Legacy is powerful in music. Though music is constantly evolving, it builds upon the foundation of everything that has come before it, carrying the legacy of the past forward. You can see how spirituals gave birth to jazz and blues, which evolved into R&B and was electrified into rock & roll - there is history and heritage behind every song. Sometimes though, it can be hard to put your finger on any one element and trace its legacy through the course of music… Hard, but not impossible – and that’s what makes the Shure SM58 Microphone so unique.

 

The SM58 has been at the center of unforgettable and life-changing musical performances for 50 years, with an enduring legacy of incredible sound, reliability, and durability that’s made it the most popular live vocal microphone in the world. Whether it’s country crooners, hip-hop MCs, or Freddie Mercury belting out “Don’t stop me now!,” the Shure SM58 has consistently left its mark on generations of audiences and performers. Truly, it was born to perform, and any performer who picks up a 58 in 2016 can depend on that same great sound that so many have shared in, and join in the rich tapestry of musicians and performances that have come before them.

 

Now, in honor of its 50th anniversary, Shure wants to you to help capture one of the millions of Stories that the SM58 has been a part of. Stories about connecting with an audience, about overcoming challenges, about first shows or last shows, best shows or worst shows, and somehow sharing in the tradition of the SM58’s legacy.

So, Tongalers, if you are also born to perform, grab check out the Objectives below to get an idea what they’re looking for…

The goal of this project is to create up to a 90-second Video that will tell an emotionally compelling and authentic story about someone’s memorable experience with the Shure SM58 Microphone. Your Video should help drive awareness of the SM58’s 50-year history, inspire continuing brand loyalty, and strengthen the equity that Shure already has with consumers. Importantly, Shure wants you to infuse this with real feeling and build a connection between consumers and the SM58, while reinforcing that the microphone is just as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.

To that end, Stories should highlight the SM58’s place at the center of unforgettable, life-changing, and even historic performances, whether over the course of a lifetime, or one magical night; in the studio, or on a stage. Given the longevity of the microphone, there’s also an appetite for Stories that will explore a multigenerational element, if you can find someone who’s passed down their experience with the SM58 to the next wave of performers.

Your Video should be stirring and emotional; tonally, and echoing their interest above in multigenerational Stories, you might frame this as if it’s an old veteran rocker entrusting his wisdom to the next generation – though it obviously doesn’t have to be about rock. Check out Videos in the Tone section for inspiration and a few examples of what we mean.

--What You Need to Know:

• Stories should highlight the SM58’s place at the center of unforgettable performances, whether over the course of a lifetime, or one magical night; in the studio, or on a stage.
• Stories must involve musical performers – you should not submit stories about using the microphone for karaoke, stand-up comedy, award ceremonies, wedding speeches, etc.
• These must be actual true Stories featuring real people. No actors (just musicians).
• Any genre of music is fine, and it’s encouraged that you go beyond rock and roll – as long as there’s singing, it can work.
• Submissions must include a 500 character or less summary of the Story subject, as well as a photo.
• The three Winning Story subjects will each have their Story filmed by a Tongal filmmaker and will be featured in a 90-second digital Video for Shure that will be distributed digitally.
• The three Winning Story subjects will each win a Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone.
• All Winning Filmmakers will win a Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone, and if you make a wildcard Video which is selected as a winner, you’ll receive a Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone for the subject of your Video as well.
• IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING A STORY ON YOUR OWN BEHALF, YOUR PAYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON YOUR PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION WITH THE WINNING FILMMAKER SELECTED TO BRING YOUR STORY TO LIFE. YOU WILL RECEIVE $1500 UPON COMPLETION OF THE VIDEO AND YOUR COMPLETION OF THE WINNER’S AFFIDAVIT, IP ASSIGNMENT, AND THE TALENT RELEASE.
• IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING A STORY ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE, YOUR PAYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON HIS/HER PARTICIPATION. YOU WILL RECEIVE $500 AND THE SUBJECT WILL RECEIVE $1000 UPON COMPLETION OF THE VIDEO AND THE SUBJECT’S COMPLETION OF THE WINNER’S AFFIDAVIT, IP ASSIGNMENT, AND IF THE SUBJECT IS APPEARING ON SCREEN, THE TALENT RELEASE.
• If you are submitting your own Story, please use this Story Cooperation Agreement (Story Owner’s Submission).
• If you are submitting on behalf of someone else, please use this Story Cooperation Agreement (Submission On Another’s Behalf).
• THE FILMMAKER IS NOT REQUIRED TO OFFER ANY COMPENSATION TO THE SUBJECT.

