This December Warner Bros. is bringing Arthur Curry to theaters with the release of the underwater epic AQUAMAN. An action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, Aquaman takes half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be…a king.

There really is no superhero story quite like this, and no hero quite like Aquaman, with so much of the focus on the oceans, and so much of the action taking place underwater. Warner Bros. wants to embrace that unique aspect as they create content to introduce consumers to the film’s line of toys, so they’re turning to you, Tongalers, with a one-of-a-kind challenge: they want you to use the Aquaman toys to create a stop-motion animated video that brings the adventures of Aquaman to life – and gives audience the feeling that they’re underwater with Aquaman.

How? Well, some of that is obviously about the visuals and the actual stop-motion execution, so we’re calling upon filmmakers in another project to figure that part out. But we all know that every good video is driven by a good story, and that’s a job for writers, so we’re looking for you to figure out a clever way to bring these toys together on-screen. 

Creatively, the door is wide open to almost any kind of storytelling, and it’s not mandatory that the entire story takes place underwater, nor that we force the filmmaker to film underwater – it’s just important that they have a distinctive look and feel, and you’ll work directly with the filmmaker to make sure that can happen with your story as you develop the script.  

Ready to get wet and defend Atlantis? Then check out more details below…

The goal of this project is to write a script for an entertaining 3 minute stop-motion animated video that uses key Aquaman toys to captivate audiences with an original adventure that embraces the distinctive underwater visuals of Aquaman’s world. 

NOTE: If you're a Filmmaker and want to pitch on this Writing project as well, you can be considered for both projects.

Your script should use the toys as our main characters, and while we’re not completely against real people appearing in the script, they should NOT be the focus of the script. Part of your objective is driving sales for the toys in the run up to the holiday season, but this is NOT a commercial, and the story should be something that helps raise awareness for the movie and gets people to talk about Aquaman, Mera, and the awesome world of Atlantis. In accomplishing that objective, it’s totally up to you whether the story acknowledges that the toys are “toys,” and while finding a way to use all of the toys is great, it’s NOT mandatory 

In terms of story, you are free to tell an original narrative with these characters, and you aren’t strictly bound to the movie’s plot. You shouldn’t stray too far from the characters themselves, but you’re not beholden to Aquaman canon. The Aquaman film itself is an adventure, more like Indiana Jones than Batman v Superman, and more fun and family friendly. You should look to create something that’s going to appeal to a broader audience: the main focus is boys and girls aged 6 and up, but we want something that can excite superhero fans aged 13 and up, and those existing adult Aquaman fans and collectors out there. Humor’s totally fine too, and Warner Bros. isn’t against a more comical approach.

Thematically, Aquaman is a unique and relatable character with environments and themes that we don’t see explored very often, and Aquaman’s own story is about embracing your unique identity. Those are elements that we want to explore here, and since you won’t be tied to film’s story, you have a lot of creative freedom in how you work them in. There’s also the potential for you to touch on the topic of the environment and conservation, since it’s a hallmark of Aquaman, and you might be able to weave in something about ocean pollution or access to clean water.

Female empowerment is a major element of the film too, and Mera presents an incredibly strong female character whose powers are actually stronger than Aquaman’s. Don’t sideline her in your storytelling. 

Remember that you’re working with stop-motion animation and the toys have physical limitations. It might not affect your story, but this is a unique art-form and there are many creative ways to interpret how you’ll bring the action to life, and what that action is going to be. 

Here are the characters you should know:

• Aquaman/Arthur Curry – Half-man, half-Atlantean, this colossal warrior has a rightful claim to the throne of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, but is a self-ascribed outcast in both worlds.  Raised by his lighthouse keeper father, Thomas, Arthur is the first-born son of Queen Atlanna.  His very existence is proof that the dwellers of the sea and the surface can co-exist, but it will be up to him one day to unite them.
• Mera – Daughter of King Nereus and princess of the undersea kingdom of Xebel, Mera has the gift of hydrokinesis, an extraordinarily powerful ability to manipulate water, making her a valuable ally for Aquaman.
• Orm/Ocean Master – Orm is the younger, half-brother of Arthur and the son of Queen Atlanna and King Atlan.  As the present King of Atlantis, Orm seeks to rule all of the undersea kingdoms and declare himself Ocean Master.  He detests his “half-breed” brother, and is determined to keep him from his rightful place on the throne.
• Black Manta – Once an unscrupulous, treasure-hunting pirate, David Kane transforms himself into the fearsome Black Manta in order to seek revenge against Aquaman, whom he blames for a tragic event in his past.  Armed with a sword and powerful optic sensors derived from an Atlantean weapon, Black Manta’s arsenal—along with his thirst for blood—could prove fatal for Aquaman.

