Background

HELPFUL REFERENCE VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION/TONE: Below you'll find an example of similar existing YouTube content that reflects the level of production quality and scale that we're expecting for this project. That said, we should flag that this is a compilation of short form videos, and we're not saying that this project is necessarily related to this entertainment franchise.

Objectives

The LEGO® Group is going to be producing fun, action-packed stop-motion animated videos for a brand new long form YouTube series that's going to be based on a high-profile entertainment franchise. The exact franchise and details are being kept extremely confidential at the moment, so while we can say that it's within the world of very high-profile IP, we have to be light on details here. 


What we can say is that, for this project, we are looking for at least 5 (and maybe more) stop-motion animation teams to help create episodes for a YouTube series, which will be based on provided scripts, and which will need to be animated this year on a very fast timeline. Owing to the speed of the project, the expectation here is that several different teams will handle different episodes on parallel production timelines. The individual episodes will include 6 minutes of stop-motion animation each. We can't tell you more about the storylines, number of characters, or the nature of the LEGO sets involved, but the videos will definitely require high-quality stop-motion skills, with lots of characters, lots of dynamic action, and lots of fast pace edits. 


These will also be verbal videos featuring dialogue from several characters. We will connect you with a voiceover director who will handle the recording session and casting, and you will NOT need to account for any of the voiceover costs in your budget. You will also be reimbursed for reasonable brick purchases for animation, with Tongal approval, separate from the production budget. 


In addition to the stop-motion animation itself, you will additionally need to capture 2 minutes of live-action behind-the-scenes content to show your full animation process and any fun tidbits about the story of your video. The details will discussed further if you move into the Pitch phase, but it should underscore that we're expecting a more robust production, and you'll definitely need more of a team.


If you're interested, collect your most impressive work samples, and send them on over. Following the Pre-Pitch Phase, we'll provide a number of selected animation teams with more details to help develop a full pitch. From there, at least 5 teams will be chosen, and given a budget of at least $120,000 each to roll into pre-production and bring their pitches into reality. 


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


DELIVERABLES: There are at least 2 total video assets.


EXPECTED TIMELINE: Animation will begin in September and final videos will need to be delivered in January 2027. The timeline will be discussed in detail with those who move into the Pitch Phase. 


EXPOSURE: We expect content will be used on the platforms below, but if casting talent, be sure they review our required Talent Release before they're cast, as we CANNOT guarantee that usage is limited to these platforms. You should also review our Music providers in the Project Requirements, as well as the platform best practices.


TARGET AUDIENCE: All fans of the LEGO® brand


TONE/FEEL: Exciting, action-packed, adrenaline-filled


EXECUTIONAL MANDATORIES: 


AI USAGE: You may not use AI generated visual or audio assets in your final content. However, for the purposes of your pitch and pre-production materials, you are welcome to use generative AI to create visuals, storyboards, animatics, proofs-of-concept, etc. that might help the Sponsor understand your vision for creating the final content. Additionally, assistive AI tools (e.g. object removal, compositing, color grading, sound mixing, subtitling, etc.) may be used in post-production to supplement your workflow. Please keep record of any AI usage deployed in your submissions in the event that the Sponsor requests AI disclosures. If you have questions about any specific usage or tool, please ask your Tongal producer.


By participating in this project, creators acknowledge that the Sponsor is under no obligation to greenlight a submission. Though most projects do move forward, we'll notify you in the event the Sponsor decides not to fund any submissions via the Project Forum. Regardless of the result, all submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Sponsor and project team.

Details

PRE-PITCH PHASE:


In order to be considered for the Pitch Phase, you must include the below materials in your Pre-Pitch Submission. The Pre-Pitch Phase gives filmmakers the opportunity to submit a 500-word synopsis of their initial creative thoughts and tell us a bit more about your aesthetic as a animation team.


  • TEXT (REQUIRED): Up to 500 characters synopsizing how you plan to approach and produce the content listed in the Deliverables.

  • TEAM BREAKDOWN (REQUIRED): Please introduce the key members of the team that you would likely be working with on this project, and if you'd like, some additional information about your team, your process, and your experience.


  • 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 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.


PITCH PHASE:


If selected to move forward to the Pitch Phase, you will be sent additional information to create 2 treatments (with story narratives) as part of your pitch. You must include the below materials in your pitch submission to be considered for this project. For examples of effective pitches, check out this gallery.


  • 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.


  • ANIMATION TREATMENT (REQUIRED):  A more detailed and specific description of how you propose to execute the content listed in the deliverables, both in terms of what we can expect to see, and how you’ll make it. Your treatment MUST include story outlines for the narratives based on the LEGO® sets you will be briefed on. If it's helpful to you, we've provided a treatment template, which you can find here.


  • 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.

Requirements

  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.