** THE PITCH PHASE HAS BEEN REOPENED THROUGH NOON PST ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 11**

We want to give everyone time to get their Pitches in so we have extended the Pitch phase.

We are interested in a range of executions for this project, but primarily looking for Preditors to combine original and/or archival footage and stills with graphics and text on screen to share important information about the Midterms in :60 or less on Facebook and Instagram. Read on for more details.  

Voting isn’t just your civic duty, it’s your right, your privilege, and your responsibility. But knowing that voting is important doesn’t make the issues clear or give you a sense of who the candidates are – or why they may or may not deserve your vote. And if you’re a young or first-time voter, it’s that much harder to know how the issues affect your life and future.  

That’s where Tongal comes in: MTV wants one Tongal filmmaker or production team to create a series of Midterm Explainer videos that get right to the point and explain why the midterms are so important, the issues at stake, the candidates we should be looking out for, and important voting reminders (when to register by, how to find your voting center, how to get a mail-in ballot, etc). These videos should be short and succinct and get the info across cleanly and clearly, but without being too dry. 

Think about how shows like Vox get their information across quickly with a clear voice and a thoughtful execution, leaving the audience armed with unbiased information. Your show should be similarly fun and smart, distilling down important topics for audiences with short attention spans but a lot of energy. 

Executionally, these videos need to work with sound off, so no host. Be sure to explain how text, photos, source video, graphics, and even animation would work together in your series to bring the important topics to life in an engaging way for young audiences who may be voting for the first time. 

And remember that fact-checking and research are going to be absolutely imperative – facts aren’t facts if they’re not correct. 

Read on to the Objectives for more info. 

The goal of this project is to create a series of 6-8 videos, each up to :60, that inform young audiences with short attention spans about the key issues and topics in the upcoming midterm elections. 

This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. You can download the Budget template here. The Sponsor would like the Pitch winner to create 6 videos (with the potential to produce more down the road) with a cost range of $750–$1,000 per video.

Things to consider in your Pitches:

• These videos are for Instagram and Facebook, so they need to be 1:1. 
• Your videos must work with sound off; while we’re open to VO, we want to see how you’d combine text, photos, source video, graphics, and/or animation to bring your topics to life in an engaging and informative way. 
• You’ll need to do your own research and fact-check your info. No fake news allowed!
• The overall goal is to encourage young audiences – many eligible to vote for the first time ever – to get out and vote. After watching your videos, they should feel informed and empowered. 
• You can go broad and focus on national issues, or drill down on local candidates and topics, or do a mix of both – MTV is open to any and all directions.

Timeline: 

This project has a split production/delivery timeline; the winning filmmaker will produce and deliver the first 3-4 videos before shooting and delivering the back 3-4 videos: 

Project Launch: 6/14

Pitch Phase: 6/14–7/11

Pitch Winner Announced: 7/13

Script Reviews/Revisions, Videos 1-4: 7/13-20

Production, Videos 1-4: 7/20–8/3

First Cuts, Videos 1-4 Due: 8/3

Sponsor Feedback Due: 8/8

Filmmaker Revises Videos 1-4: 8/8–10

Second Cuts, Videos 1-4 Due: 8/10

Sponsor Feedback Due: 8/15

Filmmaker Finalize Videos 1-4: 8/15–20

Final Edits, Videos 1-4, Due: 8/20

Videos 1-4 Master Files Delivered: 8/21

Script Reviews/Revisions, Videos 4-6: 8/20–28

Production, Videos 4-8: 8/28–9/13

First Cuts, Videos 4-8, Due: 9/13

Sponsor Feedback Due: 9/19

Filmmaker Revises Videos 4-8: 9/19–21

Second Cuts, Videos 4-8 Due: 9/21

Sponsor Feedback Due: 9/26

Filmmaker Finalizes Videos: 9/26–28

Final Edits, Videos 4-8, Due: 9/28

Videos 4-8 Master Files Delivered, Project Closes: 10/1

--Key Marketing Messages: 

• Vote!
• Your vote is important. And so is being informed. 
• Midterm elections are approaching, and it’s important that you get out and vote.

--Target Audience:

• Females 16-24
• First-time voters
• Wide range of interest – some are already politically active, but others may not even know what the midterms are.

--Executional Mandatories:

• Your videos must work with sound off. 
• Your videos must be 1:1
• Your videos cannot be over :60. 
• Your videos cannot be too biased towards any one view; the focus should be on getting information across in a clear and engaging way. 
• You are responsible for researching and fact-checking your information. 

--Tone:

• Informative, educational, fun, and inspiring.
• Authentic – don’t talk down to the audience. They’re smart and interested; it’s your job to give them the information they’re looking for in a concise and engaging manner. 

--Exposure:   Instagram, Facebook. Be sure to read our Best Practices one-sheets for both platforms!

--End Card:  MTV will provide a gfx toolkit for you to use in your graphics and end card.

This Project will consist of 5 Phases: a Pitch Phase, a Pre-Production Phase, a Video Phase, a Revisions Phase and an Asset Delivery Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

This is an open bid project, so you’ll get to set your overall budget proposal. You can download the Budget template here.  The Sponsor would like each producer to create six videos with a cost range of $750–$1,000 per video.

The Sponsor will determine whether it will select a winning submission. 

PHASE 1: 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 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.

• Budget (REQUIRED):

  • Feel free to download and use the Tongal budget template here.

  • Please remember to account for the full list of deliverables and ensure that you are able to meet all of the camera requirements and broadcast technical specifications presented in the details above when drafting your budget. 

  • If any travel is required for your segment, you will be responsible for travel arrangements, and should include the costs of travel in your Budget.

• Script (Optional): This should include key talking points from the videos you intend to create. 

• Storyboards (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across. You can download the Tongal storyboard template here.

• VO Samples (Optional): Casting notes or voice samples if you're planning to use VO in your 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, animatic, etc. are welcome.   

The most compelling Pitch will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will receive a portion of their budget 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 the remainder of their budget. 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 2: PRE-PRODUCTION – The Filmmaker selected in 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 multiple rounds of feedback until a Script is approved by the brand. 
• VO TALENT – This project requires VO Talent before filmmakers move onto the Video Phase. If you are using VO in your videos, 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.

No filmmakers may begin shooting their Videos 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 3: VIDEO – Once the Pre-Production Phase is complete, the Pitch Winner will create a suite of 6-8 videos, each up to :60 seconds, on important midterm election topics and candidates, based upon their winning Pitch. 

--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 the final portion of their approved budget.

--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 4: REVISIONS – Once the Video Phase has closed, you will enter the Revisions Phase (What is a Revisions Phase?). During this phase, you will perform reasonable edits on your Videos according to the Sponsor’s feedback. 

PHASE 5: ASSETS DELIVERY -  You must also provide all project files, editing sequences and a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec in 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 and shipping.

For Tongal’s file delivery specs and any other questions you may have about post production please click here.

1. The Videos MUST not exceed :60 seconds in length. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 1x1 square format. 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 or subtitled.

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.