** Project Update: Please pay close attention to the notes on the winning idea submissions **

Idea 1: The Briefing 

In drill-sergeant procedural style, Dad briefs the family on who will be visiting this holiday and the particular threat they post to their plumbing.

• If there is a way to celebrate the military, this would be great.
• The sponsor chose this concept because they liked having an option that was not specific to one Judeo-Christian religion, would be TM relevant, and leveraged humor to address the fear of gross, life-disrupting clogs that they know Proactive Strivers deal with.
• The challenge on this concept will be bringing to life Liquid-Plumr^® as the solution.

Idea 2: Make Clogs Go Away Like Magic 

Santa reads a note: Make yourself at home! He watches TV, has a snack and takes a shower. He clogs the drain trimming his beard.

• The sponsor liked this concept for its attention-grabbing potential. They thought seeing Santa disrobed and doing mundane things in your bathroom could be funny – but also a little icky – in a disruptive, attention-grabbing way (semi-naked Santa? Taking a shower and leaving standing-water in your sink?)
• Also liked that its message was so singular – holidays cause clogs, Liquid-Plumr^® clears them.
• The downside of this concept, is that it is very specific to Christmas and leaves out other holiday traditions / groups. When pitching think about how you could broaden to include other holidays.
• The sponsor would also change the name from "Make Clogs Go Away Like Magic" to something else 

Liquid-Plumr^® wants to spread the word about Liquid-Plumr® Full Clog Destroyer™ – it does triple duty:

• Dissolves Tough Clogs
• Prevents New Clogs from Forming…and
• Removes Unpleasant Odors

 

Liquid-Plumr wants your ideas for videos that demonstrate the benefits of Liquid-Plumr^® Full Clog Destroyer™ using the joy (and angst) of the holidays as your setting. Think of Holiday meals, holiday parties, holiday visitors -- the friends you can choose and the family you can’t (*think awkward family photos!!).  It all means more grease, more hair, more soap scum -- and more DRAMA if a nasty clog throws a pipe-wrench at your perfect plans. Because Liquid-Plumr PREVENTS future clogs, you don’t have to miss out on any of those memorable holiday moments because you’re spending time calling the plumber.

So give us ideas that bring that drama, and the relief of being able to tame and prevent a tough clog – kitchen or bath – without having to share the pickled-herring with your local plumber. Ideally, you’ll find a way to show off all of its triple-duty capabilities – but the key is giving us an idea for a video so fun to watch you’ll play it at your own parties this holiday season.

What you need to know:

• This is a SAG-AFTRA affiliated project and can only feature TWO (2) on screen actors and ONE (1) voiceover talent if filmed in the U.S.
• Unlike competitors, Liquid-Plumr PREVENTS future clogs. So when submitting your ideas and pitches, keep in mind prevention is just as important as knowing you can count on Liquid-Plumr if you have a clogged drain.
• This project includes a social pack: ONE (1) 30-second Facebook optimized video and FIVE (5) still images.
• The up to 60-second video should be optimized for YouTube and the 30-second video should be optimized for Facebook. Please see below for best practices.

YouTube Best Practices

This has to catch the audience’s attention within the first 5 seconds. You can use audio to do this. We recommend putting the most interesting visual pieces of the video within these first 5 seconds to keep viewers engaged, instead of showcasing the brand name or branded packaging. This means the punch line doesn’t come at the end of the spot. See our slide in assets for more information.

Facebook Best Practices

This has to catch the audience’s attention within the first 3 seconds. You can NOT use audio to do this. That means it has to be visually engaging and the punch line does not come at the end of the spot. This cut needs to include graphic subtitles and will also have to be cut for a 1:1 or 2:3 aspect ratio so make sure the critical action happens in the center of the frame. See our slide in assets for more information.

The goal of this project is to create a must-share up to 60-second video (with a 30-second Facebook optimized version) that shows how Liquid-Plumr^® Full Clog Destroyer™ can handle the family rush of the holidays.

We want viewers to takeaway that they need to have Liquid-Plumr always stocked in their house. Using Liquid-Plumr, people can fix household clogs themselves and unlike competitors, Liquid-Plumr PREVENTS future clogs so you don’t have to miss out on any memorable holiday moments because you’re spending time calling the plumber.

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 sponsor may provide feedback on your script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until the sponsor approves a script.

• 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 sponsor does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options.

• STORYBOARD - This project requires storyboard approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The brand may provide feedback on your storyboard and ask you to submit a new version of the storyboard.

