Working from provided scripts, create a suite of straightforward but engaging live action videos that answer top tax questions in a conversational, approachable style to build trust around H&R Block's expertise.
There are tax questions everywhere for those with eyes to see, and not just during tax season. For Gen X, they may be wondering how caregiving for elderly parents impacts their filing; Millennials are hungry for retirement planning tips, especially in a changing economy; and Gen Z filers might panic about claiming deductions without receipts. Especially with major changes to the tax code, H&R Block and its Tax Pros are a great resource for answers to these questions and more during tax season – and beyond.
H&R Block wants to share their expertise with taxpayers in friendly, approachable live action YouTube videos that can be accessible year-round. For this project, you'll be creating three unique videos, each around 1-3 minutes in length, and each focused on answering a specific taxpayer question with a personable, knowledgeable "host." Your videos are part of a larger and ongoing series, so H&R Block will provide guidance around your set design and your talent, along with scripts, motion graphics guidance, and graphics templates to drive home key points in your videos. Therefore, we're looking for a filmmaker who can work within our existing look and feel, and bring a warm, friendly live-action execution across both traditional YouTube and also optimized versions for YouTube Shorts.
As mentioned, H&R Block will provide you with scripts for each video. H&R Block may pair you with a real H&R Block Tax Pro in your area, but you should be prepared to present talent options that match the affable, helpful vibe that these Tax Pros are known for as well. Your videos should feel like a conversational walk-through with a trustworthy personality in a professional but comfy setting: think a home office, or similar. We're not actually looking for you to film at an H&R Block, so you'll need to source a location, and your set design should mirror that feeling without distracting from the important information shared in the videos. Whether you film with an actual Tax Pro or cast talent, it's important that you capture that Tax Pro expertise and neighborly personality that taxpayers value in H&R Block Tax Pros.
Full scripts will be provided upon greenlight, but the topics for this suite include:
With more YouTube content planned through tax season 2026, it's very likely that you might have the opportunity to produce more videos in this same style, so a longer-term plan may be worth considering in your approach.
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 six total video assets:
EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE
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 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.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Broad taxpaying audiences; Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, active military and veterans of all ages.
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.
These videos have a similar style and tone to what H&R Block is looking for:
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 Slipstream 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 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.