Working from provided scripts and featuring real Tax Pros that are local to you, create a suite of straightforward but engaging videos that answer top tax questions in a conversational, trustworthy style and build trust around H&R Block's expertise.
**Although it's not required that you're primarily based in the U.S., you must be able to film within the continental U.S. for this project in order to be able to have access a local H&R Block Tax Pro.**
It may come as a surprise, but tax questions tend to be on peoples' minds year-round – not just in the days leading up to April 15. Maybe you just bought your first home or are about to have your first baby; maybe your military career is coming to an end and you're not sure how your veteran status might impact your taxes; or maybe you're just not sure if doing your taxes on your own is the right path for you next year. H&R Block's Tax Pros are a great resource for answers to these questions and more during tax season, and now H&R Block wants to take that friendly expertise and make it approachable and accessible year-round on their YouTube channel, with videos where real H&R Block Tax Pros answer taxpayer's top questions. To do this, we're looking for a filmmaker who can bring a warm, friendly live-action approach to provided scripts that answer five important taxpayer questions.
The goal of this project is to create 5 unique live action videos, each around 3 minutes in length, to help address five different topics. . H&R Block will provide you with VO scripts to address those topics, and they'll help you source a real H&R Block Tax Pro in your area - although, depending on your location, you may need to plan for some light travel (i.e. within a 60-90 minute driving distance). Your videos should feel like a conversational walk-through with a trustworthy personality in a professional but comfy setting. 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. You should be able to capture both the Tax Pro's expertise, and the neighborly personality that these Tax Pros are known for.
The topics for this suite include:
H&R Block will also provide templates for lightweight text graphics that you'll use to drive home key points of your videos. Importantly, you should note that you'll also need to deliver videos in both 16x9 and 9x16, and while the scripts will probably be the same for each format, the max length for Shorts is currently 3 minutes, so there's a chance the 9x16 may need some careful edits to ensure it doesn't run long. In addition to that, and you should expect to make adjustments to the screen inserts, graphics, and on-screen text to optimize for the 9x16 format.
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 ten 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; 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.
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. The bible can be presented in stages as different elements are developed and prepared (i.e. it's not expected that a storyboard is ready when you present your first draft). There may be multiple rounds of feedback until an element is approved. You are also welcome to include other key items that you think would be helpful (e.g. moodboards, lighting, shotlist, etc.), or that you'd like the Sponsor's feedback on.
All Pre-Production elements will be presented within a singular Production Bible, which will be an evolving document as the materials come together. 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 Jingle Punks. 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.