In the past, Rugs USA has had a lot of success in collaborations with different designers (which you can see on their website). You'll see this reflected in some of their Instagram and Pinterest posts, which people look to for inspirational design ideas, or when creating big interior design themes on a budget. Some of the videos in the link below also reflect this, but the link also contains other videos that have performed well for Rugs USA in the past.

HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE

This product will only ship to the United States and Canada, so while you can be based in another country, you must be able to receive the product at a US or Canadian address.

When it comes to furnishing your home, office, or patio, rugs are an essential part of the design equation. Whether it's a spill-proof rug for a heavily trafficked area, a washable rug for the outdoors, or a sisal rug to ergonomically balance the office vibes, the right rug can make all the difference in making your space succeed. Rugs USA would know, as they're one of the largest online e-commerce sites and they've got a rug for every occasion. Now, they want YOUR help in spreading the word!

For this project, you'll work directly with Rugs USA to produce a :30 live action YouTube ad video that reinforces the idea that Rugs USA offers both style and functionality that anyone can enjoy. The video should be both elegant and approachable; relaxed in a way that's akin to a lifestyle brand, but on-trend with the range of product offerings showcased. Importantly, Rugs USA wants to avoid any verbiage or visual style that feels too "exclusive," as this is a relatable brand for everyone, so striking the right balance of comfort and chic will be what wins here. In the Background, we've provided some tonal examples based on past Rugs USA content that should give you a feel for where this balance lives within their brand. 

Since Rugs USA is largely an e-commerce business, it's important to craft your concept around the ultimate goal of driving viewers to visit their website. This will include featuring a CTA at the end of the video driving them there, and as you'll be creating your video specifically for YouTube as a paid ad, you also need to consider YouTube's ABCDs of creating effective video ads. This is a live action production, but fun motion graphics or text that may enhance the video are definitely on the table. Beyond those elements, Rugs USA is curious to see how you can weave everything into an emotional narrative for the video too. For example, how might ordering your rug online be an immediate benefit to your life? What advantages to that approach helps make your day better? Words and phrasing like "elevate your everyday," "refresh your look," and "effortless elegance" are all interesting thought starters from a thematic standpoint that Rugs USA is interested in seeing come to life here.

All product will be shipped and awarded to the greenlit filmmaker, so this does not need to be factored into your budget considerations (and will also be a fun way to enhance the sophistication of your own home after the shoot!).

Critically, for this project, once a filmmaker is selected, they will be put directly in contact with the sponsor. All communication and feedback between both parties will run through the Tongal platform.

Check out more information in the Background, and for any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 2 total video assets.

• One :30 hero video (16x9) 
• One :30 alternate version (16x9).  This version will only entail using an alternate final call to action and/or end card.

EXPECTED TIMELINE: HERE

EXPOSURE: We expect content will be used on YouTube, but if casting talent, be sure they review our required Talent Release before they're cast, as it is NOT limited to YouTube only. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Adults. ages 25-55

TONE/FEEL: Sophisticated yet approachable, relatable and elegant

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• You must adhere to Rugs USA brand guidelines, which will be provided upon being awarded the project.
• A CTA to the Rugs USA website MUST be included in the video.
• You must be able to provide a location that can reasonably feature all of the rugs shipped for your video in a furnished home.

In order to be considered, include the below materials in your submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery. All Pitches remain private, even after a Pitch is selected, and Tongal strives to have Pitch selections made by the end of the Evaluation period, but additional time may be required by the Sponsor, depending on any number of factors.

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed in the Deliverables.
  
  
• TREATMENT (REQUIRED): A more detailed and specific description of how you propose to execute all of the content listed out in the Deliverables. Explain what we can expect to see, and how you'll make it. If it's helpful, we've provided a treatment template HERE.
  
  
• LINKS (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, editor, artist, etc.) but do not include links to your showreel. Please link to individual videos.

• PITCH VIDEO (Optional): This is your opportunity to be face-to-face with the Sponsor and show what you're capable of. Consider a video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect, or consider test videos, proof-of-concept edits, animatics, etc. For examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery.

• SCRIPT (Optional):  Include clear descriptions of the visuals or action, along with dialogue, voiceover, or on-screen text.

• STORYBOARDS (Optional):  To better illustrate your vision, include actual storyboards, additional concept art, shot lists, or anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard template HERE.

1. In addition to the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment, greenlit Video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their 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 earnings. Tongal also reserves the right to request all raw files associated with the project.
   
   
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. 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.
   
   
5. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p and formatted for the aspect ratios listed in the Deliverables (e.g. 16x9). Acceptable file formats are .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv. Acceptable codecs are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, H.263, MPGV, WMV, DivX. Should your submission be greenlit, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. You may not contact any employees or members of the Sponsor's organization, their affiliates, or any of their partners. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification of your entry in the project.
   
   
8. 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 creator.
   
   
9. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.
   
   
10. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor, nor can Submissions contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
    
    
11. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.
    
    
12. The Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest.
    
    
13. 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.