Later this month, National Geographic will premiere its first-ever scripted TV series – GENIUS. The show takes audiences beyond E=MC² and explores the multi-faceted life of Albert Einstein, the man behind the mind, who believed that “imagination is more important than knowledge.” It was as much his creative genius as his intellectual prowess that allowed him to reimagine our world.

Tongal is collaborating with National Geographic to create a series of original Short Films around the theme of imagination, and now… so are you. We’re inviting our community of filmmakers, artists, storytellers, animators - and anyone in between - to select one of Einstein’s quotes and use it as inspiration to craft a unique and visually engaging story. Our goal is to captivate the audience and show where limitless imagination (like Einstein’s) can lead. You have a broad canvas to do this and incredible flexibility in the kinds of stories you can pull from your own imagination.

We are looking for and challenging you to give us the unexpected. The best submissions will push storytelling, style and format to bring Einstein’s quotes to life and keep the viewer hooked until the rewarding end when all the pieces are tied together. Read on to learn more…

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• You will need to choose a specific Albert Einstein quote to inspire your Short Film (this should be different from “Imagination is more important than knowledge.")
• You may use one of the Einstein quotes provided in the Assets Tab, or you may use another one of your choosing, but it is critical that your quote is accurate and authentic.
• You should not include Albert Einstein as a character, and you cannot use any photographs, recordings, or imagery of Einstein in your Video.  You can, however, use his name and include ORIGINAL art of him.
• Any style of filmmaking is acceptable, whether live-action or animation, scripted or documentary.
• There are no restrictions on the time period, setting, or location of your Film – it can take place in the past or present. So let your imagination run wild!
• Einstein was more than just E=MC², so we recommend staying away from typical math equations or science lectures.
• We strongly recommend that your Short Film run no less than 60 seconds and no more than 8 minutes.
• Your Short Film is intended for multiple platforms and you will be asked to submit both a 16:9 version, as well as a 1:1 version for Facebook. You should consider how best to tell your story in a visually engaging way so that it can succeed in the Facebook environment, without sound. (See Best Practices for Facebook Video Content in Assets tab)
• We are open to seeing pitches that leverage platforms like Instagram or Snapchat Stories, as National Geographic has built an incredible audience on those platforms and we don’t want to leave them out.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

REQUIRED IN YOUR PITCH: 

• Concept.
• Treatment.  Should clearly indicate which Einstein Quote you’re using as inspiration as well as the story arc.
• Pitch Video.  Two (2) to four (4) minutes in which you explain your vision.
• Proposed Budget. (*See Budget template in the Assets Tab)

  • Instead of us dictating your budgets, we’re looking for you to let us know the amount you need in order to execute your film.

• Your budget proposal should explicitly state the total amount you’re requesting, and it is subject to approval if your pitch is selected.
• While we want to make sure you have the finances you need to create the best Video possible, National Geographic is looking to give many of you the opportunity to tell a story here, so be smart about the type of budget you’re requesting from a total Prize Pool of $100,000. We’re looking for budgets at a wide range of price points, so please consider the most economical way to produce your Film when outlining your budget. It may also help if you include more than one option in your budget proposal.

You can also upload supporting materials such as Script, Storyboards, Casting Boards, or Location Boards, but these are not required and you will not be penalized if you don’t include them.

Project Objectives:

The goal of this project is to channel the daring creative genius of Albert Einstein to produce an original and visually engaging 1 to 8-minute Short Film that represents Einstein’s idea that “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Your Video should be inspired by and incorporate in some form an Albert Einstein quote, and the narrative should pivot on the concept of imagination.

Your Story should not explicitly be about Einstein, but rather inspired by his multi-dimensional character including his imagination, creativity, and passion. You have an incredible amount of freedom in the stories you can tell – so take advantage of it. Your Short Film can be live-action or animated, scripted or documentary, a fantastical art piece, or a moving music video – or something else entirely.

For inspiration and context:  

National Geographic has already produced two Short Films that represent “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” and they are available for viewing under a Non-Disclosure Agreement. If you are interested, please reach out to info@tongal.com. We’ve also compiled a list of Einstein Quotes and Fun Facts in the Assets Tab that you might consider using as inspiration for your Film – though you’re not limited to these.

PRE-PRODUCTION NOTE: 

This project includes a Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?), and depending on the style and type of Video you Pitch, and your budget proposal, you may be asked to submit certain elements for review and approval. This may include the Budget Proposal itself, as well as Treatment or Script, and Casting Boards. Once your budget is approved, you will receive a portion of the total budget for production.

 

IMPORTANT: 

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.
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 Takeaway: 

The audience should have their minds blown by a captivating, visually engaging story that surprises them with the connection between Einstein and Creativity & Imagination.

--Target Audience: 

Adults 25-54, those who are interested in dramas, creative storytelling, and learning more about their world.

--Executional Mandatories:

• You must avoid including the character of Albert Einstein, as well as any photographs, recordings, or imagery of Albert Einstein.
• Your Video CANNOT exceed 8 minutes in length.
• National Geographic will provide opening and closing title cards, which will be made available to Pitch Winners.

 

--Deliverables:

• You will be asked to submit both a normal 16:9 version of your short film, as well as a 1:1 version for Facebook and Instagram. See Best Practices in the Assets Tab.

 

--Tone: 

• We are open to a wide range of tone, but you should still capture the sense that “imagination is more important that knowledge.”
• If you use humor, lean into smart comedy and do something that is clever or witty, not slapstick or silly.

 

--Exposure: 

• These films will be primarily distributed on National Geographic’s Facebook Page, which has over 43.9MM followers!  Videos may also be distributed on other platforms including Video On-Demand, YouTube, Instagram, etc.

Timeline:

Pre-Production: April 18 - 21

Production: April 21 – May 15

First Cut Videos Due: May 15

Editorial Feedback from Nat Geo due: May 18 

Filmmakers Revise Videos: May 18 – May 23

Revised Videos Due: May 23

Final Feedback from Sponsor due: May 25

Final Tweaks, Color-Correction & Mixing: May 25 – May 29 

Final Videos delivered to Nat Geo: May 30

The total prize pool is $100,000 and the project 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.

PHASE 1: PITCH – Submit your Pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute your short film.

•  
• Concept / Text (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this short film.
• Treatment (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what’s going to happen in your short film. 
• Pitch Video (REQUIRED): This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, show us what you’re capable of, and explain your vision.  
• Proposed Budget (REQUIRED): Should explicitly state the total amount you’re requesting, and it is subject to approval if your Pitch is selected.  You may include more than one budget proposal.  Please upload as a PDF.  *See budget template in the Assets tab.
• Story Arc (REQUIRED): Tell us how your story is going to turn out in the end.
• Quote (REQUIRED): Which Einstein quote will inspire your short film?
• 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. 
• 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. 
•  

If your Pitch is selected, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, you will receive a portion of the total budget for 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 3: PRE-PRODUCTION – This project includes a Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?). Depending on the style and budget of Short Film you pitch, you may be asked to submit certain elements for review and approval before production. This may include a revised Budget Proposal, Treatment, Script, Headshots, Character Designs, Storyboards.  Once your budget is approved, you will receive a portion of the total budget for production.

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 4: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winners will each create their short films based upon their winning Pitches, which are due at the close of the Video Phase.

--Video Phase Payout:   

Winners of the Video Phase will earn the agreed upon amount according the the approved budgets.

--Music:  

Tongal has partnered with two premiere music providers: Epidemic Sound and Jingle Punks, 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 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 short film MUST not be under :60 seconds in length or exceed 8 minutes 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 to enter.

11. In the event that fewer than ten (10) 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 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 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.