GMC vehicles are known for their precision and attention to detail. Designed and engineered to a higher standard, GMC trucks and SUVs are crafted with advanced technologies and a premium fit and finish. Now, GMC’s looking to bring that same premium execution to a series of demo Videos highlighting the outstanding features of five GMC vehicles: Acadia, Sierra, Canyon, Sierra HD and Yukon.

***NOTE: IF PITCHING THIS PROJECT, YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT ONE PITCH DETAILING HOW YOU WOULD EXECUTE ON ALL FIVE VEHICLES AND YOU SHOULD BE PREPARED TO POTENTIALLY PRODUCE EVERY VIDEO FOR ALL FIVE VEHICLES. Please see the Project Objectives below for more info.***

GMC has tasked the Tongal community to create suites of beautifully crafted Videos that demonstrate each vehicle’s features and compel viewers to want to learn more. This is a big project with a lot of moving parts so please read the Objectives section carefully. Here are some of the key points you should know:

• GMC isn’t looking for boring, jargon-heavy demo videos. They want you to add your own unique and fun twist that will keep viewers watching.
• If named a Pitch Winner, you’ll need to make five full-length Videos and five cutdowns, one BTS Video and 5 still images for each vehicle you’re assigned.
• When submitting a Pitch, outline how you would execute on all five vehicles. Do not submit one pitch per vehicle.
• GMC is interested in one filmmaker potentially creating all the videos for every vehicle to maintain consistency. If you pitch on this project, you’re agreeing that you would be willing to create all twenty-five videos (plus twenty-five cutdowns, twenty-five still images and five BTS videos) for the prize pool listed above. Your pitch should include pitches for all five vehicles.
• With this project, we’re introducing a new phase, the Pre-Production Phase. Click here to learn more.
• Sponsor will require headshot and script approval before you begin your shoot. This will happen during the Pre-Production Phase.
• GMC will provide vehicles for you to use in your shoot. A representative from the brand will be on set during production.
• GMC is entitled to an extra round of revisions in post-production.
• This is not a SAG project so please do not cast any SAG actors.

The goal of this project is to create a suite of five Videos (plus five cutdowns, one BTS Video and five still images) that demonstrates the amazing features of GMC vehicles in a fresh and engaging way.

GMC is looking for beautiful feature/Walk-Around Videos that are as meticulously crafted as GMC’s own trucks and SUVs. Videos should emphasize the innovative design, fit, finish and technology of GMC trucks and SUVs.

GMC does not want the typical enthusiast-centric feature demos. They’re looking for filmmakers who can put a fun and engaging spin on the Videos to entice consumers to keep watching. Be sure to outline your unique take in your Pitch submissions. For a better idea of the style/tone GMC is looking for, check out the links below:

• Leno Garage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4frzQdh6GE
• Ford Fusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCQYnq4U09w
• Marty’s Buick GMC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ6wSyt38GE

And here’s an example of the tone they’re trying to avoid:

• Subaru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wyG_UsILCs

GMC also already does a number of their own feature videos. They’re not looking for a retread of those so please don’t let your series mimic this style of video too much:

• Automatic Climate Controls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEhFYB09Sa4

IMPORTANT NOTE: GMC is interested in one filmmaker potentially producing all of the videos for the entire suite of vehicles. This means that by submitting to this project, you’re agreeing that you have the bandwidth and ability to produce twenty-five videos (plus twenty-five cutdowns).

 

When submitting your pitch, make sure to include details on how you would execute on all five vehicles in your pitch. If you do not, you will be disqualified. Do not submit one pitch per vehicle. Here are the five vehicles that GMC needs content for:

• Acadia
• Sierra
• Canyon
• Sierra HD
• Yukon

GMC may choose one filmmaker to produce videos for all five vehicles. Or they may choose different filmmakers to produce videos for the different vehicles. Which filmmakers they choose and for which vehicles up to their discretion.

VEHICLE NOTE: GMC will be providing vehicles for Pitch Winners to use in their Videos. A representative from the brand will be present during filming to give Pitch Winners a tour of the vehicles’ features and to look after the vehicles. The vehicles will likely be available during the first two weeks of August so you’ll need to plan your shoots accordingly to take place over consecutive days.

