For 50 years, Hot Wheels has inspired generations of boys to push the limits of their imagination, and more importantly, to have the resilience to overcome any challenge that gets in their way. Hot Wheels is more than just a toy; it’s a purpose-built, jumping, crashing, flying, speed machine racing through a world without limits. A place where the only failure is not trying and success is measured in high-fives, jumped dragons and OMGs. A place where young minds discover that limits are meant to be challenged, not obeyed. Hot Wheels is a vehicle for self-expression and self-confidence. It’s the power of play. Supercharged. It’s fun, not formulas. Hot Wheels is the original stunt brand.

The Impossible Trick Series should feature all of the epic fails and wild crashes that it took to achieve the impossible. We also want to see that massive moment of excitement and elation when the trick is completed. The series should have a repeatable format that is easily identifiable to boys ages 8 to 10 and should be engaging and understandable for Boys 5 to 7 as well. Please include a few sample episode springboards with your Pitch treatment.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FILMMAKERS: While we want your imaginations to run free and to create mind-blowing tricks that no has ever seen, keep in mind that budgets will be limited, so please avoid locations that are expensive or impossible to shoot.

The primary objective is to create an entertaining and exciting Hot Wheels focused Series for YouTube that features Hot Wheels doing amazing and impossible tricks and captures all of the fails and behind the scenes work that went into achieving that “impossible” trick. Your Series Concept should include the following:

• TONE: Hot Wheels is all about having fun and the limitless opportunity to play with diecast cars — action, racing and stunts should be featured. Comedy and Action are encouraged in this Series of Videos. Episodes should feel cool and exciting.
• STORY: This is a six-episode Series. Episodes should be set up in a repeatable format. Each episode should feature a Hot Wheels toy succeeding in pulling off an actual trick that seems impossible - until you prove it isn't! Authenticity is critical, so tricks must be pulled off without production fakery. The trick will then be broken down into the steps it took to get there, including the failed attempts, the near-misses, and the close call attempts at landing the trick. Tricks must be only fathomable because of what a Hot Wheels car can do. Your Series can also delve into the educational aspects of how the Impossible Trick is achieved by using math and science to inform the viewer while at the same time entertaining them (that means, make the math and science impossibly cool!). You will also be asked to include specific types of Hot Wheels and products in each episode. Please note that budgets will be limited, therefore please take that into account when pitching practical locations and stunts in your Series Pitch.
• CHARACTER: We are open to all ideas, but every episode needs to ultimately focus on Hot Wheels cars.
• AUDIENCE: Pitches should be engaging to Boys ages 8 to 10, and should be engaging and understandable for Boys 5 to 7 as well.
• FORMAT: Live-Action. Elements of animation are optional. Series Formats should be repeatable, and allow for new products to be featured in every episode.
• MUSIC: Consider music that will enhance the Video experience. How will you effectively use music to tell stories, and elevate the action?
• PRODUCT: Hot Wheels will be providing product. The brand will have mandated products for each episode which will be provided ahead of time to the Pitch winner.
• CUTTING ROOM FLOOR: Here’s what you should avoid in your Pitches—talking cars with animated mouths, overly expensive stunts, licensed vehicles (i.e. Batmobile), adult themes and children in danger. 

PLEASE NOTE:  In order for your Pitch to be considered you must provide an overview of each of the 6 episodes in your Treatment document.

Anticipated Production Timeline: 

Pitch Phase: April 14 - April 24

Client Selects Filmmaker: May 2

Pre-Production Phase: May 3 - May 26

Production Phase: May 27 - July 31

Revision Phase: August 1 - August 8

Rolling Episode Delivery:

Episode 1 & 2 First Cut Due: July 11

Episode 1 & 2 Client Feedback Due: July 14

Episode 1 & 2 Final Revised Videos Due: July 21

Episode 3 & 4 First Cut Due: July 18

Episode 3 & 4 Client Feedback Due: July 21

Episode 3 & 4 Final Revised Videos Due: July 28

Episode 5 & 6 First Cut Due: July 25

Episode 5 & 6 Client Feedback Due: July 28

Episode 5 & 6 Final Revised Videos Due: August 4

Deliverables: 

Pre-Production – Script Approval, Casting Approval, Location Approval

Video Phase – Six two-minute episodes, Six 15-second trailers, 30 still photos (5 per episode), 6 2-D end cards (1 per episode)

PRE-PRODUCTION NOTE: This project includes a Pre-Production Phase (What is 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.
• 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.

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.

This Project will be worth a total of $60,000 and consists of 4 phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video 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 to execute a Series of Videos based on one of the winning Concepts from the previous Phase 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 your series. Also, please provide a brief description of each video/episode.
• 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 one most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive $30,000 to help create their series. Additionally, upon submitting a Video that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, the Pitch winner 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 $30,000 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 single 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.
• 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.
• 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, 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 is complete, the Pitch Winner(s) will each create Six 2 minute Videos, Six 15-second trailers, and 5 still photos per Video based upon their winning Pitch.

NOTE: The 2 minute Videos, 15 second trailers and 5 still photos per Video are all due at the designated due dates referenced on the timeline. Please upload them as separate videos when submitting your Videos.

--Working with Minors: If you are working with minors, please observe the local laws and regulations for working and/or filming with minors in your state or country. For example, obtain work permits, set up Coogan accounts, hire studio teachers, and observe proper working hours as applicable based on your location.

--Video Phase Payout: Winners of the Video Phase will earn $30,000.

 

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

--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 to 5% of the amount won (up to $500). That’s a potential $500 in bonus cash just for telling all of your talented friends about this Project! Check out more about our Referral Program in FAQ.

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. Once the Videos are finalized, the Sponsor will rank the Videos and winners will be announced.

1. Each Video MUST not exceed 2 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 20 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.