ATTENTION FILMMAKERS!
We received a ton of awesome pitches - and each will still be in consideration - but we are re-opening this Pitch phase until Thursday 5/31 at Noon PT, and specifically looking for some additional pitches that focus on topics that stretch the definition of "rare breed" further. This means no animals, but rather a small group of items, individuals or occurances that share a unique characteristic or quality. Think about things that might be incredibly difficult to create or to locate, things that are highly sought after and might be disappearing, or outlying topics that people would find interesting if they were aware.
National Geographic’s long-running TV series “Explorer” is a one-hour documentary magazine show that aims to deepen our understanding of the world with a mix of entertaining, illuminating, and surprising investigative stories, drawn from every corner of the world. The show inspires viewers and drives conversation by examining a wide range of meaningful topics, complex shifts, intricate relationships and unusual phenomena – with an unexpected take on everything from why lemurs may hold the key to humans successfully colonizing Mars to how horse cloning may someday generate a “cure” for diabetes and how we plan to feed a planet inhabited by 9 billion people. Explorer exists because we believe there has never been a more important time for humans to understand how the world works, and our place in it. If you haven’t already seen it, check out the episode clips online.
Each episode of the show is organized around a theme, and features host Phil Keoghan’s journey and 2-3 short documentary segments centered on that theme. Now, National Geographic is turning to YOU to source a documentary segment, and for this segment they are looking for pitches that fulfill the episode’s theme of “Rare Breeds.” The theme isn’t intended to be literal – i.e. your segment should not involve unusual animals – instead, they’re looking for you to explore a topic that is unique or uncommon for some unexpected reason, and they’re open to any type of subject matter, so you can interpret that almost any way you want. You should also not feel restrained to a particular format or style – National Geographic wants you to be creative in how you tell the story in your segment.
Here what you need to know:
This is an open bid project and you will need to submit your proposed budget along with your treatment in the Pitch Phase. You should target a total cost range of $7,000 to $12,000 for the video, and you should account for the full list of deliverables and ensure that you are able to meet all of the camera requirements and broadcast technical specifications presented in the Details Section below when drafting your budget, including the 5.1 audio mix. You can download the Budget template here.
You will create one (1) 3 to 5-minute documentary segment about a topic of your choice. It should fulfill the theme of “rare breeds, and while this theme does not need to be explicitly stated in the story, it should be present in the storyline(s).
If any travel is required for your segment, you will be responsible for travel arrangements, and should include the costs of travel in your Budget.
You will be required to work with a Subject Matter Expert or Researcher who can accompany you or consult on the project to research and ensure the accuracy of any factual information presented. In select circumstances, it is acceptable if a filmmaker is also the subject matter expert.
Your video should avoid the use of a “host” or “correspondent,” and should instead rely on interviews, voiceover, and narration.
You are able to submit up to 5 pitches, and if you have access to multiple different topics or stories, we would recommend that you submit a pitch for each story, in case there’s subject matter overlap with a segment from one of Explorer’s many existing episodes.
Check out more in the details below…
The goal here is to create a 3-5 minute documentary segment that will be featured on the Explorer TV series, working within the broad theme of “rare breeds.” The segment must work within the stated theme but does not need to be a literal interpretation of that theme and need not be explicitly stated within the story.
--Tone: Inspirational, motivational, grounded, thought-provoking, doesn’t all have to be super serious.
--Target Audience: Adults 25-54, those who are interested in creative storytelling.
--Deliverables:
One 3-5 minute documentary segment, with 5.1 sound mix.
15 color-corrected polished still photos. These should only contain photos of people and scenics. Shoot high quality images (TIFF, JPEG & RAW files are all acceptable). Native file must be a minimum of 3000 pixels on the longest dimension.
Photo stills log - template will be provided to pitch winners
Text graphics log
Production team contact list. A template will be provided to pitch winners
Annotated As-Produced Script due at the time of rough cut. A template will be provided. Anything in your video that may be construed as a fact will need a verified source. A template will be provided to pitch winners
Interview Transcripts and Translations
Music Cue Sheet with detailed information on the music tracks, composers, and library publishers, with timecoded cues for each track.
Video interviews with key talent, if live action (can be shot on phone).
Expert or Talent Biographies, if applicable (Tongal producers will determine if necessary).
Credit list including credits for all cast and crew from your production. A template will be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: At the conclusion of the project, you will also be required to deliver a hard drive with the high quality master video, as well as all audio source files, all project files, and all raw footage from your production. We will provide you with the specific Technical Specifications and Materials List, and if selected as a Pitch Winner, you will have an extensive on-boarding session with a Tongal producer to ensure smooth delivery of your segment. YOU MUST ADHERE TO THE DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS AT ALL STAGES OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS.
--Executional Mandatories:
Video specs and camera expectations: A full Spec Sheet has been provided HERE, but the topline specs are below for quick reference:
Footage must be shot NTSC, 1920 x 1080p, Non-Drop Frame Timecode
Recording Frame rate is 23.98 and must always be progressive. Do not shoot Interlaced.
Must shoot 10-bit if possible; not all cameras can record 10 bit but if it can, please do.