*NOTES FOR WILDCARD FILMMAKERS* - A few updates to consider when producing your Video, based on the direction that Shure is taking the winning Pitches:

• We’re going for a very authentic, documentary feel; nothing that feels too fictionalized or forced, and they don’t want reenactments. They’re open to "recreation" of a moment, but only in the sense that you might include some beats that give the flavor of past events from your Story Subject’s life, without obviously trying to reproduce them. 
• It’d be helpful to have the Video include some element of a live performance; we want to capture the experience that the microphone offers from both the performer’s and the audience’s perspective. 
• Try to make the city that your Subject lives in a character. Capture their environment, give your video a sense of place and texture, ala Woody Allen / Lost in Translation. 
• Though in the past, durability has been a major selling point, competitors have tried to make the case that it’s ruggedness at the cost of sound quality. If your Story subject is talking about the microphone, it might help to steer or edit the conversation towards sound quality and how the SM58 helps someone achieve their sound. 
• It makes no difference how someone refers to the microphone; it can be anything from "my SM58  to "my 58" to "my microphone," etc. It should be present in some way throughout the spot though.

*Filmmakers – If you win in the Pitch Phase, you will be required to make your own travel arrangements to film the Story subject. 

 

This project will not include a Pre-Production Phase, but you should expect a pre-production conference call with the brand to discuss your approach before you begin production. This will happen immediately following the announcement of Pitch Winners.

--Anticipated Timeline:

• Pitch winners selected by Shure Team: August 23
• Video Phase: August 23 – September 22
• First Cut Videos Delivered to Shure Team: September 22
• Editorial Feedback from Shure Team due: September 29
• Revised Videos Delivered to Shure Team: October 4
• Add’l Editorial Feedback from Shure Team due: October 10
• Revised Videos delivered for Final Tweaks & Edits: October 13
• Final Revised Videos Delivered: October 17

--Key Takeaway:

• The SM58, and by extension, Shure, has both historic significance AND modern day relevance, through the experience of artists and users.

 

--Key Marketing Messages:

• Tagline: “Born to Perform.” This tag is intended to function in several ways:
• To highlight the SM58’s excellence as a stage mic.
• To serve as a vehicle for storytelling by Shure users and artists.
• The SM58 is one of the most popular live vocal microphones in the world.

--Target Audience: Global; think content creators like musicians and singers, young & old (millennials and their parents). Specific considerations:

• Older generation: create and emotional connection, with memories of great live performances with iconic attraction
• Younger generation: Many younger users are largely unaware of the product’s iconic nature, even if the SM58 is their microphone of choice. Nonetheless, it is important to show authenticity and modern relevance to establish the SM58 as having currency with current performers, even as you establish the rich tradition of the microphone.

--Executional Mandatories:

• When referring to the anniversary of the microphone, you should say “50 years,” and not mention actual years, like 1966 or 2016.
• Keep on-screen text to a minimum, as these Videos are intended for use in Shure’s international markets and Shure will eventually need to have these translated. This also means that you should look to tell your story visually as much as possible, as though language and audio are obviously necessary for the purposes of storytelling, this will make your video more effective and accessible for those foreign markets.
• You should avoid Stories about stand-up comedy, karaoke, awards shows, wedding speeches, and any non-musical performance.

 

--Use of Pre-existing Music, Footage or Photography of Performances:

• You may use any existing footage or photography featuring a Story Winner so long as they control the rights to that content, you permission from them and anyone else featured in that content, and then fill out and submit our Photo & Video Release Form.
• If you choose to use original music from the Story Winner, it should be handled similar to any custom/original music, and you must obtain their permission, and fill out and submit our Music Release Form.  If there are multiple writers and performers on one track, they will all have to sign this release. 
• For the purposes of showcasing the Shure SM58’s contemporary relevance, you should avoid using footage or photography from before the year 2000.

