You can BOOST your tea with a little honey, BOOST your sound with an amp, and now, you can even BOOST your LEGO creations with LEGO BOOST.

LEGO BOOST introduces building and coding in one super-charged LEGO set that lets kids add sound, movement and personality to their LEGO creations, bringing to life anything they can imagine!  

Check out the video here, which provides great background on the new product. Please note the video is for informational purposes only as it showcases a lot of the functionality but is not intended as creative direction for the series.

Working with Tongal, The LEGO Group is looking to create a five episode live-action series (2-3 minutes per episode) that centers on creativity, experimentation and fun with LEGO Boost as the catalyst. The series should go beyond the five core models in the box and instead demonstrate the endless creative possibilities that it unlocks.

If you’re BOOSTing with excitement, please read below for more information:

• The LEGO BOOST app introduces coding language in a way that is familiar to kids, much like a digital version of the physical LEGO brick. 

• This series should demonstrate how LEGO BOOST connects DIGITAL and PHYSICAL worlds in a new and unexpected way.

• It’s important to note that there are no physical building instructions for LEGO BOOST; they are all in the tablet-based APP. The BOOST APP contains building instructions for five “official” models but we want to see how you can bring this product new life in a new and unexpected way. The apps “a la carte” coding menu includes functions like:

• Move Left, right, up and down
• Shooting
• Dancing
• Beat Boxing
• Sense colors and react
• Sense movement
• Record your own voice and sounds
• Compose music
• Lift items
•  “Auto build” things
• Oh and even…fart!

NOTE: Selected creator will get immediate access to the beta app in order to learn the full functionality.

• Concept Phase: We’re looking for concepts on what the entire five episode series could be, not just for one episode.

• Social Pack: You will need to create a social pack for each episode consisting of a LEGO Life version (Lego Life is a social network for kids to share their Lego creations), a Facebook optimized version (see Facebook best practices below), TWO (2) stills, as well as a 15 and 30-second cut-down.

• Trailer: You will need to create a 15-second trailer for the entire series to get kids excited about the content.

• End Card: You will need to create an end card for the series that would encourage viewers to watch more content and learn more about the product.

• Delivery: The LEGO Group is looking for the series to be delivered in two batches. The first episode should be delivered August 28 and the next four episodes by September 11.

Series Tone:

• This series should demonstrate LEGO BOOST as fun!
• This series should celebrate creativity, experimentation and imagination
• This series should feel cool, relevant and authentic to YouTube
• This series should feel aged-up and aspirational for kids to see how LEGO BOOST can inspire and empower them to bring their imagination to life

Series Inspiration:

The following YouTube channels are examples of how experimentation and learning can be brought to life in a fun and engaging way.

• https://www.youtube.com/user/IncredibleScience
• https://www.youtube.com/user/testedcom
• https://www.youtube.com/user/spstricky175/featured
• https://www.youtube.com/user/onemeeeliondollars

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.

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

CASTING  – This project requires casting 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/SET - This project requires location and set approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. This means you will need to submit multiple images of your primary filming location and set. The sponsor may provide feedback on your location and set 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 2-3 minute episodes (each with a 15 and 30-second cut-down), stills and social versions (Facebook, LEGO Life) are all due at the close of the video phase. Please upload them as separate submissions when submitting your videos.

--Target Audience: The LEGO BOOST product is designed for kids 7 and up (sweet spot is kids between 9 and 13) but as the LEGO creative community has shown us, there is truly no upper age limit on the fun that BOOST delivers.

--Executional Mandatories:

• You cannot specifically combine a premade set (X-Wing for example) directly with BOOST since there are no official instructions.
• Another alternative is to focus on bringing more general, culturally relevant things to life, hacking and making the most of BOOST’s potential. What could you “BOOST” in your everyday life?”
• Please keep your videos in line with the standard LEGO tone of voice, branding, etc.
• DO NOT SAY LEGOS OR LEGO BLOCKS. The word “LEGO” should be used as an adjective (i.e. LEGO bricks, LEGO sets).
• Content needs to be family friendly.
• DO NOT show competing toy lines.

 

--Exposure: The LEGO Group digital and social channels as well as pre-roll.

This project will be worth a total of $71,500 and consists of FOUR (4) of Phases: a Concept 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: CONCEPT – Tell us your concept for a LEGO BOOST series in 500 characters or less. Remember, a concept is not a detailed script; it is a spark of inspiration, or a distillation of what will happen in the videos. As always, concepts should be clever and engaging. The winning concept 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 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 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 most compelling pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive $30,000 to help create the video series. Additionally, upon submitting a series of videos 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 $40,000. 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 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/TREATMENT  – This project requires script and treatment approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The sponsor may provide feedback on your script/ treatment and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until the sponsor approves a script/ treatment.

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/SET - This project requires location and set approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. This means you will need to submit multiple images of your primary filming location and set. The sponsor may provide feedback on your location and set 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 a series of videos based upon his/her winning pitch.

NOTE: The 2-3 minute episodes (each with a 15 and 30-second cut-down), stills and social versions (Facebook, LEGO Life) 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: $40,000.

 

--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 per place. Check out more about our Referral Program in FAQ.

1. The video episodes MUST not exceed 3 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 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 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.