
Your videos should feel native to the TikTok and Instagram Reels platforms, and lean into the trends and styles that would organically come across your "For You" page while still being tonally in line with the TMNT voice on social media. Below are some thought starters for different trends that you can explore, but note that if you have other video ideas that feel native and aren't on this list, Paramount still wants to hear about them!
Your pitch treatment should provide at least THREE unique video concepts, and if you're selected, Paramount will work with you to decide which TWO concepts will move into production.
We also encourage you to submit an optional proof-of-concept video that illustrates how your idea would come to life. Your proof of concept should be designed for TikTok, shot in a 9x16 aspect ratio, and up to 15 seconds. You can even create your proof-of-concept video in the TikTok app itself. Feel free to include links to any existing social videos (they don't have to be your own) that represent the style you'd be aiming for.
Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: Each greenlit creator will create 4 total video assets:
TIMELINE: HERE. Please note: This timeline is fast-moving. The pitch phase falls over the July 4th holiday in the United States.
EXPOSURE: We anticipate content will be used on the platforms listed below, but if casting talent, please be sure your talent reviews the required Talent Release, as it is not limited to these platforms. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices page.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
TONE: Wacky, unexpected, high-octane, goofy, playful, and FUN!
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
OPEN BID:
TMNT: MUTANT MAYHEM TRAILERS:
OFFICIAL HASHTAGS:
MAIN CHARACTERS:
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES:
In order to be considered for this project, you must include the below materials in your pitch submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.
The most compelling pitch will be greenlit, 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.
PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to shooting, filmmakers must receive the below approvals from the Sponsor.
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. Additionally, there are templates that will help you clearly present cast, location, and wardrobe options to the Sponsor. They can all be accessed here.
BUILDING YOUR TEAM: Tongal supports inclusivity in all of our productions and strongly encourages you to hire diverse talent for your team. To find staff & crew in your area, check out these resources and partners.
REVISION REQUIREMENTS & RESOURCES: Once the Video Phase has closed, the greenlit submitters will enter the Revisions Phase. Filmmakers 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 any music from a library for your content, you MUST use one of Tongal's three music providers - Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music and Epidemic Sound. 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 about using each of these music providers, click on any of the providers’ names above.
If you choose to use custom or 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 content 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 beforehand, and an account will be created for you to access the library and its features. Once your video submissions are approved by the Sponsor, 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 the costs associated the hard drive and shipping.
To ensure a smoother delivery, please review the Export Presets, Specifications, and Project File Organization Tutorial in our Filmmaker Resource Portal.