Some mystery and thriller podcasts meticulously dissect a single story over the course of a string of episodes, while others dive deep into a particular type of story or wide-ranging topic. Any framework is appropriate, and you should consider the full range of storytelling approaches too, from classic journalistic investigations to more casual conversational discussions, and even comedic angles. 

In terms of subject matter, there are the obvious true crime topics - the serial killers and cults, the psychopaths and scammers, the kidnappers and thieves - but this can also be about conspiracies, disappearances, and unbelievable character journeys. Don't just think about crime.  

Finally, if you are developing a podcast or a story for a podcast, you may also include additional information about individuals or sources you have access to, intellectual property you control, or other reporting that may be relevant, as well as any podcast production capabilities you bring to the table. If the Sponsor responds and wants to pursue it beyond the scope of this project, we'll reach out.

 

REFERENCE PODCASTS FOR INSPIRATION OR TONE: 

Mysteries and thrillers about more than just murder:

• The Shrink Next Door
• The Dropout
  
  

Interesting formats with a great hook:

• My Favorite Murder
• Ear Hustle
• The Clearing
• Steve McNair: Fall of a Titan
• Bear Brook
• Gladiator
• Hit Man
• S-Town
• The Ballad of Billy Balls
• Serial
• Dr. Death
• Over My Dead Body
• Crimetown
• Dirty John

TONGAL ORIGINALS INCUBATOR & THE SPONSOR:

• This project is part of the Tongal Originals Incubator program, and we're partnering with a premium content studio to make it happen. You can learn more about the program itself HERE, but the Sponsor has elected to remain hidden for the initial phase of this project. We can tell you that they're able to develop, produce, or finance any podcast, but you'll be able to learn more if your submission is selected and the Sponsor wants to pursue it beyond the scope of this project.

OWNERSHIP/PARTICIPATION: 

• If the Sponsor responds to your concept submission and you have included additional information about individuals or sources you have access to, intellectual property you control, or podcast production capabilities that you have, the Sponsor may want to pursue your participation beyond the scope of this project. If that is the case, it will be negotiated in good faith with the Sponsor, and covered by a separate agreement.

With the explosive popularity of podcasts like Serial and My Favorite Murder, it's a good time for true crime in the listening business, but it's not all about murder, and it's the success of podcasts like The Shrink Next Door and The Dropout that will show you that what audiences really love is real-life mystery and suspense. Audiences can't get enough of it, in fact, so Tongal's teamed up with one of Hollywood’s premium content studios - and we're talking A-list here - and we're coming to you for an original concept that might lead to the next big podcast thriller. 

This ask is wide open - the studio is open to any concept with a healthy dose of mystery and suspense. Maybe that means a sensational story you know that's totally unknown or gone completely unreported. Maybe it's you shining a light on a clever new way into an interesting subject. Maybe you've got a really unique storytelling format, or a truly exceptional hook. There's even the option for you to look at a widely reported stories that audiences think they already know, but come up with an entirely new spin on them.

Do you produce podcasts? Or are you just an obsessive listener? It doesn't matter. This ask is wide open for anyone - and the studio can help develop a budding podcast if you've already been working on something relevant here. In that case, you have the option to include additional info with your concept submission, and we'll reach out if the Sponsor responds and wants to pursue it beyond the scope of this project.

DELIVERABLES:

• 500 character concepts for a new true mystery or suspense podcast. 

 

TIMELINE: For the full project timeline please see the Assets section.

 

EXPOSURE: The studio may develop a podcast for any audio platform.

 

TARGET AUDIENCE: True mystery or suspense podcast audiences lean female, but the studio is open to podcasts aimed at any adult audience, so you can target a broad demographic.

 

TONE: The studio is open to a wide range of tonal executions, so this can be dramatic, emotional, comedic, intense, irreverent, weird, quirky, or exciting - or any mix of these. It can be educational and conversational too, so long as it's a compelling format that will hook a listener. 

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES:

• Avoid "whodunit" stories that are simply re-tellings of a criminal case, especially if they don't add anything new to the investigation. If it’s going to be a whodunit, it also needs to have really compelling characters involved.
• Avoid one-person, Wikipedia-style re-treads of well-known mysteries or conspiracies. They want a more dynamic structure with the host or hosts, and they want to be able to reveal something new or surprising.

In order to be considered, you must include the below materials in your Concept submission. Remember, a concept is not a detailed script - it is a spark of inspiration or a distillation of what could happen in the podcast. As always, concepts should be clever, original, and engaging.

• TITLE (REQUIRED): Include a potential title for your podcast.
  
  
• CONCEPT (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing your concept for the podcast.
  
  
• ADDITIONAL INFO (Optional): If you'd like to share more information that could help the studio understand your concept, you may attach it to your submission. If you are working on an existing podcast or story for a podcast, you may also include additional information about individuals or sources you have access to, intellectual property you control, or other reporting that may be relevant, as well as any podcast production capabilities you bring to the table. This attachment might include a short treatment, news articles, additional research, reference images, or even a short video.
  
  
• LINK (Optional): If you'd like to include helpful reference links to relevant stories or articles, or other existing podcast executions that also might demonstrate something similar to what you're proposing, please feel free to include those too. 

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.

4. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.

5. 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.

6. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

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

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

9. Winners must submit the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment.

10. 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.