Saints is a series of books created to help keep a continual record and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unlike past histories of the Church, the Saints series is a narrative history written in an engaging style that is accessible to both youth and adults. These are true stories based on the records of people from the past with every detail and line of dialogue supported by historical sources. The Church is getting ready for the upcoming release of the 4th volume in the series, which will cover the church's history from 1955 to the present day. They're looking to produce an 8-9 minute short film set in the 1960s about a key Church member featured in Saints Volume 4. More information about the script and the narrative will be provided to selected filmmakers who submit to the Pitch Qualification phase.
In terms of production logistics and timeline, we can say that we'd be targeting a mid-summer production with the goal of delivering content by the end of the year. As a final note, although this project is focused on Saints Volume 4, The Church is interested in adapting Volumes 1, 2, and 3 if production goes well. In that event, an additional budget would be provided and we'd work with you to determine the next steps. If you're interested, please read below.
THE PROCESS
- In the Pitch Qualification Phase, we want to see who's interested, available and has the right style & aesthetic for the job. You'll be asked to introduce yourself and provide links to relevant past work.
- Four greenlit Pitch Qualification creators will be advanced to the Pitch Phase, and given $500 in funding to put together a full pitch. These pitches should demonstrate how you would approach creating the short film based on a provided script.
- If selected to pitch, you will have from May 10 to May 15 days to create your treatment. Pitches are due at noon PT May 15, 2023.
- The Sponsor will evaluate these pitches, and select one creator to move forward to produce the short film.
DELIVERABLES: There are 2 total video assets.
- One 8-9 minute short film (16x9)
- One :60 Trailer (16x9)
- All RAW footage and project files.
TIMELINE: This project's timeline is dependent on multiple factors, including logistics determined by creative approach and budget, and it will be developed with the filmmakers input, with the goal of delivering final assets by the end of 2023.
EXPOSURE: The Church website
TARGET AUDIENCE: People of all faiths, old and young
TONE: Inspiring, optimistic
EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:
- All on-screen talent must go through a background check.
OPEN BID:
- This is an open bid project, so you will get to set your own budget proposal up to $50,000. If it makes sense, you may feel free to submit multiple versions of your bid at a budget, target, and reach price point.
- By participating in this open bid project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a bid. Though most open bid projects on our platform do move forward, we will notify you in the event the Sponsor decides not to fund any bids via the project forum. Regardless of the result, all open bid submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and the project team.
PITCH QUALIFICATION PHASE:
In order to be considered for the Pitch Phase, you must include the below materials in your Pitch Qualification Submission. The Pre-Pitch Phase gives filmmakers the opportunity to submit a 500-word synopsis of initial creative thoughts for the short film and tell us a bit more about your aesthetic as a creator. Four creators will be given $500 to develop treatments as part of the Pitch Phase.
- TEXT (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing why you are interested in and think you could be a great fit for this project.
- LINKS (REQUIRED): To your relevant previous work. Please specify your role (director, designer, animator, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.
PITCH PHASE:
In order to be considered for this project, you must include the below materials in your pitch submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.
- TEXT (REQUIRED): 500 or fewer characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this short film.
- TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what's going to happen in the short film. We would like to see how you would approach the different aspects of this team. Feel free to include you crew and examples of their previous work. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.
- LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work, especially if you have any previous work with influencers or celebrities to share. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.
- SCRIPT (REQUIRED): This should include any changes you'd like to make based on the provided script.
- BID/BUDGET (REQUIRED): This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. The Sponsor would like each producer to create all of the videos listed in the Deliverables section within a total budget range of up to $50,000. Please ensure that your budget factors in appropriate COVID safety protocols (i.e. testing, PPE, cleaning supplies, backup talent, etc.). You can download the budget template here.
- STORYBOARDS (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard template here.
- HEADSHOTS/CASTING BOARDS (Optional): Casting notes or concepts, headshots of actors, etc.
- PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show them 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. For some examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery. All Pitches will remain private until after the Sponsor gives the creator the green light to move forward.