Each Pitch Winner will need to create the following videos per vehicle:

• Exterior Walk-Around (60 seconds or less)
  • 30 second Exterior Walk-Around cutdown
• Interior Walk-Around (60 seconds or less)
  • 30 second Interior Walk-Around cutdown
• Feature Video 1 (30 seconds)
  • 15 second Feature Video 1 cutdown
• Feature Video 2 (30 seconds)
  • 15 second Feature Video 2 cutdown
• Feature Video 3 (30 seconds)
  • 15 second Feature Video 3 cutdown
• Behind-The-Scenes Video (60 seconds)
• Five Still Images

The specific features being demonstrated in each Video will be given to the Pitch Winner(s) at the start of the Video Phase.

CUTDOWN NOTE: All videos (five longer Videos, five cutdowns, one BTS Video and five still images) are due at the close of the Video Phase.  Please upload them as separate videos when submitting.

SAG NOTE: This is not a SAG project. Please do not cast any SAG actors in your videos.

PRE-PRODUCTION NOTE: This project includes 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:

• 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.

• HEADSHOT  – This project requires Headshot 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.

IMPORTANT: Filmmakers may not begin shooting their Videos until all Approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin shooting your Videos 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.

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.

--Key Marketing Messages: GMC is beyond capable. It is masterfully crafted.

 

--Executional Mandatories:

 

• All Videos must include a verbal brand call-out featuring GMC and the vehicle name, i.e. “GMC Acadia”.
• All Videos should contain wide shots that capture each vehicle in a beautiful and compelling way.
• The main onscreen talent for Sierra, Sierra HD and Canyon should be male. The main onscreen talent for Acadia and Yukon should be female.
• No alcohol may be present in the Videos.
• Do not show any stunts or other dangerous activities involving the vehicles.
• If driving, seatbelts should be worn, all eyes must be on the road and hands should be at the 10:00 and 2:00 position or 9:00 and 3:00 position.
• Further safety mandatories will be provided to Pitch Winners.

 

--Tone: Premium, smart, strong and inspired. If using humor, it should be intelligent wit – rather than comedic.

 

--Exposure: Social sharing platforms (YouTube, Facebook, etc.), GMC’s website, dealer sites and also third party automotive sites.

 

Bumper Note: You will need to create an end card for your Videos. Logos and graphic assets will be provided to Pitch Winners.

ADDITIONAL ROUNDS OF REVISIONS: This project contains two rounds of revisions. Please keep this in mind when Pitching.

 

PRODUCT: Sponsor will make product available for pitch winners to use in their shoots. Sponsor will require a designated point of contact for each Pitch Winner to coordinate logistics of shipping the vehicle. Please do not plan your shoot for the immediate start of the Video Phase, as it may take some time to get the vehicle to you.

This Project will be worth a total of $200,000 and consists of three Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase and a Video Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

NOTE: This contest is open only to residents of the Continental United States and District of Columbia. 

PHASE 1: PITCH - Submit your Pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute a suite of Videos 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.
• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create.
• Treatment (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what’s going to happen in the video. Make sure to outline your plans for all five vehicles.
• 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 five most compelling Pitches will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will each receive $15,000 to help create the Video. Additionally, upon submitting a suite of Videos that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, the Pitch winners will also be GUARANTEED a winning place in the subsequent Video Phase.  So, if your Pitch is selected and you execute your Pitch effectively in your Video submissions, you will win an additional $20,000, at a minimum, and have a chance to compete for the $45,000 First Place video prize. 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 five Pitch Winners will enter the 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.

• HEADSHOT  – This project requires Headshot 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.

 

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 has finished, the five Pitch Winners will each create a suite of five Videos (with five cutdowns, one BTS Video and five still images) based upon their winning Pitch(es).

NOTE: All videos (five longer Videos, five cutdowns, one BTS Video and five still images) are due at the close of the Video Phase.  Please upload them as separate videos when submitting.

The Judges will score the winning Videos submitted by Pitch winners to determine the standings for the Video Phase. Remember, the five Pitch winners will receive prizes.

--Video Phase Payout: Winners of the Video Phase will earn the following prizes: 1st $45,000; 2nd place $20,000; 3rd place $20,000; 4th place $20,000; and 5th place $20,000.

 

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

1. The Videos MUST not exceed 60 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 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.

9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

10. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older and a resident of the Continental United States and District of Columbia to enter.

11. In the event that fewer than 75 Pitches are received, the Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest for up to fourteen (14) days at their discretion.

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 Videos 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 prize.

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.