Hey gang, you really need to check out this awesome Scooby-Doo Video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfKTNPZDXEQfOk

Zoinks!!! It’s unavailable!!! One second, it was right there on the Warner Bros. WB KIDS YouTube channel, and the next second, it vanished! Or… did it? This sure is strange, but like, you all know Scooby and the rest of Mystery, Inc. - Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma. They’ve delighted kids and parents alike for years with mystery adventures that are silly, comedic, and fun, filled with themes of teamwork and friendship and problem solving (and snacks!). Maybe we can take a cue from them and dig up some clues about this vanishing Video?

Let’s start with the background. Scooby has fans all over the globe in every age group, but Warner Bros. wanted to inspire the next generation of kids to play out Scooby-Doo stories of their own, and they wanted to do it by featuring the Scooby-Doo toys as a vehicle for storytelling, with stop-motion animation or live-action toy play that would introduce entertaining and entirely new mysteries. Their idea was that kids aged 4-8 would learn how to “play” Scooby with short-form Video, and so they first set out to create a Video Pilot that could spark a full series of short-form videos. That Pilot, and then the series that followed, would help them build a bigger YouTube presence for the brand, while highlighting and promoting all of the awesome Scooby-Doo toys. 

So, what happened to Warner Brothers’ vanishing Video Pilot? Nobody’s even seen it yet! Maybe it’s the creepy coin collector again... Or maybe it’s the caretaker’s wife? Or, maybe... it’s just some filmmaking phantasm used to lure us in, and Warner Bros. needs you to make their Video pilot!

It sure would help if we could find another clue… in the details below.

The goal of this project is, in fact, to create a playful and entertaining Video Pilot using Scooby-Doo toys to inspire new fans of Scooby among kids ages 4-8. Your Video can be up to 2 minutes in length, but must be at least 60-seconds, and it should be accompanied by a 15-second cut-down and 5 Still Images. Importantly, you should create something with real potential to become a series, and while it cannot incorporate 2D or 3D animation, it can feature stop-motion animation, or live-action toy play. 

Your Video should embrace the voice and tone of the brand and its characters, and play with the memorable quirks, random hijinks, and silly tropes that have always defined Scooby and The Mystery, Inc. gang, but you should make sure to give it your own unique twist. Keep in mind that your audience is young, so humor should be appropriate and relevant for younger kids, but try to incorporate layers of humor that might work for adults too, ala The Lego Movie, or Minions. Along the same lines, Scooby-Doo is spooky, but never truly scary, so while you may include spooky characters and situations, you should treat them lightly.

As mystery, comedy and problem solving are the main drivers of the show, so too should they be here: your Video should be a self-contained episodic mystery, set up and solved within the scope of a single video. It is not necessary that you frame your Video as a true “pilot,” so you don’t have to spend time introducing each character. That said, Ideators should take into account that this can be the launching point for a series, so Pilot Concepts should lay down a foundational story that is repeatable, and sustainable. In terms of the Video length, tell your story. Don’t try and conform the Video to a set duration.

Except for the Lego sets, you’ll have access to the entire family of current Scooby-Doo toys, which should provide a wide variety of options. You can mix and match, or use one particular set, and product will be provided. You can also blend in your own creations – characters, sets, etc. Whatever you decide to use, the focus should be on the toys, and the undercurrent of your Video is teaching kids how to “play” Scooby, so think about the ways that kids might play with these toys as you think about how to execute your Video.

Lastly, remember that the audience is global, and videos will need to be localized/dubbed for other markets, so be cognizant of your use of text and dialog spoken by on-screen actors. 

NOTE: For Pitches, though they are not required, the brand encourages detailed Storyboards and Treatments.

 

PRE-PRODUCTION NOTES: This project includes a Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?) before the Video Phase. This means you will be required to submit certain items for Approval before you are able to move into the Video Phase. The Approval items for this project are:

 

• SCRIPT – You must submit a full Script, including all action, dialog, on-screen text, and any V.O. that is present. 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. 
• STORYBOARD – You must submit a complete Storyboard that includes all or most of the shots that you intend to utilize in your Video. The brand may provide feedback on your Storyboard and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a Storyboard is approved by the brand. 
• V.O. CASTING – If applicable, 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 V.O. actor options.
  • You should NOT try to cast talent that will try and mimic the exact voices of Shaggy, Scooby, and the gang. Instead, find a different creative way to address the voices, whether it be using the V.O. of a child, or a single V.O. talent that is obviously not trying to do a close impression.

 

IMPORTANT: 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, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense) so please don’t jump the gun.

--Deliverables Due: At the close of the Video Phase, you will be responsible to deliver as separate submissions:

• One Video Pilot up to 2 minutes in length, but a minimum of 60-seconds.
• One 15-second Cut-down
• Five still images (You might consider making these character-cards, of sorts)

 

--Key Takeaways: Your Video should leave kids feeling like, “I know how to play Scooby!” and “I want to be a part of Mystery, Inc., and need the Scooby toys.”

• New brand positioning is “Where mystery and adventure meet fun,” but this copy needn’t be included in your Video. 
• The purpose of this content is entertainment, not sales, so while you must use toys in service of your storytelling and fun, there should not be any explicit sales messaging or exhortation to purchase.

