Chances are your dentist has told you that maintaining healthy and beautiful teeth isn’t just about keeping them clean it’s also about preventing issues with your gums. Meridol is a European brand with oral care products aimed at protecting and maintaining gum health. Their products include toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and toothbrushes. Meridol fights the cause of gum problems, not just the symptoms, offering specialized solutions from everyday prevention to soothing care and healing.

Meridol is now asking the Tongal community to create Concepts and Videos for short YouTube ads that feature their toothpaste. The purpose of the ads will be to communicate that Meridol is the best caring specialized prevention for gum issues (while the main competitor Parodontx communicates more around pain – with “alarmists” tones).  

These ads are specifically for the French market so all dialogue, voiceover, and graphics will need to be in French. In addition, locations, cast, wardrobe, props etc. must feel native to France.

Since Meridol is available exclusively in the pharmacy retail environment (you don’t need a prescription) they would like to explore the possibility of using an Expert (they cannot legally use a Pharmacist) or Dentist character to help give credence to the effectiveness of the product. That said they are also open to Concepts that fall outside this approach as long they position Meridol as the best solution for preventing gum problems in a credible fashion.

Before submitting Concepts please keep in mind given the limited time to work with (:06 and :20). Concepts cannot involve elaborate set-ups and complicated stories. 

Please read the remainder of the brief for all the important details.

The goal of this project is to create four :06 bumper ads  and a :20 TrueView ad for Meridol. The communication goal is to position Meridol as the best solution to stop gum bleeding while also laying the foundation for healthy gums. You can either use a Dentist or Expert character to help convey this OR you can take a different approach as long as it communicates the above in a credible way.  

Please leverage one or some of the below data/claims from our Meridol surveyed of 1,200 patients. This was for Meridol Paradont Expert toothpaste (so have to show that product when using these claims).

• Occasional gum bleeding is the most common symptom but the less annoying
• 75% notice a decrease of the most annoying symptoms (swollen gums, red gums, gums pain) after 1-week usage
  • More than 9/10 people notice a decrease of their symptoms after 2 weeks usage
  • 87% consider Meridol as a good or very good product
• 71% consider Meridol better than their previous TP
• 94% recommend Meridol

Filmmakers, please note that depending on the Concepts selected Meridol is open to utilizing the same cast and setting for all the videos save for tweaking some combination of the dialogue, voiceover, angles, or onscreen text to test how different iterations perform.

--Target Audience: Adults above 45 years old, fairly well off but not aware that gum problems can lead to bigger, more serious issues. For casting purposes, Meridol would prefer to skew younger and cast people that look like they are in their mid-thirties.

--Executional Mandatories:

• The spot should hero the Meridol Paradont Expert toothpaste (because that is what the claims from the patient survey was based on),  however, we need to halo the overall brand so the entire Meridol product line should be shown at the end of the spot. In addition to the toothpaste, this includes the mouthwash, toothbrushes, and dental floss. 

• These ads are specifically for the French market so all dialogue, voiceover, and graphics need to be in French. In addition, locations, cast, wardrobe, props etc. must feel native to France.

• Some elements of the ads should organically incorporate Meridol’s brand colors (light blue and white.)

•  Please find attached FR packshot of Meridol Gum Protection to use (in Assets tab).
  

--Tone:  Positive and informative. Avoid fear mongering or patronizing viewers.

--Exposure: YouTube pre-roll ads.

Deliverables

• Four :06 bumper ads and one :20 TrueView ad.

• 15 still images from the footage

End Card:  Ads must end by showing the full Meridol product line.

Product: Meridol will provide product to the awarded producer.

Project Timeline: 

Pitch Phase: 8/24 – 8/29 

Pitches delivered to Sponsor: 8/31 EOD PM PT 

Pitch winners selected by Sponsor: 9/4 

Kickoff Call with Brand/Tongal/Filmmaker: 9/5 or 9/6  8am-10am PT

Pre-Production Phase: 9/5-9/10 (Script/Casting Approval)

Video Phase:  9/10--9/17

First Cut Videos Delivered to Sponsor: 9/18 7 AM PT

Editorial Feedback from Sponsor due: 9/21 

Filmmakers execute revisions: 9/21-9/24

2nd Revised Cut due to Brand: 9/25 7 AM PT

Editorial Feedback from Sponsor due: 9/28 8am PT

Filmmaker Final Revisions: 9/28-9/30

Final Revised Videos Delivered: 10/1 EOD PM PT

 

This Project will be worth a total of $39,250 and consists of 6 phases: A Concept Phase, a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase, a Revisions Phase, and Assets Delivery Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

PHASE 1: CONCEPT – Tell us your Concept for a short YouTube ad for Meridol that considers the parameters specified above in 250 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 Video.  As always, Concepts should be clever and engaging.  Three winning Concept creators will receive $250 each. 

PHASE 2: PITCH - Submit your Pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute a suite of videos based on 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. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.

• 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. 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, animatic, etc. are welcome.   

The most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive $19,250 to help create their Videos.  Please note the payment of the Pitch award is subject to a payment schedule determined by Tongal. Additionally, upon submitting videos that satisfy the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, completing Sponsor notes, providing the necessary release forms, and providing all assets required by the sponsor the Pitch winner will receive a final payment of $19,250. 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 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.
• 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.
• 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. 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. 
• 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 brand 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 before you have received final approval, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense).

For your convenience we’ve provided some helpful templates to use at your discretion. They include templates for creating a Treatment, Production Budget, Storyboards, Shot List, Call Sheet, and a Music Cue Sheet.  They can all be accessed here.

PHASE 4: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winner will each create the five Youtube ads.

--Video Phase Payout: Upon submitting a Video that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, completing Sponsor notes, providing the necessary release forms, and providing all assets required by the sponsor the Pitch winner will receive a final payment of $19,250.

--Music:  Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers for this project: 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 more customized music solution for your project are invited to connect with our partner Score A Score. Email a brief description of your project (timing, creative, budget, etc.), along with any specific music direction and/or references to their creative team at music@scoreascore.com and include “Tongal Project - Your Name” in the subject line.  Their creative team will be in touch within a few minutes to discuss the simple process and options with you. Please note that you will be responsible for the fees associated with using 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 third-party catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with your license purchase receipt when you turn in your Video paperwork.

PHASE 5: 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. 

PHASE 6: ASSETS DELIVERY -  You must also provide all project files, editing sequences and a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec in order to submit final payment. You will be responsible for the costs associated the hard drive (if necessary) and shipping.

For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production please click here.

1. 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 be selected as winner, 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 French language.

9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

10. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.

11. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.

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 award.

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.