Sadly, the Sponsor has decided not to move forward with a Pitch on this project. While the Nickelodeon team LOVED all of the submissions, the brand's strategic priorities changed for 2023, and they sadly don't have the budget to commit to this project at this time. Though most Projects do move forward with a selected Pitch, we will always notify you in the event the Sponsor has decided not to move forward. Please note that regardless of the results, all submissions are reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and the Project Team. We sincerely appreciate your time and effort on this project.

Calling all Goofy Goobers - it's time to use your IMAGINATION! We all know that SpongeBob SquarePants is an international icon - not just for kids, but teens and adults as well. His constant optimism and kindness are just a few of the reasons why he's one of the most lovable characters in all of Bikini Bottom. As a fan-favorite show that's been running for decades, there's no shortage of hilarious moments, iconic quotes, and memorable scenes to choose from.

That's where YOU come in! Nickelodeon wants to create a series of five TikTok videos that celebrate the SpongeBob universe and its dedicated fandom. You can go many different creative directions with your series, but it should have a central theme or narrative style. What do we mean by that? Well, how about diving into fans' outlandish theories? Maybe a stop-motion build of a SpongeBob snowman retelling some memorable events from the show? An astrology chart tied to the main characters (believe it or not, Squidward is a Libra and NOT a Scorpio)? The iconic theme song performed by a variety of different instruments? How many businesses are in Bikini Bottom? What are some iconic underrated moments between Squidward and SpongeBob? Or what about recreations of fan-favorite SpongeBob scenes in unique mediums? The one thing your series should NOT do is create new narrative scenes between SpongeBob characters. Your series should be celebrating the existing show - not creating new storylines. 

Still trying to figure out what we mean? Take a look at the videos below for inspiration and guidance on what we mean. 

• Baby Patrick IRL! ? | "Goo Goo Gas" Recreation | SpongeBob
• There's Something Fishy About Frank ? Bikini Bottom Mysteries Ep. 1 | SpongeBob
• If SpongeBob was a Black & White Cartoon | "Reef Blower" | SpongeBob: Reimagined S1
• SpongeBob and Patrick Go to Jail! | Bikini Bottom Inquirer Ep. 1

Please note: While those example videos are on YouTube, your series should be designed for distribution on TikTok. Make sure to check out the Background section to get a sense of the official SpongeBob SquarePants social media channels and the type of content that's posted on those accounts.

The idea is to roll out one to two videos per month. While this initial project is for five videos, there's a possibility that your series might get renewed for another season, so in your Pitch, make sure to create a treatment that fleshes out how you see your series going further. If your creative execution calls for it, you MAY even have access to voice actors from the series (although that is NOT guaranteed). We're ultimately looking for content that will lead to a smile, and ultimately increased love for the show!

 

For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.

DELIVERABLES: There are 5 video assets. 

• Five up-to-:60 TikTok videos (9x16)

 

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

 

EXPOSURE:

• TikTok
• Please review the platform best practices page.

 

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• SpongeBob SquarePants and Nickelodeon fans of all ages

 

TONE:

• Positive, silly, inspiring, and most importantly FUN!

 

EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 

• You CANNOT use audio from the SpongeBob SquarePants television show on TikTok, so make sure your series does not rely on using voiceover from the show. 
• You CANNOT create new narrative scenes between SpongeBob SquarePants characters. 
• SpongeBob and the other characters of Bikini Bottom do NOT know that they are on television or that they are famous. They should not act like movie stars or be aware of their worldly iconic status. For example: Vamping and silly antics (like wearing sunglasses and a tux) are ok, but SpongeBob should not say things like "I'm a movie star” or acknowledge his presence on social media (“so many followers, so little time”).
• SpongeBob characters can be aware of the "real" world and/or placed in a photographic environment that is identifiable, but should never appear to endorse a product, corporation, service, entertainment property, or locale.
• The surface world exists to the characters of Bikini Bottom, but they are ignorant to specifics of geography, landmarks, and pop culture.
• Characters should be kept in an aquatic environment because taking them out of water feels unnatural for the characters and their world. For example, SpongeBob could be placed in a Hawaiian water scene, provided he is clearly underwater or within a bubble.
• Keep in mind the characters’ relative scale to the real world.
• Your content should be suitable for children.
• Your content must not include third-party materials (i.e. artwork, logos, photographs, etc.).

 

OPEN BID: 

• This is an open bid project, so you will get to set your own budget proposal up to $10,000. The Sponsor is interested in seeing tiered pricing options, so please feel free to submit various versions of your pitch at budget, target, and reach price points within that price range.
• By participating in this open bid project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a bid. Though most open bid projects on our platform do move forward with a greenlit bid, we will notify you in the event the Sponsor decides not to fund any bids via the project forum. Regardless of the result, all open bid submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and the project team.

 

Shooting live action or stop motion? Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety, and we're now requiring a COVID safety protocol plan for all relevant productions. Please review our COVID-19 Production Safety Guide and check federal, state, and local rules before and during your shoot to make sure your on-set protocols are up to date. We're working hard to keep people working during this extraordinary time, and you should ensure your submission is executable within the anticipated timeline and budget, while also ensuring everyone's safety.

In order to be considered for this project, you must include the below materials in your pitch submission. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.

 

• TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed out 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, both in terms of what we can expect to see, and how you’ll make it. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• BID (REQUIRED): This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. The Sponsor would like each producer to create all of the videos listed in the Deliverables section for a total budget of up to $10,000. Please ensure that your budget factors in appropriate COVID safety protocols (i.e. testing, PPE, cleaning supplies, backup talent, etc.). You can download the budget template here.
  
  
• SCRIPT (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create.
  
  
• 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, animatics, etc. are welcome. For some examples of effective Pitch videos, check out this gallery. All Pitches will remain private until after the Sponsor gives creator(s) the green light to move forward.

1. 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 your submission be greenlit, 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. 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.
   
   
6. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.
   
   
7. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.
    
8. 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.
    
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, 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.
    
    
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.