The LEGO® Group is looking for a stop-motion animator or an animation team to produce an action-packed short animated video to celebrate a new LEGO® set featuring a female character and her vehicle from The Fast and the Furious franchise, which will be exclusively available at Walmart.

Calling all superstar stop-motion animators! The LEGO® Group is looking to create a fun and exciting video about a new The Fast and the Furious LEGO® set available at Walmart. The details about the new set are being kept super hush-hush, but we're talking about super cool, high-octane, edge-of-your-seat stuff here, so buckle up and get ready to rock n' roll! 

The goal will ultimately be to create a single :30 video, but with a full suite of cutdowns and social versions around it, along with eight stills that can be pulled from the video. This suite will be based on a previously selected concept, which will be provided if you're selected in the Pitch Qualification phase. Although we can't tell you more about the underlying concept or the set itself, the video will require high-quality stop-motion skills and fast-moving action. We're looking for a single animator or team to take on this project, and someone who can execute this video at the highest quality, while managing a fast-paced timeline. In terms of the creative, there is a chance that we will work with voiceover talent provided by the LEGO® Group, but it is also possible that it will end up being non-verbal, so the action should lead the way story-wise. If we end up working with voiceover talent, the talent will be provided by the brand and will not need to be accounted for in your budget. You also will not be expected to handle directing for the voiceover session.

The LEGO® set will be provided to the selected stop-motion animator for production. While the main format is 16x9, you will need to consider framing of shots to work in a 9x16 environment. The social cutdowns and still images can be used from the main video, but you'll need to plan for a coherent :15 story version as well as framing for different formats, which may involve needing to shoot more than just the :30. 

If you're interested, collect your most impressive work samples, and send them on over. In the Pre-Qualification Phase, we'll provide up to four selected creators with more details, and a small budget, to help develop a full pitch. From there one creator will be chosen, and given a full budget, to roll into pre-production and bring their pitch into reality. 

Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 6 total video assets and 8 still images.

• One :30 product hero video (16x9, 1x1, 9x16)
• One :15 cutdown (16x9, 1x1, 4x5)
• Up to Ten still images taken from the video (16x9)

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.

• Walmart Stores
• Walmart.com
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Vimeo

TARGET AUDIENCE: Women and all fans of the LEGO® brand and the The Fast and the Furious franchise

TONE/FEEL: Exciting, action-packed, adrenaline-filled

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• Greenlit filmmakers MUST strictly adhere to all The LEGO® Group guidelines, which will be provided upon selection.
• Greenlit filmmakers MUST be prepared to execute either a VO supported or nonverbal video and will need to develop a pitch for both if chosen in the Pre-Qualification Phase.
• VO talent will be provided by the brand and will not need to be accounted for in the full creator budget.

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.

HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE:

• The LEGO® Group x Walmart | May the 4th Celebration
• The LEGO® Group x SCHEELS | Hero Video

PITCH QUALIFICATION PHASE:

In order to be considered for the Pitch Phase, you must include the below materials in your Pitch Qualification Submission. The Pre-Pitch Phase gives filmmakers the opportunity to submit a 500-word synopsis of an initial creative thoughts for both videos, and tell us a bit more about your aesthetic as a creator. Four creators will be given $1,000 to develop 2 proofs of concepts as part of the Pitch Phase.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed in the Deliverables.

• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, editor, artist, etc.) but do not include links to your showreel. Please link to individual videos.

• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show them what you're capable of. Consider submitting a pitch video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect should they choose your pitch. Also, test videos, animatics, etc. are welcome. For some examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery. All Pitches will remain private until after the Sponsor gives creator(s) the green light to move forward.

PITCH PHASE:

If selected to move forward to the Pitch Phase, you will be sent additional information to create 3 treatments (with story narratives) as part of your pitch. You must include the below materials in your pitch submission to be considered for this project. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this video.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.

• ANIMATION TREATMENT (REQUIRED):  A more detailed and specific description of how you propose to execute the content listed in the deliverables, both in terms of what we can expect to see, and how you’ll make it. Your treatment MUST include story outlines for the narrative based on The Fast and the Furious LEGO® set you will be briefed on. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.

• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show them what you're capable of. Consider submitting a pitch video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect should they choose your pitch. Also, test videos, animatics, etc. are welcome. For some examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery. All Pitches will remain private until after the Sponsor gives creator(s) the green light to move forward.

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. 

• TREATMENT Describe in detail how you plan to execute the content, and how you plan to bring it to life visually. Feel free to use concept art, references, style frames, or mock-ups. If relevant, share additional information about your team, and your process.
• SCRIPT: Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text, as relevant.
• ANIMATIC: Using rough animation or Storyboard panels, edit together a preliminary version of your content. It is best practice to include music and temp dialogue or VO, when relevant.

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.

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.

1. In addition to the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment, greenlit Video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their Videos, as well as a photograph/headshot OR copy of a photo ID for all On-camera Talent releases. You must also provide all project files, editing sequences and a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec to claim your earnings. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.
   
   
2. Unless provided otherwise, all work must be your own original creation and free of any copyrighted material. You shall provide detailed information of your work regarding the source, the creator and background information as requested by Tongal.
   
   
3. In the event you utilize any third-party materials, such as music provided by a third-party music provider not provided by Tongal, you must obtain full written license and consent from the owner of such third-party materials and provide such license and consent forms to Tongal.
   
   
4. The Sponsor will be entitled to reasonable revisions on the finished Videos without providing additional compensation. Remember it's easier to re-edit than re-shoot so try to get as much coverage as possible.
   
   
5. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p and formatted for the aspect ratios listed in the Deliverables (e.g. 16x9). Acceptable file formats are .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv. Acceptable codecs are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, H.263, MPGV, WMV, DivX. Should your submission be greenlit, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec.
   
   
6. BY SUBMITTING A VIDEO ENTRY, YOUR SUBMISSION IMMEDIATELY BECOMES THE SOLE PROPERTY OF TONGAL OR ITS ASSIGNEES - SEE OFFICIAL RULES FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT OWNERSHIP OF ENTRIES. YOU MAY NOT PUBLICLY SHARE OR PUBLISH YOUR SUBMISSION IN ANY MANNER AND YOU MAY NOT POST OR UPLOAD YOUR SUBMISSION TO ANY WEBSITE OR VIDEO HOSTING SITE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE OR VIMEO), WITHOUT THE PRIOR EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF TONGAL. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF YOUR ENTRY IN THE PROJECT.
   
   
7. You may not contact any employees or members of the Sponsor's organization, their affiliates, or any of their partners. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification of your entry in the project.
   
   
8. In addition to the judging criteria stated in the OFFICIAL RULES, Pitches will also be evaluated on that member's ability to execute the final Video based on their prior work and experience as a creator.
   
   
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
   
   
10. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor, nor can Submissions contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
    
    
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. See OFFICIAL RULES for additional contest information, terms and conditions. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between these requirements and the Official Rules, the terms and conditions of these requirements shall prevail.