Film a short documentary about renowned LA-based toy photographer Mitchel Wu that showcases him at work during one of his shoots, and gives viewers an insight into his approach and his techniques as an artist. You will need to be available for a shoot on April 5th, 2022.

Note: We've increased the budget, and decreased the deliverables, since the initial project launch.

Mitchel Wu is a renowned Los Angeles-based photographer who creates and crafts stories through toy photography - capturing the illusion of motion and emotion where none exists. Having worked with a long list of major brands, Mitchel's succeeded by providing an unparalleled experience for his partners while creating images that build brand awareness in a fun, unique, and engaging manner.

The goal of this project is for a very small crew of produce a short docu-style video that gives the Tongal creator community a glimpse into the mind and process of the hard working, photo-pop-sensation that Mitchel Wu has become. You'll be able to join Mitchel for one of his photoshoots, from start to finish, and there you'll be to film him in action, but you'll also be able to sit down with him for an interview session. How you film these aspects is entirely up to you though - he has a unique style, and we're looking for your own unique documentary style when you capture Mitchel in his element, talking about his work in his own words. 

We're looking for you to film Mitchell's process. Mitchel Wu is based in the Los Angeles area, and filming will take place at his workshop on April 5th, 2022. We anticipate that this is a small crew - maybe only camera & sound - to be agile. 

We'll help you build out an interview guide. Questions and topics should focus on two areas: A) his career trajectory and B) his work. You should consider questions like: How did he start out? What was his breakthrough project? How does he choose his projects? What's his process for setting up his scenes? What tools does he use? What inspires him? What cameras does he like to work with? And any other burning questions inquiring minds and photography fans want to know. Your video should feel honest and engaging; look to capture both the dynamic moments with his hands at work on the toys, to the quieter and more thoughtful contemplations as he plots out his approach.

If you're greenlit, you'll also have a chance to talk with Mitchel before filming to get to know him better and learn about how he works ahead of time to help you prepare for the shoot. Check out some more details and helpful references in the Background, and if you have any questions, ask away in the forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 2 total video assets.

• One Approximately 4:00+ documentary video (16x9) 
• One :06-:15 teaser (1x1)

TIMELINE: For the full project timeline please see the Assets section.

EXPOSURE:

• YouTube
• Instagram

TARGET AUDIENCE: Creators, filmmakers, animators, photographers.

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• Remember that Mitchel's subjects are primarily of a smaller size, so you'll want to make sure to capture those elements close up.
• Mitchel will be working with existing IP products, so its important to be mindful and respectful of whatever those brands will be.

Shooting live action or stop motion? Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety, so 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.

REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION OR TONE: 

• Trash Artist
• Todd McFarlane: Like Hell I Won't
• Abby The Spoon Lady
• Recomposed

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.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): 500 or fewer characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this video.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what's going to happen in the video. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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, 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.

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. In addition to the project files, you are also required to provide all raw footage. 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.

1. 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 your submission be greenlit, 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. 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.
   
   
6. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
   
   
7. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.
    
8. 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.
    
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
    
10. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.
     
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. 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.
    
    
14. 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.
    
    
15. 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.
    
    
16. 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.