Hold the phone, here’s the 4-1-1 people… The most nostalgic toy of the 1990s is coming back.  And she’s tinier and mightier than ever!  That’s right, Mattel is releasing a brand-new Polly Pocket toy line as well as creating a 2D animated series starring Polly herself. To expand and enrich Polly’s world even further, they’re looking for YOU to create an additional stop motion series to bring Polly to life.  The key is to figure out how to make the world of Polly really pop in a fun and imaginative way.  Check out the 2D animated series synopsis below to get a sense of the characters and backstory.

Synopsis of Polly Pocket 2D series:

Growing up in a quiet suburb, 11-year-old POLLY POCKET has little opportunity for the big excitement she craves. At every turn, she is told that she is “too small” to do the things she wants to do. But once she discovers and repairs her grandmother’s locket that allows her to shrink down to become four inches tall, Polly’s world becomes an everyday adventure!

Grandma Pocket lets Polly in a little secret.  For centuries, the mystical Pocket Locket has been passed through the family to only certain members – the one who inherits the locket uses its shrinking power to make big differences for humankind. And now it’s eleven-year-old Polly’s turn! The first KID ever to earn the locket!

Polly has always felt like she could do anything, and with the locket, she wants to make big changes in her world. From creating a tiny pool paradise in her dresser drawer or making and then flying a toy quad-copter or even diving in her aquarium with a miniature submarine, Polly’s adventures range from small acts of kindness to big acts of heroism! With her best friends, Lila and Shani, by her side and her locket around her neck, there’s no dream too big, no adventure too small for Polly Pocket!

The primary goal is to create six 1-2-minute stop motion videos – with the purpose of educating viewers about the NEW Polly, showcasing the unique features of Polly Pocket toys in fun and engaging ways, and emphasizing Polly’s incredible adventures.  

We want you to think about how stop motion can be used to highlight the amazing shrinking power that Polly possesses with her locket.  While staying within the parameters of the existing Polly world as established in the 2D series, how can we take Polly to the next level and make her world appear extra inviting and exciting? 

Mattel is totally open to new storylines, but they want to make sure to convey the following: 

1. Polly shrinks with the help of her locket and the locket has magical powers.
2. Polly shrinks with her friends (Shani and Lila) and creates amazing (and useful) inventions. 
3. Polly uses her power for good/to help others.

*** We’re looking for you to pitch us how your team is best suited for this series, so make sure to include a Writer for the script phase, as this will be a narrative-driven series. ***

AND the team that is greenlit will have access (under NDA) to Mattel’s full Polly Pocket story bible to reference to help further develop this series.

Mattel would also like creators to think about the opening sequence or title treatment, which would be part of your video.  

The winning animator may also have access to the current Polly Pocket voice talent or soundalike talent for their videos, provided by Mattel.  Industry rates will apply.

What is Required to Submit your Pitch:

• Text (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute these Videos.
• Links (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, animator, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.
• Treatment (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of your plan of attack / what’s going to happen in your videos. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.
• Writer identification (REQUIRED): You must tell us the writer you plan to work with and describe their experience writing for this demographic - please provide a sample of their work.

Deliverables:

• Six 1-2-minute stop motion videos.
• ENGLISH language only.  Mouths should not move, but there should be some degree of facial expressions.
• Six YouTube thumbnails (one for each video)
• One 2D End Card 
• 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.

Estimated Timeline:

Pre-Production Phase: 6/1-8/24

Eps 1-6 Scripting

V1 Scripts due to Tongal: 6/11

Tongal feedback due: 6/13

Scripts due to Mattel: Monday 6/18

Mattel Consolidated Feedback on Scripts: 6/25

Script revisions: 6/25-6/29

Revised scripts due to Mattel: 6/29

Mattel Final Feedback & Approval of Scripts: 7/9

Eps 1-6 Background Designs (same cadence as scripts)

V1 Designs due to Tongal: 6/11

Tongal feedback due: 6/13

Designs Due to Mattel: Monday 6/18

Mattel Consolidated Feedback on Designs: 6/25

Revised Designs Due to Mattel: 6/29

Mattel Approval Due: 7/9

VO Casting / Voice Recording approx. 7/16-7/27

Eps 1-6 Animatic

First Version of Animatics due to Tongal: 7/30

Tongal Feedback due: 8/1

First version of Animatic due to Mattel: 8/6

Mattel Consolidated feedback on Animatic due: 8/13

Animatic Revisions: 8/13-8/20

Revised / Final Animatic Due to Mattel: 8/20

Mattel Approval Due: 8/24

Production Phase 8/24-10/15

Rough Cuts due to Tongal: Monday 9/17

Tongal feedback due: 9/18

Rough Cuts due to Mattel: Monday 9/20

Mattel Consolidated Feedback due: 9/26

Revisions: 9/26-10/3

Revised Cut due to Tongal: 10/3

Revised Cut due to Mattel: 10/4

Second round of consolidated feedback from Mattel due: 10/9

Second Round Revisions: 10/9-10/15

Final Files due to Tongal: 10/15

Final Files due to Mattel for approval: 10/16

--Key Marketing Messages / Themes: 

• The overarching theme of the series is Tiny is Mighty!
• Stronger together
• With tiny powers come great responsibility
• The tiniest person can make the biggest difference
• Be your own hero
• See the world from a new, tiny point of view
• Bigger doesn’t mean better

--Target Audience: Girls 7 - 10 (also for boys and families because there is a lot of action in the series) 

--Tone: Aspirational, fun, funny, exciting, kid-friendly

--Exposure: Polly Pocket YouTube channel

--Product: You are RESPONSIBLE for purchasing & ordering product directly - this cost is included in the budget. 

This Project will be worth a total of $80,000 and consists of 4 of Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase and a Revisions Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

PHASE 1: PITCH: 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, animator, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.  

• Treatment (REQUIRED): If it's helpful to you, we've provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.

• Writer Identification (REQUIRED): You must specify your writer and include a sample of his/her work.

• 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 with a stop motion animation test.

• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create. 

• Storyboards (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard template here.

The most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive $40,000 to help create the Videos.  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 the 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 1 Pitch Winner from 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. 
• VOICE CASTING – *You MAY be using existing Polly voice talent, which will be provided to you at competitive rate.  Anything else would need to be approved.
• BACKGROUND DESIGNS – This project requires Background Design approval before filmmakers move onto animation. You must submit multiple designs, and if the brand has feedback, you will be asked to provide revisions.
• ANIMATIC – This project requires Animatic approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. This means you will need to submit an animatic, and the brand may provide feedback and ask you to submit a revised version.

No filmmakers may enter into animation until all Pre-Production Approvals are completed and the Video Phase has officially begun. If you begin animation during the Pre-Production Phase before you have received final approval, there is a chance you will need to re-animate (at your own expense).

PHASE 3: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winner(s) will each create six 1-2 minute videos (according to the deliverables) 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 a final payment of $40,000.

--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, 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 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. 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. The Video MUST not exceed 2 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 win, 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. This project is open to US residents only.

9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.

10. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

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

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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 prize.

16. 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.