Pulldown and Bitrate: 220 mbs
Minimum Color Space: 4:2:2
Frame: 16 x 9
Aspect Ratio: 16 X 9 (No Safety Field Required)
Time code needs to be set to Time of Day
Audio: 48k / 24 bit, Polyphonic
APPROVED CAMERAS (*Additional qualified cameras in Full Spec Sheet)
Canon C300 Mark II (Primary Camera)
Canon C300 Mark I (Secondary Camera)
Canon 5D Mark III (Secondary Camera)
Programs featuring animals should be consistent with National Geographic's long-standing interest in animal welfare and conservation. Causing harm or undue stress to animal subjects in the course of production is not acceptable. The use and handling of captive and domesticated animals must conform to accepted standards of legal, ethical, and humane treatment. For wild animals, National Geographic advocates filming with minimal impact to animals and their environments. Handling of wild animals should only be for a legitimate educational or scientific purpose, and should only be undertaken by an expert. All necessary permits for filming and/or handling animals should be obtained in advance of filming.
--Anticipated Production Timeline:
Pitch winners selected by Nat Geo: June 8
Pre-Production Phase: June 8 – June 20
Production Phase: June 20 – July 16
Rough Cut 1 Due for Tongal Review: July 16
Rough Cut 1 Due to Nat Geo Studios: July 18
Rough Cut 1 Feedback from Nat Geo Studios: July 20
Rough Cut 2 Cut Due to Nat Geo Network: July 25
Rough Cut 2 Feedback from Nat Geo Network: July 30
Fine Cut to Nat Geo Studio & Network: August 2
Fine Cut Feedback from Nat Geo Studio & Network: August 7
Picture Lock Cut to Nat Geo Studio: August 9
Picture Lock Cut & Final Delivery to Nat Geo Network: August 14
--Exposure:
Videos will be incorporated into an episode of the TV series “Explorer” for the National Geographic Channel, viewing during broadcast or on-demand.
This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. You can download the Budget template here. The Sponsor would like filmmakers to complete delivery of their video within a total cost range of $7,000 to $12,000 in total.
This Project will consist of 5 Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase, a Revisions Phase and an Asset Delivery Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.
The Sponsor will determine whether it will select a winning submission.
PHASE 1 - T his is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. You can download the Budget template here. The Sponsor would like each producer to deliver their video and all of the associated assets within a budget range of $7,000 to $12,000.
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. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.
Budget (REQUIRED):
Feel free to download and use the Tongal budget template here.
Please remember to account for the full list of deliverables and ensure that you are able to meet all of the camera requirements and broadcast technical specifications presented in the details above when drafting your budget.
If any travel is required for your segment, you will be responsible for travel arrangements, and should include the costs of travel in your Budget.
Subject Matter Expert / Researcher (Optional): This can include qualifications, biography, or other relevant details on the subject matter expert or researcher who will accompany you or consult on the project to research and ensure the accuracy of any factual information presented.
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 a portion of their budget to help create the Video. Please note the payment of the Pitch award is subject to a payment schedule determined by Tongal. Additionally, 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 the remainder of their budget. 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: PRE-PRODUCTION – The Filmmaker(s) selected in 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 brand:
SCRIPT (If applicable) – This project requires Script Approval (if applicable) before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. The brand may provide feedback on your Script/Beat Sheet and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a Script is approved by the brand.
TREATMENT / BEAT SHEET – This project requires Treatment / Beat Sheet Approval before filmmakers can move onto the Video Phase. The treatment should describe how you plan to execute the video and how you plan to bring the storytelling to life visually. The sponsor may provide feedback on your Treatment Beat Sheet and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple of feedback until a Treatment / Beat Sheet is approved by the brand.
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT / RESEARCHER: This project requires a Subject Matter Expert or Researcher who can accompany you accompany you or consult on the project to research and ensure the accuracy of any factual information presented. You will be required to submit their qualifications, biography, or other relevant details on the subject matter. If not deemed acceptable, the sponsor may provide feedback on and ask you to submit an alternate option.
SHOOTING OUTLINE – This project requires Shooting Outline Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. This should reflect what you'll actually be shooting, as opposed to how you'll structure your video in the edit. The sponsor may provide feedback on your Outline and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until an Outline is approved by the brand.
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 3: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winner will each create a 3 to 5 minute documentary Video based upon their winning Pitch.
--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 the final portion of their approved budget.
--Music: If you plan to source music from a library you will be required to use music from National Geographic’s provider, Extreme Music, which will be available to you at no charge solely for music incorporated into Submissions for this project. More details on this provider will be provided once you enter pre-production.
National Geographic also has an overall licensing agreement with Bleeding Fingers, which you may use for original music, but you must contact them to get a quote and cover the cost.
If you are selected as a winner and choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit National Geographic's Music Commission Agreement.
PHASE 4: REVISIONS – Once the Video Phase has closed, you will enter the Revisions Phase (What is a Revisions Phase?). During this phase, you will perform reasonable edits on your Videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback.
PHASE 5: 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. In addition, to the project files you are also required to provide all raw footage on a hard drive. You will be responsible for the costs associated the hard drive and shipping.
For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production please click here.
1. The Video MUST not exceed 5 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 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 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. 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 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 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.