Produce two sets of broadcast videos for Ollie's Bargain Outlet: one that touts their recent store renovations and another that answers the question, "What is Ollie's?" using testimonial footage from actual Ollie's customers.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet is one of America's largest retailers of the closeout merchandise and excess inventory. Their "semi-lovely" stores sell merchandise of all descriptions and some beyond description. Most of all, they sell GOOD STUFF CHEAP at up to 70% off the fancy stores' prices.
Ollie's is turning to the Tongal community to find a filmmaker who can produce two sets of videos. The first set will tout Ollie's recent store renovations, and the second set should answer the question, "What is Ollie's?" to introduce new customers to the brand and tell them what Ollie's is all about. Both sets of videos will be filmed on one day - Tuesday, May 2nd - at the Ollie's location in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The store renovation scripts should be similar to these radio spots. The videos will need to be modular in nature, so different store locations can be swapped in as they get renovated. At the end of the project, the greenlit filmmaker will need to provide instructions on how to swap out store names and addresses in the project files so the Ollie's team can easily update the videos on their end.
The second set of videos should answer the question, "What is Ollie's?" to build brand awareness and affinity. In essence, Ollie's is looking for an updated, fresher, sleeker version of this "Ollie's - Who We Are" video - but in this case, they are looking for something shorter (:30 and :15). This video should feature testimonials from real Ollie's customers - more on that below. We will need two versions of this video - one that is "evergreen" (or can be used for several years) and another that has a blank section in the middle so the Ollie's team can slot in seasonal product deals. To get a sense of how the evergreen version compares to the "swappable deals" version, check out these two videos from a previous Ollie's project:
For both sets of videos, voiceover will be provided by Ollie's. For the customer testimonial component, Tongal will be sourcing "Ollie's Army" members (Ollie's customer loyalty program) through a separate Tongal project. These customers will need to submit a short video explaining why they love shopping at Ollie's. Once the "Ollie's Army" submission phase closes, it will be the greenlit filmmaker's responsibility to look through the submissions and present a casting shortlist to Ollie's for approval. Think of this like an open casting call facilitated through Tongal.
Ollie's does not sell anything online, so it's all about getting people into their stores. Additionally, they only get a fixed quantity of a certain brand-name product, and once it's sold out, it's sold out! This, along with significantly reduced prices, are Ollie's key messaging pillars.
Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
DELIVERABLES: There are 6 total video assets.
TIMELINE: HERE.
EXPOSURE: Broadcast TV
TARGET AUDIENCE:
TONE: Funny, kitschy, quirky, self-deprecating, cartoony, and a little haphazard.
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.
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REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION OR TONE:
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. Please see the full payment schedule.
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 & RESOURCES: 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. 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 any music from a library for your content, you MUST use one of Tongal's three music providers - Jingle Punks, Universal Production Music and Epidemic Sound. 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 about using each of these music providers, click on any of the providers’ names above.
If you choose to use custom or 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.
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 the costs associated the hard drive and shipping.
To ensure a smoother delivery, please review the Export Presets, Specifications, and Project File Organization Tutorial in our Filmmaker Resource Portal.