Produce a suite of digital content based on an existing concept to creatively showcase the endless possibilities of the Thin Cast Smart Mirror.
***Please Note that only U.S. Residents are eligible to submit for this project.***
You need a smart mirror in your life. Not only can you add more efficiency to your daily routine, but a smart mirror brings so much unique functionality. For example, imagine the ease of learning a new skill when you can watch a lesson about it side by side with your own reflected movements: dancing, cooking, makeup, guitar... maybe you can finally learn to tie a bow tie, but either way, the list goes on. Capstone believes smart mirrors are an impending revolution for connected home devices, and they want to create content for a campaign that generates excitement around their smart mirrors, while educating future users about the versatility of their product, and ultimately driving sales of the product. These Thin Cast Smart Mirrors are unlike any other product on the market, and this suite of videos should show us visually what makes them unique.
Your video will need to be based upon an existing concept that the brand responded to in a previous Tongal project. You can review that concept in the Background. In addition to leveraging that concept, a key brand communication point for Capstone has been illustrating how expansive their mirror is. People often look at the Thin Cast Smart Mirrors and see just another fitness mirror; it's important that you clearly show that these are NOT simply fitness mirrors. Sure, you can use them during a workout or fitness routine, but that's not their main purpose. Most customers who've purchased the Thin Cast are astounded at the range of capabilities that these mirrors have, so that must come through. While the primary goal of this project is to drive sales, the secondary goal is to demonstrate visually (and perhaps metaphorically) what this mirror can do.
How can you visualize this mirror's many many uses? You don't want to create another tech explainer showing a bland product walk through. How can you dynamically illustrate the message that Capstone wants to communicate? What ways would you use this mirror, and how could it impact your life? Think creatively, not just in story execution, but also in costume design, set design, camera and character movement, and motion graphics.
Capstone also wants to capture high quality photo stills to be used on their social channels as part of this campaign. These should be captured with a professional stills camera, not pulled from video footage. They'd like static images of the product with plain backgrounds, product being used by people in different locations, and details of product features (ie speakers). Think of ways in which you can maximize production value by utilizing the same set-ups for both photo and video. In your pitch, speak to how you plan to integrate photography into your shoot.
**Capstone is going to give you both mirror models to use in your video that you'll get to keep for yourself!!**
For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are 15 total video assets and 20 still assets
TIMELINE: Click here for the full project timeline.
EXPOSURE:
TARGET AUDIENCE:
TONE: Upbeat, fun, energetic, fast paced.
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
By participating in this project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a submission. Though most projects on our platform do move forward, we will 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 the project team.
Shooting live action or stop motion? Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety, and we're now requiring a COVID safety protocol plan for all relevant productions. Please review our COVID-19 Production Safety Guide and check federal, state, and local rules before and during your shoot to make sure your on-set protocols are up to date. We're working hard to keep people working during this extraordinary time, and you should ensure your submission is executable within the anticipated timeline and budget, while also ensuring everyone's safety.
The Video Concept: "Different You's, One Mirror":
As someone uses this mirror, the many different functionalities are portrayed through fantastical vignettes. How can you visually illustrate the many different uses of this mirror?
For example, you might consider a version where the character changes to match the app: a surfer viewing wave forecasts in their foyer becomes a stock broker viewing the NASDAQ at their desk. Or full scene changes mid-task: a mom watching a cooking tutorial suddenly finds herself in a full professional kitchen. What unconventional uses might this mirror have, and how can you creatively personify these on screen? Use location, production design, sound, wardrobe, and camera cues to sell your vision. Think of ways you can make this concept big while staying in budget.
About Capstone Connected & the Thin Cast Smart Mirror:
Capstone Connected has been on the leading edge of emerging technology for nearly two decades, having been one of the first to successfully implement convenient portable LED light bars. With a start-up mentality backed by years of experience, they check all the boxes of a kick-ass tech company. Now they're ready to lead us into the age of ambient computing.
The Thin Cast Smart Mirror is like no other product on the market. It comes in two sizes. The standard size optimal for smaller places, such as your entryway, kitchen, bathroom, or vanity. The full-length size better suited for your closet, bedroom, or workout area. They both are a unique item that people can use daily to browse the web, watch videos, download apps, and listen to music; the possibilities are endless. It can even be used without power by attaching to a USB power bank.
Potential Mirror Use Cases:
These are only a small set of potential uses, so consider these, but also think about other ways you can use this mirror.
In order to be considered for this project, you must include the below materials in your pitch submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.
The most compelling pitch will be greenlit, 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.
PRE-PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Prior to shooting, filmmakers must receive the below approvals from the Sponsor.
For your convenience, we’ve provided some helpful templates to use at your discretion. They include templates for creating a treatment, production budget, storyboards, shot list, call sheet, and a music cue sheet. Additionally, there are templates that will help you clearly present cast, location, and wardrobe options to the Sponsor. They can all be accessed here.
BUILDING YOUR TEAM: Tongal supports inclusivity in all of our productions and strongly encourages you to hire diverse talent for your team. To find staff & crew in your area, check out these resources and partners.
REVISION REQUIREMENTS: Once the Video Phase has closed, the greenlit submitters will enter the Revisions Phase. Filmmakers will perform reasonable edits on their videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback.
MUSIC: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music 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 providers’ names above.
If you choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. If you obtain music from third-party catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with your license purchase receipt when you turn in your video paperwork.
ASSET DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS: 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 the costs associated the hard drive and shipping.
For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production, please click here.