 

--Tone: Stirring, emotional, trustworthy, told as though it’s a parent speaking to a grown child, reflecting the idea that baby boomers and millenial’s parents are passing on knowledge to millenials and the next generation. Think about the fact that the SM58 has seen a lot in 50 years, and when an old performer was young, his first experiences singing with an SM58 would parallel those of a performer from any point in the following decades. For tonal reference, check out a few of these Videos below:

• Apple Holiday Ad 2014 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2ubgxn8aQ8
• P&G “Thank You Mom” Sochi Olympics Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SwFso7NeuA

 

--Product: Product should be featured and will be provided.

--Exposure:  As Shure is a global company, this is intended for use in multiple territories and potentially in multiple languages, on Shure social and digital channels, including both their own website and a global landing page. Though mentioned above, it’s important to take note that because this may see distribution on foreign-language territories, you should keep on-screen text to a minimum to avoid any issues in translating your Video for foreign markets.

This project will be worth a total of $65,000 and consists of THREE (3) Phases. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

 

PHASE 1: STORY - Tell us your Grab the Mic! Shure Microphone Story in 500 characters or less. You will also need to submit an image of yourself, and the Story Cooperation Agreement. The THREE (3) winning Story creators will receive $1,500 each, as well as a Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone. 

• IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING A STORY ON YOUR OWN BEHALF, YOUR PAYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON YOUR PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION WITH THE WINNING FILMMAKER SELECTED TO BRING YOUR STORY TO LIFE. YOU WILL RECEIVE $1500 UPON COMPLETION OF THE VIDEO AND YOUR COMPLETION OF THE WINNER’S AFFIDAVIT, IP ASSIGNMENT, AND IF YOU ARE APPEARING ON SCREEN, THE TALENT RELEASE.
• IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING A STORY ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE, YOUR PAYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON HIS/HER PARTICIPATION. YOU WILL RECEIVE $500 AND THE SUBJECT WILL RECEIVE $1000 UPON COMPLETION OF THE VIDEO AND THE SUBJECT’S COMPLETION OF THE WINNER’S AFFIDAVIT, IP ASSIGNMENT, AND IF THE SUBJECT IS APPEARING ON SCREEN, THE TALENT RELEASE.
• If you are submitting your own Story, please use this Story Cooperation Agreement (Story Owner’s Submission).
• If you are submitting on behalf of someone else, please use this Story Cooperation Agreement (Submission On Another’s Behalf).

• THE FILMMAKER IS NOT REQUIRED TO OFFER ANY COMPENSATION TO THE SUBJECT.

PHASE 2: PITCH - Submit your pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the sponsor why you should be selected to execute a video based on one of the winning Stories 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.
• 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.
• 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 THREE (3) most compelling pitches will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will each receive $4,000 to help create the video. Additionally, upon submitting a video 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 submission, you will win an additional $10,000, at a minimum, along with a Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone, and have a chance to compete for $15,500 first place video. 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: VIDEO – The Pitch Winners will each create an up to 90-second video based upon his/her winning pitch. 

All other creators are invited to enter a Wildcard submission that can be based on an original Story, or one of the Stories that was not selected in the Story Phase.  The Judges will score all Wildcard submissions and the 1 highest scoring Wildcard Video, along with the THREE (3) winning Videos submitted by Pitch winners, will be scored to determine the standings for the Video Phase.  Remember, the 3 Pitch winners, along with 1 Wildcard creator, will receive prizes.

--Video Phase Payout: Winners of the video phase will earn the following prizes: 1^st place $15,500; 2^nd place $12,000; 3rd place $11,000; 4^th place $10,000. All filmmakers with a winning Video will also receive a Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone. The winning Wildcard Filmmaker will receive a Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone for the subject of his/her Video. 

 

--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.

 

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.

--Referral: Any Tongal member who refers one of the winning video creators in this project using the Tongal “Invite Friends” functionality will receive a referral fee equal up to $500 per place. Check out more about our Referral Program in FAQ.

1. The Videos MUST not exceed 90 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 to enter.

11. In the event that fewer than 50 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.