• 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 location. The sponsor may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that.

• WARDROBE - This project requires wardrobe approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You will need to submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast’s wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role. If the sponsor does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new wardrobe options.

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. 

NOTE: The up to 60-second video, 30-second Facebook optimized video and FIVE (5) stills are all due at the close of the video phase. Please upload them as separate submissions when submitting your videos.

--Key Marketing Messages:

• Never underestimate the importance of keeping your drains clear
• Clogs don’t stand a chance against Liquid-Plumr
• Liquid-Plumr maintains your drains, helps prevent new clogs, and keeps pipes smelling fresh

 

Please see below for more product messages:

General Product & Usage Message:

• When it comes to you fixing household clogs, don’t be afraid to do it yourself!  Liquid-Plumr has eight products to help solve all of your clog care needs.
• From kitchen sinks to bathroom showers, Liquid-Plumr helps conquer all of your drainage issues and has you covered for everything from stinky sinks to fully clogged drains. Clogs don’t stand a chance against Liquid-Plumr.
• Proper maintenance is key to keeping your drains running smoothly and at their maximum capacity. Liquid-Plumr helps maintain your drains, helps prevent new clogs and keeps them smelling fresh.
• Liquid-Plumr products are safe for all septic systems and pipes types, including PVC, plastic, copper, and old pipes. So whether you’ve got to force a hair clog through a 50-year-old set of iron pipes or just get your drain draining faster, Liquid-Plumr will always be the right choice for your house’s plumbing.

Specific Product Messages

Liquid-Plumr^® Full Clog Destroyer™

• Feel free to put away the plunger because this thick gel is formulated to cut through standing water and works triple duty to help dissolve though clogs, prevent new ones from forming, and remove new ones.
• Full Clog Destroyer is very effective on full clogs and slow flow drains, and with regular monthly use can help keep your pipes flowing freely.

 

--Target Audience:

• Adults between 23 and 55 years old
• Home-owners or renters
• Fix it yourself, can-doers

--Executional Mandatories:

• Do not show children or pets near Liquid-Plumr product.
• Do not show Liquid-Plumr near a toilet, and do not pour product down a toilet as it’s only used on drains. 
• Cannot show any other brands or logos.
• Video must show Liquid-Plumr being poured down a sink or shower drain at least once and include a verbal mention of the brand/product.

--Tone: The content should be entertaining and FUNNY but also needs to show the need to maintain your household drains. It should avoid over-commercialized and promotional content but should adhere to family friendly, politically correct, and air on the side of conservative guidelines.

 

--Exposure: Liquid-Plumr digital channels

This project will be worth a total of $27,000 and consists of FOUR (4) Phases: an Idea Phase, 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: IDEA  – Tell us your idea for a Liquid-Plumr video in 140 characters or less. Remember, an idea (What is an Idea Phase?) is not a detailed script; it is a spark of inspiration, or a distillation of what will happen in the video. As always, ideas should be clever and engaging. The winning idea creators will receive $500 each.

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 ideas 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 the video.

• Storyboards (Optional but Encouraged): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across.

•  Script (Optional but Encouraged): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create.

• Headshots/Casting Boards (Optional but Encouraged): 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 most compelling pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive $13,000 to help create the video. Additionally, upon submitting a video that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning pitch, the pitch winner will also be GUARANTEED an additional $13,000.

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 – 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 sponsor:

• SCRIPT  – This project requires script approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The sponsor may provide feedback on your script and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until the sponsor approves a script.

• 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 sponsor does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new actor options.

• STORYBOARD - This project requires storyboard approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The sponsor may provide feedback on your storyboard and ask you to submit a new version of the storyboard.

• 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 location. The sponsor may provide feedback on your location and ask you to submit additional photos or to find a new location and submit images for that.

• WARDROBE - This project requires wardrobe approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You will need to submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast’s wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role. If the sponsor does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new wardrobe 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 4: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the pitch winner will create an up to 60-second video based upon his/her winning pitch.

NOTE: The up to 60-second video, 30-second Facebook optimized video and FIVE (5) stills are all due at the close of the video phase. Please upload them as separate submissions when submitting your videos.

--Video Phase Payout: Winner of the Video Phase will earn the following prizes: $13,000

--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 up to $500 per place. Check out more about our Referral Program in FAQ.

1. The video 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 the sponsor.

6. Submissions must not portray the sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with the 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 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.