The United States Tennis Association (USTA) wants people to consider tennis when choosing to play a sport, and not feel intimidated by the game. Tennis is for everyone, not just the pros. There are many ways you can play tennis and have fun with it, and it doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or rediscovering the game after a long absence.

We want you to submit a Pitch that details how you’ll create a suite of videos with different formats and creative sensibilities to get people excited about playing tennis and drive them to the USTA site to learn more about it. We are not looking for a creative take on just one video. We want to see creative ideas that feature multiple videos specifically crafted for the following social platforms:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Instagram Stories
• Snapchat

You get to choose which platforms you want to lean into, but we will want to see at least three different social platforms represented in the suite of videos that you pitch.  To review best practices for each platform click here or download from the Assets tab below. Please make sure these guidelines inform your creative approach for each video. Finally, it’s also important to know that these videos will live on USTA.com as well.

To help get you started, we’ve provided scenarios the USTA wants you to focus on below. Feel to free to expand and build on these but it’s important your Pitch use these as a jumping off point. We’ve provided some thought starters to help but it’s okay to take these in a different direction as long as it incorporates the broader set-up. Keep in mind they want videos that feel authentic and fun-spirited. Nothing fantastical or overly contrived.

Adults Learning the Game

• Thought Starter: Could be a continuing series with the same group of people in small bite-sized videos that feature the first time one of them gets a serve in, wins a rally, makes a smash – could potentially also feature failures leading up to success.

Tennis is Therapeutic

• Thought Starter: Could be quick first person accounts filmed UGC style where after a long day the subject of the video explains/showcases why “tennis gets them right” – Think Instagram story starting out on the way to the court and ending with them getting in the game/satisfied with their playing session.
  

Family Affair

• Thought Starter: Bite sized series of family learning tennis together, competing, and having fun.
  

Transition from Other Sports 

• Thought Starter: Showcase tennis as a great option for someone who wants to transition from another sport/activity e.g. basketball, volleyball, jogging etc. and looking to pick-up tennis as a substitute that is better suited for them.

An Old Friend Returns

• Thought Starter: Feature individuals who are picking up the game again after a long hiatus. How good does it feel to smack a forehand after several years? Why are they getting back in the game and how is it enriching their lives?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. Please download the Budget template from Asset tab and make sure you complete both tabs on the spreadsheet. The Sponsor is looking for a cost maximum per video of $2,500.
• Your budget proposal will be subject to negotiation and approval.
• Include concepts for a minimum of 5 videos and specify the platform for each.
• You do not have to make a video for each social platform, but you should represent a minimum of 3 platforms in your overall content plan.
• In addition to Pitching video content, you can also include in your Pitch how you would supplement the video content with other assets such as stills, GIFs, or boomerangs. (Recommended)
• Based on the Pitches received, we may be selecting and green-lighting more than one Pitch winner to execute the content proposed.
• The Sponsor may want to feature some of this content on USTA.com as well as their social media channels.

The goal of this project is to provide the USTA with a creative suite of several videos (and potentially other supplementary assets) to run across several social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Instagram Stories, and Snapchat) that get people excited about tennis and drive people to USTA.com to learn more about the sport. 

Based on the Pitches received, we may be selecting and green-lighting more than one Pitch winner to execute the content proposed in the Pitch materials.

--Executional Mandatories 

• Pitches must incorporate the broad scenarios outlined in the Background section.
• This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. Please download the Budget template from the Assets tab and make sure you complete both tabs on the spreadsheet. The maximum per video cost is $2,500. Your budget proposal will be subject to negotiation and approval.
• Include concepts for a minimum of 5 videos that cover at least 3 of the specified platforms. 
• In addition to Pitching video content, you can also include in your Pitch how you would supplement the video content with other assets such as stills, GIFs, or boomerangs. (Recommended)
• Casting should be diverse and highlight the accessibility of the game for all people.
• With scenarios involving kids please feature official USTA smaller court dimensions, foam and low compression tennis balls, and smaller racquets. The USTA will provide further information to ensure producers correctly depict these.
• Please no visible logos on equipment, clothing, shoes, and signage. The USTA will provide Pitch winners with generic tennis racquets to help.
• Even though many of the videos will feature beginners, the USTA would like to ensure players are using the proper techniques. To that end they will help provide one of their local coaches to consult during your shoot.
• Do not show people hitting balls at each other. We want imagery of people having fun playing the actual game.
• Do not show the consumption of alcohol.

