FILMMAKERS: Be sure to read the whole brief carefully, and pay particular attention to the updated info in red before you submit/resubmit your Pitches!

Nickelodeon’s been winning kids’ hearts and minds for nearly 40 years. That’s a lot of nostalgia. And even some weirdness that left you wondering—was the slime on Double Dare really applesauce and pudding? Was Artie really the strongest man in the world? How did Catdog go to the bathroom? Was Angelica really a bully or just misunderstood?

Combine your internet kid savvy and your trivia-levels of Nick knowledge to get to the bottom of these burning questions in a new video recap series for Nickelodeon’s Facebook Watch. You’ll have access to Nick’s library, so get creative, get niche, and get original with a unique format for an ongoing series that encourages lifelong Nick fans to re-watch their favorite Nick shows with a totally new perspective. 

We're open to different approaches here: you can cover Nickelodeon in general, or dive into specific shows. Be sure to select which category your Pitch falls into from the dropdown menu we've added to the submission form. 

Most importantly, we want you to keep your creative approach broad to appeal to as many fans of varying degrees as possible. For example, think about parents who grew up watching Rugrats. What would rewatching the show now be like as a parent? How does being a parent now change your view on the babies' antics?

Thematically, think about how Zach Morris is Trash plays with nostalgia by breaking down Saved by the Bell with a modern, grown-up, and, dare we say, "woke" perspective. Your show concept should be more celebratory and lighthearted than this, but we like the approach of a modern-day view of childhood tv memories.

What You Need to Know

• 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 the Pitch winner to create 5 videos (with the potential to produce more down the road) with a cost range of $2,000–$7,000 per video. Refer to the Details section for more information.
• Your show format should be repeatable across at least 5 episodes – but ideally, many seasons.
• Ultimately, you’ll create 5 videos, each 3-5 minutes in length.
• Your Pitch should discuss how you’ll develop a format for this ongoing series. How would your show be different and stand out?
• The goal of the show is to draw in longtime Nick fans ages 15+ by tapping into their nostalgia and love of Nickelodeon and its shows, old and new. 
• The Sponsor will determine whether it will select a winning submission and may, in its sole discretion, elect to “buy out” your submission at any time.
• If you are selected to create the videos, you will be expected to comply with Sponsor’s production requirements, where applicable, which may include, without limitation, conducting background checks for production personnel as well as complying with all laws and regulations related to the engagement of minors.

There are a ton of ways to be creative and have fun here. Some thought starters to get you in the groove:

• Be funny and clever with your format. We’ve all seen recap videos before, and those are great, but let’s go in a new and different direction. 
• How do you leverage older audiences’ nostalgia for “their” Nickelodeon to create interest and excitement for today’s lineup? 
• How do you make a recap series that is charming, fun, surprising, self-aware, and authentic? 
• Do you have your own orange couch? Is there a 2018 equivalent? 
• What perspective can you bring to recaps of older shows? How can you approach them in a unique way? 
• How do you tie in to evergreen content and topics, or theme around upcoming seasonal or nostalgic moments? 
• Who’s the host for your show – and how will you find them? Diversity is important, and so is authenticity!
• Consider casting over Facebook, reaching out directly to Nickelodeon’s biggest fans. After all, your show should be by fans, for fans.
• Authenticity and humor are just as important as creating interest and conversation around current and past Nickelodeon shows; don’t force the feeling, be self-aware and have fun. 
• This audience (15+) is mostly female, is enthusiastic, optimistic, and engaged, loves YouTube shows and YouTube stars, and is obsessed with pop culture and the latest trends in clothing, toys, music, and games. 
• This audience is also super social, so think about what would make them want to share your videos with their friends. Everyone loves being an influencer.
• Your host(s) or talent should have a real and deep love for all things Nickelodeon and be authentic and relatable for the audience. 
• Shareability is crucial. Your audience should tag a friend or cross-post to their feed before the video is even over.

