Sports wagering environments are one of the world’s oldest pastimes.  Wagering on high-end table games and sports has taken place, in some form or other, for hundreds if not thousands of years, and is inextricably linked to the history of humanity.  Having started as entertainment back in the ancient times, wagering outcomes were perceived as no more than a whim of the gods. 

Enter, Avantage®, a new global entertainment brand focused on online gaming of high-end table games and sports.

Everyone talks and celebrates the best teams, the best athletes, the best coaches in all sports. No one ever talks about those who are in the background, cheering on their heroes and warriors, and putting their money on the line. At least not until now. Their World SportsBook Competition will make it possible for all comers to compete in support of their heroes to determine and showcase the best sportsbook players in the world.

The Avantage World SportsBook Competition is the first competition designed to find the best sports bettors/punters in the world. The competition is designed to reward the players whose knowledge, skill, and in some cases dumb luck make them the best at predicting the outcomes of both traditional and live, in-play bets. Players will be able to compete against friends and other players from all over the world to win in-app rewards, to show off their skills with the ultimate goal of being named the best in the world!

So Tongalers, when you’re done day-dreaming about your quintessential parlay picks on the weekend, here is why we’re turning to you. To showcase just how awesome this new gaming company is, Avantage is looking to create an energetically fun and vibrant Video, that entices all risk-takers to explore their apps features and benefits. 

For this video, Avantage wants to attract English Premiere Futbol/Soccer Fans and Manchester United Fans in the UK.

The goal of this project is to create an entertaining and engaging :60-:90-second Video for Facebook and YouTube– with a 15-second cutdown, five (5) still images, and (1) 2D endcard/bumper. 

The Concept should be about the celebration of the casual wagerer.  The video should get their attention, introduce the Avantage Worldbook SportsBook Competition, inspire early adopters to sign-up to be part of this new social gaming experience, and drive users to fill out Avantage’s survey after sign-up. 

Have fun with this one!

--Key Marketing Messages: 

• Avantage World SportsBook Competition is the first competition designed to find the best sports bettors/punters in the world. 
• The game offers a risk-free social experience that is fun and real. 
• The competition is designed to reward the best players and not necessarily the richest. 

--Target Audience: 

For this video, Avantage wants to attract English Premiere Futbol/Soccer Fans and Manchester United Fans in the UK. These sports fanatics, 18 to 65, who are novice sports-wagerers but love the idea of competing in a social gaming environment. 

--Executional Mandatories: 

• Video can include fan shots, a depiction of the progression of fans and sports wagering between them from Greek Olympic times to modern day. 
• Include call-to-action to get Manchester United fans in the UK to sign-up and participate in the early stages of the app development.
• Drive users to fill out Avantage’s survey at signup to assist Avantage’s development of their gaming application.
• Do NOT many any specific reference to any specific club/team, thus not infringing on any licensed materials (i.e. team logos, etc.)

--Tone: Humorous, Energetic, Vibrant, Inspiring. 

--Exposure: Facebook, YouTube and Avantage’s Website. 

End Card:  Develop an end-card with a call-to-action to sign up to be part of this fun experience. 

Revised timeline:

Pitch Phase: 9/17 – 9/25

Pitches delivered to Sponsor: 9/28

Pitch winners selected by Sponsor: 10/11

Kickoff Call w Brand/Tongal/Filmmaker: 10/12

Pre-Production Phase: 10/12 – 10/22

Video Phase:  10/22 – 11/18

First Cut Videos Delivered to Tongal: 11/19

First Cut Videos Delivered to Sponsor: 11/20

Editorial Feedback from Sponsor due: 12/4 (taking into account for Thanksgiving Holiday)

Filmmakers execute revisions: 12/4 - 12/6

Filmmaker Delivers 2nd Cut: 12/7

Brand delivers any FINAL Feedback/Tweaks/Adjustments: by 12/12

Brand Approves Final Cut: 12/17

Filmmaker Masters Video for Delivery: 12/18-12/20

Final Revised Videos Delivered: 12/20

Facebook Best Practices

• Design tight stories that answer the questions: “What is it?” “Why would the audience care?” and “Why would the audience share?”  Usually, these are the three answers…
• “Oh that’s so me” – the video is relatable.
• This video made the viewer feel something, and they want to share the emotional gift.
• Resonates with a belief of the viewer.  This video explains it better than they could.

• The first few seconds are the most important so consider leading with a hook, or telling your story in a non-linear manner.The introduction to the video is critical, and slow builds do not work in the Facebook platform. You might also consider using a "Trailer" approach with 2-3 lines of copy up front to frame/present the video.

• Don’t Bury the Lead. Introduce the brand in the first 3 seconds, however the brand should be introduced cleverly and NOT via a standard product beauty shot.

• Storytelling needs to be driven by visuals so you should be able to convey the important parts of the story without relying on sound at all. Tell visually engaging stories, and try to give your video a constant rhythm. Use text graphics, new frames, characters and settings to move the story forward. It is recommended that something visual happens every 3-5 seconds.

• Shoot your Video with a 1:1 square aspect ratio in mind. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re cropping out important visuals in post-production because you shot in 16:9 or widescreen. Embrace the format.

• Use a Call-to-Action to invite people to a website or follow a hashtag.

• Review your edits on a mobile device.  You really need to do this because 90% or more of the audience will be viewing your video on their phone.

This Project will be worth a total of $11,500 and consists of six (6) Phases: A Concept Phase, a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase, a Revisions Phase and a Delivery Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

PHASE 1: CONCEPT – Tell us your Concept for promoting Avantage’s World Sportsbook Competition App through an Anthem video that creates buzz and excitement in 250 characters or less.  Remember, a Concept 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 Concept creators will receive $500 each. 

PHASE 2: PITCH - The most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive $4,000 to help create the Video.  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 a final payment of $6,000. 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. 

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, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.

• Treatment (REQUIRED): A detailed narrative description of what's going to happen in the video. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a Treatment template, which you can find here.

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

• Headshots/Casting Boards (Optional): Casting notes or concepts, headshots of actors, etc. 

• 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, animatic, etc. are welcome.   

PHASE 3: PRE-PRODUCTION – The 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 up to two rounds of feedback until a Script is approved by the brand. 
• HEADSHOT – This project requires Headshot Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. 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 actor options.
• WARDROBE - This project requires Wardrobe Approval before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. You will need to submit descriptions and/or pictures of your cast’s wardrobe. You must submit at least two wardrobe options per role. If the brand does not approve either of your options for a role, you may be asked to submit two new wardrobe options.

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 before you have received final approval, there is a chance you will need to reshoot (at your own expense).

For your convenience we’ve provided some helpful templates to use at your discretion. They include templates for creating a Treatment, Production Budget, Storyboards, Shot List, Call Sheet, and a Music Cue Sheet.  They can all be accessed here.

PHASE 4: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winner will each create an up to :90-seconds Video based upon their winning Pitch. 

WITH CUTDOWNS:

NOTE: The preferred 90-second video and 15-second cut-down are both due at the close of the Video Phase. Please upload them as separate videos when submitting your Videos. 

--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 $6,000.

--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 5: 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 6: ASSETS DELIVERY - You must also provide all project files, editing sequences and a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codecin order to submit final payment. In addition, to the project files you are also required to provide all raw footage on a hard drive. 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 :90-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 be selected as winner, 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.

9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

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

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

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 Video 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 award.

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.