Here are the toys you’ll have access to:

• Mattel 6" Aquaman and shark accessory; highly articulated
• Mattel 6" Mera; highly articulated
• Mattel 6” Black Manta; highly articulated
• Mattel 6” Orm; highly articulated
• LEGO construction set; legs, arms, and head articulation 
• FUNKO Aquaman POP; no articulation
• FUNKO Mera POP; no articulation 
• Hallmark Ornaments + Itty Bitts; no articulation 

--Key Takeaways: 

• Aquaman is a superhero unlike any others, and Atlantis is an underwater kingdom unlike any we’ve seen before. 

--Target Audience: 

• Boys and Girls 6-12 - They like superheroes in general. Boys will be inspired by Aquaman’s strength, powers, and weapons like the trident, and girls will be inspired by Mera’s powers and her strength as a female lead.
• Men and Women 13+ - These are people who are on the pulse of pop culture, as well as some collectors, which tend to be teenage and adult fans that are already on the look-out for these toys. 

--Tone:

• Aquaman is an action-adventure and quest – the making of a legend. It’s not dark, but fun and more accessible, akin to Indiana Jones. 
• Your script should really excite the audience’s emotions, whether because it’s funny and surprising, or heartfelt and touching. 
• Your script should embody the film’s key themes – identity, water & nature, heroes, & heroines.

--Executional Considerations:

• You will not have access to any of the Aquaman film’s talent, footage from the film, or original music. You may voice cast to mimic actor’s voices, but it is not required.
• Do NOT include any non-Aquaman toy products from other franchises or other third-party toys.
• LEGO bricks cannot be used underwater.
• Scripts must avoid any crass language or adult themes / innuendo.

--Exposure: Content will be distributed on the WB and WBKids owned digital and social channels.

--Anticipated Timeline: 

• Warner Bros. Selects Animators & Writers:  8/29
• Pre-Production Kick-off Call:  8/30
• First Draft of Script Due to Tongal:  09/04
• First Draft of Script Due to WB:  09/05
• WB & Franchise Consolidated Feedback:  09/10
• Revised Draft of Script Due to WB: 9/12
• WB Script Feedback: 9/14
• First Draft of Storyboards due to WB:  9/18
• WB Feedback on First Draft of Storyboards due: 9/20
• Revised Storyboards due to WB:  9/24  
• WB Feedback on Revised Storyboards due: 9/26  
• Final Script & Board Approval:  9/27

This Project will be worth a total of $2,500 and consists of 3 Phases: A Pitch Phase, a Script 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.

• Text (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsis of your approach to this video.
• Treatment (REQUIRED): This should tell us why you should be selected to write the Aquaman script, and outline your approach to the story overall. You may include specific story beats or references to similar videos or important background, if that's helpful.
• Previous Work (REQUIRED): With a strong emphasis on kid’s content.  You may submit either writing samples or links to produced videos based on your writing.
• Pitch Video (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show them what you’re capable of.
• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create.

 

The most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive an initial payment of $1,000.

PHASE 2: SCRIPT

The 1 (one) winner from the Pitch Phase will work with Tongal and the Winning Filmmaker from this project to create a 3-minute Script based upon their winning Pitch.

PHASE 3: REVISIONS 

Once the Script Phase has closed, the writer will enter the Revisions Phase (What is a Revisions Phase?).  During this phase, the writer may be asked to perform multiple rounds of revisions on their script according to the Sponsor’s feedback

Upon submitting a final Script that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, completing Sponsor notes, providing the necessary release forms, and providing all assets required by the sponsor, the Pitch winner will receive a final payment of $1,500.

1. 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.

2. BY SUBMITTING AN 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.

3. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.

4. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.

5. 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.

6. Limit 5 submissions per member.

7. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or old.

8. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest at their discretion.

9. Winners must submit the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment.

10. 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.