--Target Audience: 18 – 39 years; people who have never played tennis, or stopped playing after high school, or played in college and have since stopped playing.

When crafting content for a particular audience within the target demographic, consider the platform that they are most likely to use. For example, Snapchat users tend to be on the younger spectrum, so it wouldn’t make sense to create a video for a 35 year-old to be played in Snapchat. Know the audiences in each platform!

--Tone: Fun, engaging, energetic, and modern.

--Exposure: USTA digital and social media channels.

--Deliverables: 

• Minimum of 5 videos for 3 or more social media platforms.
• It is recommended that you include supplement assets as part of your content proposal in your Pitch (i.e. stills, GIFs, boomerangs, etc.)
• We may request project files and raw footage.

PRE-PRODUCTION NOTE: This project includes a Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?). This means you will be required to submit certain items for Approval before moving onto the Video Phase. The Approval items for this project are:

• TREATMENT – This project requires Treatment Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. Your treatment should give a comprehensive look into the different content pieces you are planning to create (i.e. creative take, length, format, etc.). It should specify which social media platforms you are leveraging. The brand may provide feedback on your Treatment and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a Script is approved by the brand.
• HEADSHOT – This project requires Headshot Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You must submit headshots of all players you are looking to cast. Your cast should have a basic proficiency in the game of tennis. If the brand does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options.
• LOCATION - This project requires Location Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. This means you will need to submit multiple images of your filming locations. The brand may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that. 

IMPORTANT: No filmmakers may begin shooting their Video until all Approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin shooting your Video during the PreProduction Phase, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense) so please don’t jump the gun.

If you’re selected as a Pitch Winner, a Tongal producer will email you to help walk you through the Pre-Production and Approvals process.

NOTE: All videos and social assets will be due at the close of the Video Phase. Please upload each asset as a separate submission. 

--Timeline (Subject to change):

Pitch winners selected by Sponsor: 9/19

Pre-Production Phase: 9/19 – 9/28

Video Suite Phase: 9/28 – 10/23

First Cut of Videos Due for Tongal Review: 10/23

First Cut of Videos Delivered to Sponsor: 10/27

Consolidated Editorial Feedback Due from Sponsor: 11/2

Filmmakers revise Videos: 11/2 – 11/8

Revised Videos Due for Tongal Review: 11/8

Revised Videos Delivered to Sponsor for Approval: 11/10

Final Approval Due from Sponsor: 11/15

Master Files Delivery: 11/20

This Project will consist of four (4) Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase and a Revisions Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules. 

PHASE 1: 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 Ideas 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.
• Treatment (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what’s going to happen in the video. 
• Budget (REQUIRED): Please complete the Budget Template in the Assets tab.
• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create. 
• 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 most compelling Pitches will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit, the IP Assignment and a brief period of budget negotiation, will continue on to create their social media suite of Videos.

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 2: PRE-PRODUCTION – The Pitch winners will enter the Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?). During this phase, filmmakers will need to receive the following Approvals from the brand: 

• TREATMENT – This project requires Treatment Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. Your treatment should give a comprehensive look into the different content pieces you are planning to create (i.e. creative take, length, format, etc.). It should specify which social media platforms you are leveraging. The brand may provide feedback on your Treatment and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a Script is approved by the brand.
• HEADSHOT – This project requires Headshot Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You must submit headshots of all players you are looking to cast. Your players should have at least a basic level of tennis proficiency. If the brand does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options. 
• LOCATION - This project requires Location Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. This means you will need to submit multiple images of your primary filming locations. The brand may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that. The brand may assist with providing access to USTA courts.

No filmmakers may begin shooting their Video until all Approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin shooting your Video during the Pre-Production Phase, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense) so please don’t jump the gun.

PHASE 3: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winners will each move into production of the approved suite of social media assets based on their winning Pitch.

NOTE: All videos and social assets will be due at the close of the Video Phase. Please upload each asset as a separate submission.

--Music: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Jingle Punks, 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.

PHASE 4: REVISIONS – Once the Video Phase has closed, the winning submitters will enter the Revisions Phase (What is a Revisions Phase?). During this phase, filmmakers will perform reasonable edits on their Videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback. Once the Videos are finalized, the Sponsor will rank the Videos and winners will be announced.

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 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 or subtitled.

8. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

9. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.

10. In the event that fewer than 20 Pitches are received, the Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest for up to fourteen (14) days at their discretion.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.