Create a 60 - 90 second Video which tells a story that features the 2016 GMC Sierra and reinforces the idea of “through precision great trucks and great men are made.”

GMC believes in going the extra mile in everything they do. That’s why they’re building precisely crafted vehicles like the 2016 Sierra 1500 Denali - for men that care about craftsmanship and attention to detail. And now GMC’s looking for stories about those same men – guys who aren’t satisfied with the status quo, who are constantly refining their purpose and striving for something great.

GMC isn’t interested in outdated stereotypes of masculinity. To them, “real” men doesn’t mean lumberjacks hauling truckloads of steaks and beer up a rugged mountain pass. It means actual people who constantly endeavor to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend, a better worker, etc.

So tell us your Concepts for stories that explore the idea that “through precision great trucks and great men are made”. Concepts will provide the basis for emotional Videos (real or otherwise) that demonstrate this dedication to excellence and highlight the craftsmanship of the 2016 GMC Sierra. Check the objectives tab for more details.

The goal of this project is to create a 60 - 90 second Video that captures passionate stories of people striving to be a better father, husband, friend, worker, etc. GMC is looking for stories that reinforce the notion that “through precision great trucks and great men are made”.

Videos must feature the 2016 GMC Sierra. Don’t just highlight the features and technology of the Sierra. Create an emotional connection with viewers that captures the spirit and values of GMC Professional Grade trucks: precision, attention to detail and an insistence on going above and beyond. Concepts and subjects don’t have to be real but they should feel authentic.

--Key Marketing Messages:

• The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali leads by example and sets the standard for full-size pickup design.
• Sierra owners have a clear sense of self and are constantly refining what being a man means to them.

--Target Audience: Men, ages 35-54.

--Executional Mandatories:

• The 2016 Sierra 1500 Denali must be featured in your Video but the inclusion should feel organic. Vehicle inclusion should complement or enhance the story – not distract.
• Do not show any stunts or other dangerous activities involving the vehicles.

--Tone: Smart. Authentic. Storytelling that feels real and emotional.

--Exposure: Social sharing platforms (YouTube, Facebook, etc.) and Sponsor’s website.

--Product: Sponsor will make product available for pitch winners to use in their shoots. Sponsor will require a designated point of contact for each pitch winner to coordinate logistics of shipping the vehicle. Please do not plan your shoot for the first couple weeks of the Video Phase, as it may take some time to get the vehicle to you.

This Project will be worth a total of $87,500 and consists of three Phases: a Concept Phase, a Pitch Phase and a Video Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

NOTE: The Pitch and Video Phase of the contest are open only to residents of the Continental United States and District of Columbia.

PHASE 1: Concept – Tell us your Concept for an engaging spot for GMC in 250 characters or less.  Remember, a Concept is not a detailed script; it is a spark of inspiration, or a distillation of what will happen in the Video.  As always, Concepts should be clever and engaging.  The winning Concept creators will receive $500 each and a 5% one-time residual payment for any winning Videos based on their Concept. (That means if your winning Concept is the basis for the 1^st place Video, you will receive $1,000, the 2^nd place Video $700, the 3^rd place Video $500, the 4^th place Video $400, the 5^th place Video $400 ) – see Video Phase Payout details for more information.

PHASE 2: PITCH - Submit your Pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute a Video based on one of the winning Concepts from the previous Phase using:

• 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.

• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create. 

• Treatment (Optional): A detailed narrative description of what's going to happen in the video. 

• Storyboards (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across.

• Headshots/Casting Boards (Optional): Casting notes or concepts, headshots of actors, etc.

• Pitch Video (Optional): This is your opportunity to show us 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.   

The five most compelling Pitches will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will each receive $5,000 to help create the Videos.  Additionally, upon submitting a Video that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, the Pitch winners will also be GUARANTEED a winning place in the subsequent Video Phase.  So, if your Pitch is selected and you execute your Pitch effectively in your Video submission, you will win an additional $8,000, at a minimum, and have a chance to compete for the $20,000 First Place video prize (subject to deduction for one-time 5% residual payment to eligible Concept winners). For an example of an effective Pitch, check out The Indie Machines winning “3 Artists & 5,000 LEGOs” Pitch video. All Pitches will remain private until after the winner of the Video Phase is announced and the Project is complete.    

PHASE 3: VIDEO – The five winners from the Pitch Phase will each create a 60- 90 second Video based upon their winning Pitch.  

The Judges will score the five winning Videos submitted by the Pitch winners to determine the standings for the Video Phase.  Remember, all five Pitch winners will receive prizes.

--Video Phase Payout: Winners of the Video Phase will earn the following prizes: 1st place $20,000 2nd place $14,000 3rd place $10,000 4th place $8,000 and 5th place $8,000 (less any 5% one-time residual payments paid to the Concept winners, as applicable).

--Music:  Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Audioblocks, Killer Tracks and Epidemic Sound. Any of which can be used to source music for your Video submission to this Project. 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 separate Music Release Form. To learn more about using each of these music providers, click on any of the provider’s names above.

Tongal members interested in a custom music solution for your project are invited to connect with SCORE A SCORE.  They specialize in the creation of custom music, on-demand.  

Their business model is based on a "name your price" system, so you can tell them what your budget is, and they will work with you to create a deal configuration that will work within the discussed parameters. Check out the FAQ for more information and how to contact SCORE A SCORE. 

If you are selected as a winner and choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. If you obtain music from other catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with our Music Release Form when you turn in your Video paperwork.  

--Referral: Any Tongal member who refers one of the winning Video creators in this Project using the Tongal “Invite Friends” functionality will receive a referral fee equal to 5% of the amount won. That’s a potential $2,300 (up to $500 per place) in bonus cash just for telling all of your talented friends about this Project! Check out more about our Referral Program in FAQ.

1. The Videos MUST not exceed 90 seconds in length. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 16x9. Acceptable file formats are .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv. Acceptable codecs are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, H.263, MPGV, WMV, DivX. Should you win, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec

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. 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.

5. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.

6. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.

7. By submitting to this project, you acknowledge that your work may become subject to public voting on the Tongal site. Public voting may be used to help the project sponsor determine the final rank order.

8. Videos must be in the English language.

9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

10. You must be at least eighteen (18) years or older to enter and a resident of the Continental United States and District of Columbia.

11. In the event that fewer than 50 Pitches are received, the Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest for up to fourteen (14) days at their discretion.

12. 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 filmmaker.

13. 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.

14. In addition to the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment, winning Video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their winning 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 prize.

15. 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.