--Target Audience: The main audience is kids ages 4-8, global, and gender inclusive. Within that audience, Scooby tends to resonate more with the pre-school and kindergarten demographic, but there should be an aspirational element to your Video, and ideally you should weave in humor that might work for adults too.

--Tone: Funny, silly, random, playful, and full of mystery and entertainment. Your Videos should NOT be scary, but should make kids giggle and want to play with these toys.

• Paw Patrol and The Lego Movie make for good tonal references

--Product & Assets: Product will be provided. Images of the toys are available in the assets section of the page, or directly right here.

--Executional Mandatories: 

• Do NOT cast V.O. talent that will try to mimic the exact vocal performances of Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the gang.
• Do NOT make any overt drug or munchie references.
• Do NOT include any non-Warner Bros. franchises or trademarks (sorry guys; no Harlem Globetrotters here).
• Do NOT use any LEGO figurines or products.
• Videos must avoid any crass language or adult themes / innuendo.

--Exposure: Content will be distributed on the WBKids YouTube Channel and on ScoobyDoo.com, with potential for use on retailer websites and channels with success.

--Anticipated Timeline: Note that this is only a tentative timeline, and is subject to change.

• Pre-Production Phase: November 22 – December 6
• Video Phase: December 6 – January 11
• First Cut Videos Delivered to WBCP: January 12
• Editorial Feedback from WBCP: January 19
• Revised Videos Delivered to WBCP: January 25
• Final Tweaks & Edits Requested & Executed: January 25 – January 27
• Final Videos Delivered to WBCP: January 30

...like, wow! Maybe there was no such thing as a Vanishing Video Pilot!  

Well gang, I guess that wraps up this mystery.

This Project will be worth a total of $50,000 and consists of three Phases: a Concept Phase, a Pitch Phase and a Video Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

 

PHASE 1: CONCEPT – Tell us your Idea for a Video for a playful and entertaining Video Pilot using Scooby-Doo toys in 250 characters or less. Remember, a Concept or Idea (What is an Idea Phase?) is not a detailed script; it is a spark of inspiration, or a distillation of what will happen in the Video. As always, Concepts should be clever and engaging. The winning TWO (2) Concept creators will each receive $1000. There are no residuals on this project.

 

PHASE 2: 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 Concepts 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.
• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create.
• Treatment (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what’s going to happen in the video
• Storyboards (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across.
  • Not required, but encouraged!
• Headshots/Casting Boards (Optional): Casting notes or concepts, headshots of actors, etc.
• Pitch Video (Optional): This is your opportunity to show us 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, animatics, etc. are welcome.

 

The two most compelling Pitches will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will each receive $10,000 to help create Videos. Additionally, upon submitting a Video that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, the Pitch winners will also be GUARANTEED a winning place in the subsequent Video Phase.  So, if your Pitch is selected and you execute your Pitch effectively in your Video submission, you will win an additional $13,000 at minimum, and be eligible to compete for the $15,000 1st Prize. 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 3: PRE-PRODUCTION – If you’ve made it this far, nice work, Scoob! This project includes a Pre-Production Phase (What is a Pre-Production Phase?) before the Video Phase. This means you will be required to submit certain items for Approval before you are able to move into Video Phase. The Approval items for this project are:

 

• SCRIPT – You must submit a full Script, including all action, dialog, on-screen text, and any V.O. that is present. 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. 
• STORYBOARD – You must submit a complete Storyboard that includes all or most of the shots that you intend to utilize in your Video. The brand may provide feedback on your Storyboard and ask you to submit a new version. There may be multiple rounds of feedback until a Storyboard is approved by the brand. 
• V.O. CASTING – If applicable, 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 V.O. actor options.
  • You should NOT try to cast talent that will try and mimic the exact voices of Shaggy, Scooby, and the gang. Instead, find a different creative way to address the voices, whether it be using the V.O. of a child, or a single V.O. talent that is obviously not trying to do a close impression.

PHASE 4: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winners will each create a Video up to 2 minutes in length, but at least 60-seconds, and it should be accompanied by a 15-second cut-down and 5 Still Images. Both Videos and 15-second cutdowns are due at the close of the Video Phase, along with the 5 Still Images. Please upload them as separate videos when submitting your Videos. 

--Video Phase Payout: Would you do it for a Scooby Snack? No? Well, winners of the Video phase will earn the following prizes: 1st place $15,000; 2nd place $13,000.

 

--Music: Tongal has partnered with two premiere music providers - JinglePunks and Epidemic Sound - either 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.

 

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 other catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with our Music Release Form when you turn in your Video paperwork.

--Referral: Any Tongal member who refers one of the winning Video creators in this Project using the Tongal “Invite Friends” functionality will receive a referral fee equal to 5% of the amount won. That’s a potential of up to $500 in bonus cash just for telling all of your talented friends about this Project! Check out more about our Referral Program in FAQ.

1. The Videos MUST not exceed 120 seconds 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. 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. In the event that fewer than 50 Pitches are received, the Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest for up to fourteen (14) days at their discretion.

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 Videos 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 prize.

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.