So you want to apply for a new car loan. Great! That hybrid SUV you like looks pretty cool. If you’re applying for a loan, that means you know your credit score already, right? Maybe your bank threw some number in front of you...600 something…? But do you know where that number comes from? Do you know if it’s any good? Or, for example, how it’s going to impact that car loan you want? 

Most of us know our credit score’s important – and yeah, higher numbers are better – but that’s about all we know. For something that has such a *massive* impact on our life, it’d really help a lot of us to take control of our credit, and give ourselves the chance at making smarter, better financial decisions.

Enter Credit Sesame.

Credit Sesame is a free service that not only lets you access your credit score, but also enables you to understand it, track it, and improve it, which hopefully allows you to then leverage it and get the things you want (like that new car!). The platform is really unique; it provides you with user-friendly educational materials and analytical tools, and it breaks down your credit score into the individual components that actually impact your score; giving you insight into what’s affecting you personally. With a careful look at that credit data, Credit Sesame then shows you how you can potentially boost your score by taking certain actions, and connects you directly to personalized product recommendations.

Now, for the first of several TV commercial projects, Credit Sesame needs you to create a relatable, fresh, snappy, and stylish “direct response” TV spot. 

Here’s what you need to know about it:

• A “direct response” ad urges consumers to take action immediately and directly, and in this case your video must drive to CreditSesame.com, as well as the Android and iOS app. You can review two recent examples of testimonial-style direct response approaches HERE and HERE, but we’d encourage you to be more creative and consider these only so you can see how the dialogue, graphics, and text all support the objective. It’s important that your spot still feels fresh and original.
• This is a message-heavy spot, and any narrative should be minimal. Your copy should speak straight to the audience, and if you include a narrative framework it should directly support the message. 
• The timeline is fast-moving and abbreviated. Credit Sesame is looking to deploy this video in mid-March, and you will need to put the production together rapidly.
• This is not just about Car Loans! Don’t get tripped up by that “hybrid SUV” line above. Having good credit can also help consumers with everything from apartment applications and home mortgages, to student loans, credit card terms, car insurance rates, and cell phone contracts. Think about what your audience aspires towards when setting up the video.
• Both live-action and animation (or motion graphics) can work, although you should consider the short timeline if you are proposing animation or motion graphics. 
• You can't rely entirely on dialogue and VO, so you'll definitely need graphic design and motion graphics. Viewers need to "get it" without necessarily hearing the audio, which underscores the need for graphics and text. Brand logo, fonts, colors, iconography, and some in-app animations can be provided, but you should still expect to include some original work, even if it’s minimal. 

Check out more details below…

Create a smart and snappy direct response TV commercial for Credit Sesame. You should expect to produce both a 30-second spot, as well as a 15-second cut-down. Since messaging is key, pay close attention to the Key Marketing Messages below, and remember that you’re going to want to communicate them in an explicit way. After that, think about a unique, relatable and interesting way that you can present the messaging. 

You’ll see the words access, understand, improve, and leverage used frequently, as they are a key part of how Credit Sesame frames the personal credit management journey for consumers, and can be helpful in how you communicate the benefits of Credit Sesame.

NOTE: As Credit Sesame is US-only, on-screen or voice talent should speak English with an American accent. However, there are no geographic restrictions otherwise.

--Key Marketing Messages: These are not necessarily verbatims, but they should be communicated in some way.

• Credit Sesame is completely free.
• Access your credit score anytime, for free.
• Credit Sesame helps you learn about and understand your credit score better.
• Credit Sesame provides you with a strategy around how to improve your credit.
• A better credit score helps you get the things you want.
• Credit Sesame helps you protect your already good credit.

--Tone: Upbeat, relatable, friendly, confident, and sensible. Don’t be afraid to use a little bit of humor if it feels right.

