Create a suite of straightforward and engaging how-to videos, featuring a personable direct-to-camera live-action presentation using provided scripts, screen recordings and motion graphics templates, that answer top tax questions with clarity and build trust around H&R Block's tax expertise.
H&R Block is filling out its YouTube channel with videos that help taxpayers find the answers to tax questions that they're most frequently searching for, whether it's tax season or not. To do this, we're looking for a filmmaker who can combine live-action and motion graphics skills to create two how-to videos that walk side hustlers and small business owners through some key taxpaying skills in a friendly, approachable, and digestible way.
The goal of this project is to create two unique how-to videos, each around 3 minutes in length, to help address two different topics. If needed, you can also use stock footage from our partner library, Storyblocks, if that's helpful in visualizing the messaging. We're looking for you to cast a personable 'expert' who can deliver tax advice and filing guidance directly to camera. H&R Block will provide scripts, screen recordings, and graphics templates, so in addition to your motion graphics editing skills, if greenlit, you should be prepared to present talent options that match the affable, helpful vibe that H&R Block's Tax Pros are known for. 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.
The topics for this suite include:
Final videos will need to be delivered in both 16x9 and 9x16, with the 9x16s optimized for YouTube Shorts. 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 it may be worth considering how your overall approach and specifically your motion graphics style can adapt and expand with more content down the road.
For your pitch, we'd love for you to use general H&R Block branding and put together a short :10-:15 proof of concept demo video using some kind of screen capture, motion graphics, and on-camera/VO commentary, to show us your skills and demonstrate your proposed approach. Maybe this proof of concept is just you walking us through the process as you log into your own H&R Block account online; the subject doesn't matter as much as the format, how you weave together screen capture and commentary, and how you handle branding and graphics. All of that should be able to easily translate to the actual subject matter of the screen recordings when you're provided with them.
Some similar videos, including one 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 four total video assets.
EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE
RELEVANT ASSETS: 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: Side hustlers and small business owners, Gen Z to Gen X
TONE/FEEL: Clear, concise, helpful, empowering.
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 all have similar elements and approaches to what H&R Block is looking for:
Screen recordings and motion graphics with VO:
Live-action with motion graphics:
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.