** UPDATE: The Video Phase will be extended to accomodate any delays with the Pitch Phase **

 

In this day and age, chances are, if you're on time you're already late. With pumpkin spice flavored everything starting in August, Halloween starting in September, by October it's already time to shop for the holidays. While it could get complicated trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, the LEGO Group and Toys “R” Us are here to help.

 

Working with Tongal, The LEGO Group wants you to help shoppers choose the right LEGO play set for everyone on their holiday gift list no matter what age. With hundreds of different sets to choose from, we want you to show gift givers everywhere how to find the right LEGO set for anyone (child or adult) in their lives at Toys “R” Us!

 

We are looking for one filmmaker to create a suite of EIGHT (8) Videos BEFORE HOLIDAY SEASON under the following topics:

 

1. Preschool Ages 1 ½-3: (30-45 seconds) We believe that playing is the best way to learn for preschoolers. LEGO DUPLO bricks are double the size of LEGO system bricks making them ideal for a 2-3 year-old! See your child imagine, create and explore whole new worlds with oversize LEGO bricks designed to fit perfectly in small hands.

 

2. Preschool Ages 4-7: (30-45 seconds) Has your child played with LEGO DUPLO before, but you are wondering if he’s ready for the smaller LEGO bricks? Or, are you just starting out building and want to select the right item?

 

3. Younger Children Ages 6-8: (30-45 seconds) These children are learning to become more independent and explore the world around them. They are becoming better builders and enjoy building and playing in worlds they create.

 

4. Older Children ages 9-11: (30-45 seconds) Their lives are super busy and they are expanding their circle beyond their family and with more friends. Interested in LEGO themes that have a good story and LEGO content to watch. Becoming a stronger builder and needs less help – loves the feeling of accomplishment when they complete a model!

 

5. High affinity LEGO builders and Adults ages 12+: (30-45 seconds) If you are shopping for a highly experienced or fanatic LEGO builder, it’s important to find something challenging as well as unique they can add to their collection. These kids and adults love to build and display their models.

 

6. How-To Video: (60 seconds) How to read the LEGO Box.

 

7. Mom focused Video: (up to 60 seconds) Show how LEGO sets are toys that kids can build themselves and stay occupied with.

 

8. Storytellers Video: (up to 60 seconds) Kids love screen time - maybe a little too much. Show how LEGO sets can extend the movies and television shows kids love so much into the real world and allow kids to bring the fantasy world from their imaginations to life through building.

 

What You Need to Know:

• This isn’t your typical LEGO Project. We want you to think like a marketer and target ADULTS.
• THIS PROJECT MOVES FAST. You’ll have just FOUR weeks to create your EIGHT (8) Videos.
• You are required to submit a 15-second teaser Video as well as TWO (2) stills along with each Video.
• Since we aren’t holding a Concept Phase for this Project, make sure your Pitch treatment clearly outlines how you plan to bring ALL EIGHT topics to life.
• We’ve included more important details about Topics 1-6 under the ASSETS TAB.

 

 

The goal of this project is to create a suite of EIGHT (8) Videos that show that there is the right LEGO play set for everyone no matter what age. We want you to show gift givers everywhere how to find the right LEGO set for anyone (child or adult) in their lives at Toys “R” Us!

 

NOTE: The suite of EIGHT (8) Videos, SIXTEEN (16) Stills, and EIGHT (8) 15 second cut-downs are all due at the close of the Video Phase. Please upload the 15 second cut-downs as separate videos when submitting your Videos.

 

--Key Marketing Messages:

• A LEGO Experience for Every Age!
• Find the right LEGO toy for your child at Toys “R” Us

 

--Target Audience: Parents and gift givers (especially grandparents) who are looking for holiday gifts.

 

--Executional Mandatories:

• Do not use the word “LEGO” as a noun. Use the word LEGO as an adjective.
• Do not say “LEGOs” or “LEGO blocks” instead say LEGO bricks.

 

--Tone: The tone of the Video should be smart – talk up to the customer. Your Video should want to appeal to that generosity at the holidays, the feeling that you want to give a gift they will love, remember, and that has a benefit.

 

--Exposure: LEGO digital media channels.

 

 

This project will be worth a total of $90,000 and consists of TWO (2) Phases: a Pitch 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 a LEGO Toys “R” Us Gift Givers Pilot Video 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 ALL EIGHT 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.
• 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 $45,000 to help create the suite of EIGHT (8) Videos. Additionally, upon submitting a suite 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 $45,000. 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 2: VIDEO – The winner from the Pitch Phase will create a suite of EIGHT (8) Videos based upon his/her winning Pitch.

 

NOTE: The suite of EIGHT (8) Videos, SIXTEEN (16) Stills, and EIGHT (8) 15 second cut-downs are all due at the close of the Video Phase. Please upload the 15s cuts as separate videos when submitting your Videos.

 

--Video Phase Payout: Winner of the Video Phase will earn the following prizes: 1st place $45,000.

 

--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.

 

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. 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 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 25 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.