--Executional Mandatories:

• Your video must end with an explicit Call-to-Action and End-Card. This Call-to-Action can be either dialogue or VO, and may be supported with text. The end-card must include CreditSesame.com as text on-screen, as well as graphic bugs for the iPhone App Store and Google Play.
  • You will be provided with brand logo, fonts, colors, and iconography.
  • You can review Apple Store guidelines HERE.
  • You can review Google Play Store guidelines HERE.
• You CANNOT explicitly say that Credit Sesame directly improves your credit score. Credit Sesame can provide consumers with a strategy and can help show you how to improve your credit.
• You CANNOT mention any of Credit Sesame’s competitors. There is already some confusion in the market with CreditKarma and we don’t want to add to it.
• You must mention “Credit Sesame” at least 3 times in VO or dialogue.

--Target Audience:

• Credit Sesame is US-only. The service is not available for international consumers.
• The primary demographic is millennials (24-40), and skews towards women (60%).
• Most consumers are credit-worthy already but may have minor negative marks on their credit, if at all.

--Timeline:

• Credit Sesame Selects Top Pitch: 2/8
• Pre-Production: 2/8 - 2/15
• Video Phase: 2/15 - 3/4
• Rough Cut Delivered to CS: 3/4
• Credit Sesame Provides Rough Cut Notes: 3/6
• Fine Cut Delivered to CS: 3/7
• Credit Sesame Provides Rough Cut Notes: 3/8
• Locked Cut Delivered to CS: 3/11
• Credit Sesame Provides Final Tweak / Approval: 3/13
• Final Cut & Master File Delivery: 3/14

--Exposure: TV is first and foremost, including cable, broadcast, and streaming. This may also see deployment on YouTube and Credit Sesame’s other owned channels. 

This Project will be worth a total of $35,000 and consist of 5 Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase, a Revisions Phase, and a Delivery 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 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. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.
• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create. 
• Headshots/Casting Boards (Optional): Casting notes or concepts, headshots of actors, etc. 
• 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, animatic, etc. are welcome.   

--Pre-Production Commencement Payment: The single most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive an initial $10,000 budget allocation for the commencement of pre-production. 

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 Winner from the Pitch Phase 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: 

• SCRIPT – This project requires Script Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The brand may provide feedback on your Script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a Script is approved by the brand. 
• CASTING – This project requires Casting Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You must submit at least two actor options per role. 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. 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. 

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 before you have received final approval, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense).

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 the Sponsor cast, location, and wardrobe options. They can all be accessed here.

--Production Greenlight Payment: Upon receiving approval from the Sponsor for all pre-production approvals, and being greenlit into Video Phase for production, the Pitch winner will receive an additional $15,000 budget allocation.

PHASE 3: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winner will create both a 30-second Video and a 15-second cut-down based upon their winning Pitch. 

NOTE: Both the 30-second video and the 15-second cut-down are due at the close of the Video Phase. Please upload them as separate videos when submitting your Videos. 

--Music:  Tongal has partnered with two premiere music providers: Jingle Punks and Epidemic Sound, either 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 more customized music solution for your project are invited to connect with our partner Score A Score. Email a brief description of your project (timing, creative, budget, etc.), along with any specific music direction and/or references to their creative team at music@scoreascore.com and include “Tongal Project - Your Name” in the subject line.  Their creative team will be in touch within a few minutes to discuss the simple process and options with you. Please note that you will be responsible for the fees associated with using 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 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.

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. 

PHASE 5: ASSETS DELIVERY – 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 will be responsible for the costs associated the hard drive (if necessary) and shipping.

For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production please click here.

--Final Delivery Payment: Upon submitting final Videos that satisfy 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 the remaining $10,000 of their budget.

1. The Video MUST not exceed 30 seconds in length. 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 be selected as winner, 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.

9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

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

11. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.

12. 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.

13. The Sponsor will be entitled to reasonable revisions on the finished Video without providing additional compensation. Remember it's easier to re-edit than re-shoot so try to get as much coverage as possible.

14. 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 award.

15. 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.