Create a unique and compelling 8+ minute YouTube video celebrating the 25th anniversary of WWE's Friday Night SmackDown, and its upcoming return to USA Network. 

Please note this timeline is very fast, with final delivery by September 6.

WWE's Friday Night SmackDown is celebrating two big milestones this year: the 25th anniversary of its launch on weekly TV, and its return to USA Network on September 13th. To help mark this milestone, the USA team is looking to create a longform (8+ minutes) YouTube video that celebrates the 25th anniversary in some sort of unique and creative way, and that drives viewers to tune in for the return of SmackDown later this Fall. This video will live on the USA Network official YouTube channel.

In terms of the format of the video itself, the USA team is open to any and all approaches and styles, including various types of mixed formats. However you go about it, what's really important is that your approach authentically captures the excitement around this event, and that it reflects the same level of energy. That means you could use footage from the show and edit together the top 25 moments in SmackDown history, or you could produce a hosted live action video, with talent providing commentary and hype around different iconic SmackDown moments. If you mix it up, you could even combine existing footage with original animated elements to create a multimedia experience. These are just some of the most obvious options available to you, but you could do something else entirely, and the USA team is particularly keen to see original ideas. Whatever your approach though, we do expect that you'll need to utilize at least some existing footage from SmackDown to help fill the 8+ minute runtime.

Importantly, the timeline for this project is very fast moving, since the premiere date for SmackDown on USA is September 13th. That necessarily imposes some limitations on what's possible, so as you develop your creative approach, please keep the timing top of mind, and only pitch something that's truly achievable within the production window. When you pitch, please be sure to tell us about how you plan to utilize existing footage, and how you feel your concept will be achievable on the expedited timeline. 

Lastly, you'll see in the Deliverables list below that you will also need to create a :30-:60 social clip to promote the video on other platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok. Please note that this is not a separate trailer asset, and should instead be a clip pulled directly from your YouTube video, resized for 9x16. You will need to think intentionally about which clip you utilize for this asset, and how it can be thoughtfully resized for the vertical frame. Additionally, both the YouTube and social assets will need to feature an endcard promoting the premiere date for SmackDown on USA. These endcards are being created by the USA team, and files will be provided to the greenlit filmmaker to incorporate.

In your pitch, please tell us about your concept for the YouTube video, and how you feel it will be achievable within this production window. For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are two total video assets. 

• One 8+ minute video for YouTube (16x9)
• One :30-:60 social clip (9x16) - please note: this will be a direct clip from the longer YouTube video, but resized for 9x16, and incorporating a provided endcard

EXPECTED TIMELINE: Please note this timeline is very fast, with final delivery by September 6. Please only pitch ideas that are feasible within that timeline. You can view the full 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.

• YouTube
• Instagram
• TikTok

TARGET AUDIENCE: WWE Fans, young and old

TONE/FEEL: Upbeat & Celebratory

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• Please avoid featuring any Superstars who are currently appearing on competitor programming, or who are currently in the media for negative behavior. 
• If you do choose to utilize existing footage, you may only utilize footage from the official WWE YouTube channel or WWE on USA YouTube channel. 

OPEN BID:

• This is an open bid project, so you'll get to submit your own budget proposal up to $15,000.
• By participating in this open bid project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a bid. Though most open bid projects do move forward, we'll notify you in the event the Sponsor decides not to fund any bids via the Project Forum. Regardless of the result, all open bid submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and project team.

The Sponsor has decided not to move forward with a Pitch on this project. Though most Projects do move forward with a selected Pitch, we will always notify you in the event the Sponsor has decided not to move forward. Please note that regardless of the results, all submissions are reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and the Project Team. We sincerely appreciate your time and effort on this project.

In order to be considered, include the below materials in your submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery. All Pitches remain private, even after a Pitch is selected, and Tongal strives to have Pitch selections made by the end of the Evaluation period, but additional time may be required by the Sponsor, depending on any number of factors.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed in the Deliverables.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A more detailed and specific description of how you propose to execute all of the content listed out in the Deliverables. Explain what we can expect to see, and how you'll make it. If it's helpful, we've provided a treatment template HERE.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• BID (REQUIRED): This is an open bid project, and the Sponsor would like you to create ALL of the content listed in the Deliverables within a budget total of up to $15,000.
  
  
• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show what you're capable of. Consider a video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect, or consider test videos, proof-of-concept edits, animatics, etc. For examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery.

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. Please note: the pre-production requirements will vary based on the concept you pitch. 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. 

• SCRIPT: Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text, as relevant.
• STORYBOARD: Include individual images for each key beat in your video. It is best practice to include scripted dialogue or VO, along with on-screen text or disclaimers, under each panel in our Storyboards. If there are multiple unique videos, ensure you submit a Storyboard for each video.
• CASTING (If Applicable): Tongal advocates for inclusivity in on-screen representation and diversity in casting. Please submit three to four options per role, with at least one of those options being a person of color. It is preferable to share multimedia content (i.e. video & audio clips) to help the Sponsor gauge the talent's performance, rather than headshots or resumes.
• LOCATION (If Applicable): Present images of your potential filming locations, and submit at least two options per location. If possible, please include context on where you intend to film within each location, what angles you might use, or how you might dress the location.

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: Jingle Punks and Universal Production Music. 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.

STOCK FOOTAGE: Tongal has partnered with the stock footage library STORYBLOCKS, which can be used to source video clips, photography, and After Effects templates for your video submission to this project. Video or photo content from Storyblocks is available at no charge, solely for incorporation into submissions on this project, and will not require a separate Release Form. If identifiable people or intellectual property appears in a video clip or photo, you may only utilize assets that are clearly marked “Model released: Yes” or “Property release: Yes” on the clip description pages. You may not use any audio.

If you intend to use Storyblocks, inform your Tongal producer, and an account will be created for you to access the library. Once assets are approved for delivery, you must provide a complete list of all Storyblocks content that you used via our template HERE.

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.