The goal of this project is to create a five-episode recap series with a unique show format for Facebook Watch. Your videos should be 3-5 minutes in length and should give lifelong Nick fans 15+ real, shareable excitement over current Nickelodeon shows or a serious hit of shareable nostalgia from reliving some of the best moments from their favorite childhood shows. The humor should be self-aware, a little meta, but not too snarky. Above all it should feel like it’s made by and for people who absolutely love Nickelodeon.

Remember, your Pitch can cover Nickelodeon in general or specific shows. If you're doing specific shows, we recommend focusing on one series per episode, but if you're inspired to dive into a specific series over multiple episodes, and can make each episode interesting and relatable to casual fans (not just superfans), we'll take it!

And remember, Nickelodeon's library is available to the Pitch winner. 

Nickelodeon wants to establish their Facebook Watch as a destination for teens and adults in order to further their core goal to make the world a more playful place! :)

Casting is really key here. Your cast must be diverse and authentic – they should love Nickelodeon as much as you and your audience do. 

We will work with the Pitch winner and Nickelodeon on obtaining necessary library access for older shows.

What is Required in Your Pitch:

• Text: 500 characters or less introducing yourself and summarizing your approach to this series. 
• Links: Links to your past work, with a strong emphasis on similar content (speaking directly to existing audiences, kid- or teen-focused, hosted content, etc). Please provide writing samples, if applicable and/or available. 
• Treatment: This PDF should contain the following: 
  • Description of your series and show format
  • A rough Pilot outline or beat sheet
  • Paragraph summaries of what happens in each of the 5 episodes
  • Moodboard/sample imagery/links to content with similar look, tone, and/or style 

--Target Audience:

• Gen Z and Millennials (15+) 
• Skews towards girls, but boys watch, too
• Smart, funny, diverse, and spends most of their lives on their phones.
• Grew up on Nickelodeon, and misses their favorite shows – but mixes reruns of iCarly in with Stranger Things
• Close with their parents, family, friends and pets.
• Looking for content just for them.

--Executional Mandatories:

• Your videos should be playful, exciting, and have a unique perspective. If you dig into Nickelodeon’s library to focus on nostalgic content, keep it light-hearted – we don’t want to come off as overly sentimental or contrived. 
• The audience should want to share your videos with their friends; they should identify with your videos in a deep and authentic way. 

--Tone:

Funny, smart, authentic, good-natured, diverse, supportive, celebratory. Self-aware, humorous, surprising, winking but not too snarky…and above all, playful! :)

--Inspiration:

Funny or Die’s Zack Morris is Trash is a fun and different approach to recap shows. A little more mean-spirited than the Nickelodeon sensibility, but a good example of how to take a fun and engaging new approach to the format.

Check out Nick.com to get a sense of what is currently on Nick, and be sure to check out Nick’s YouTube channel and Facebook pages like Nick Shows Were Freakin’ Weird, On This Day, and Remember When to get a sense of Nick’s current nostalgia work.

--Exposure: 

Facebook Watch

--End Card:

Nickelodeon will provide assets for you to create an end card.

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.

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 each producer to create six videos with a cost range of $2,000–$7,000 per video.

The Sponsor will determine whether it will select a winning submission. 

PHASE 1: PITCH - Submit your Pitch (What is a Pitch Phase?)  convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute a five-episode recap series for Nickelodeon's Facebook Watch 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.  This PDF should contain the following: 

  • Description of your series and show format
  • A rough Pilot outline or beat sheet
  • Paragraph summaries of what happens in each of the 5 episodes
  • Moodboard/sample imagery/links to content with similar look, tone, and/or style

• 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. 

  • Your budget must come in between $2,000–$7,000 per episode.

  • 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.

• Script (Optional): This should include key talking points from the videos 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.

• VO Samples (Optional): Casting notes or voice samples if you're planning to use VO in your videos.

• 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 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 – 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 until a Script is approved by the brand. 
• VO TALENT – This project requires VO Talent before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. If you are using VO in your videos, 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.

No filmmakers may begin shooting their Videos 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 create a suite of 5 videos, each between 3-5 minutes, 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:  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 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 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 Videos MUST not exceed 5 minutes in length. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 16x9 aspect ratio (full frame). 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 eighteen (18) 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.