ABOUT THIS CONTEST

Note: We at Zooppa understand that the requirements for this contest are a bit more lengthy than usual - but we think that the opportunity is strong enough to warrant them: This is an opportunity to get your work into a national television campaign.

The holidays are a special time of year. The family is near, the air is crisp and cold (but warm by the fire), and there is a happy feeling of magic in the air.

And nobody can deny that gifts are a big part of what makes the holidays special – gifts for fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, cousins…

But don’t forget about yourself!

As every seasoned shopper knows, the recipe for a successful holiday season is a handful of generosity mixed with a pinch of self-indulgence.

The holidays are not just about gifting…it’s also about going out and having fun! It is by far and away the most social time of year – and whether that is with your co-workers or your neighbors, there is no point in waiting until Christmas day for the to-die-for gift you really want.

With its 365-day return policy, its fast and free shipping, and its vast treasure trove of holiday must-haves, Zappos is the perfect partner to help you celebrate the art of gifting this holiday season!

YOUR MISSION

Create a 30-second video that celebrates the art of gifting during the holiday season.

PS – Zappos may use one or more of the videos in a national campaign, including their blog, Facebook page, television, and anywhere else they think people will like to see your ad!

REQUIREMENTS

• Videos must be closed with 6-second ending animation (now available in the materials files!)
  
• Do not present Zappos logos or other Zappos branding elements within your video, except through the ending animation*
  
• Videos must be exactly 30 seconds in length: 24 seconds plus 6 seconds for ending animation
  
• Videos must be in English
  
• You must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to enter
  
• You must be a legal resident of the 50 U.S. states or of Washington D.C.
  
• Do not show any logos of any brands besides Zappos
  
• Music: You may use the holiday music found in the Materials files. This song is supplied by Zappos for this contest. If you use other music, you must email a proof of commercial music license to zooppa.usa@zooppa.com at the time of your submission for it to be considered valid
  
• Entries may not have been previously published and may not have been entered into or won any other contests or awards
  
• Contest winners will be required to complete & return a special affidavit of eligibility, available in the materials files
  
• Contest winner will be announced on November 21

*If your video depicts Zappos logos or branding in context (such as on a real Zappos box, or on a current Zappos screenshot on a computer), that's ok. But do not superimpose any Zappos logo or branding into your video.

All music, images, video footage and other content must be either originally produced by the filmmaker submitting the video, or proper permissions must be authorized by the copyright owner. Proper permissions must include the right for the filmmaker to use the content commercially. Likewise, it is the responsibility of the filmmaker to ensure that all permissions are in place for use of actors' likenesses.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

File:

• Format: AVI, MOV, TS (MPEG2 Transport Stream)
• Size: 100MB or less
• Duration: Videos must be exactly 30 seconds in length: 24 seconds plus 6 seconds for ending animation

Video:

• Resolution: 720 x 480 @ 29.97fps (NTSC)
• Frame aspect ratio: 4:3
• Pixel aspect ratio: 0.9
• Upper/Top/Odd field first
• Codec: AVC H.264 (Main Profile 3.0), MPEG-2 (Main Profile @ Main Level), Uncompressed/RAW (except V210/10-bit), DVVIDEO
• Bitrate: At least 6Mbps (CBR).
• Luma should occupy full spectrum between NTSC standard 7.5 IRE black and white level at 100 IRE
• # of frames for NTSC format
• 30 sec ad: 900 frames
• Text overlays should be title-safe

Audio:

• Samples: 48Khz, 16bits
• Dynamic Range: no greater than 7dB
• Codec: MPEG1-Layer 2, AAC, PCM
• Bitrate: At least 256kbps
• Number of channels: 2 (stereo)

OWNERSHIP

All material submitted becomes the sole property of Zappos and will not be returned. Zappos reserves the right to (a) reproduce/distribute all entries submitted in any and all media throughout the world in perpetuity, (b) alter, amend, edit or change entries prior to distribution and (c) use, distribute, reproduce, alter, amend and copyright entries for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. Entrants do not retain any ownership of or copyright in any Contest submissions. Zappos and Zooppa are not under any obligation to use submitted content. You may not resubmit content that was not chosen for an award for another use, brand, or contest.

Information disclosed here is not submitted in confidence and Zappos assumes no obligation by considering it. You understand and agree that Zappos has many resources, both internal and external, which may have developed or may develop information identical or similar to that disclosed to us here. All comments, offers, suggestions, ideas, recipes, concepts, artwork or other information ("Submissions") disclosed to us using this site or in response to solicitations on this site are the property of Zappos, including its business units, divisions and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Without limitation, Zappos shall exclusively own all rights, known or hereafter existing, to the submissions and shall be entitled to unrestricted use of same for any purpose whatsoever, commercial or otherwise, without compensation to the submitter. Zappos will accept submissions only on these terms.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Objective of this campaign:

• Make Zappos the #1 choice for all gifters this holiday
  
• Demonstrate range of product; giftables and seasonally relevant
  
• Highlight customer service policies – we are a service based company
  
• Make someone smile!!!

Target Audience:
Zappos’ traditional buying audience is geared towards females, 25-54, HHI $100k+, married with kids. We are expanding our buying target to be adult focused 18-54 so the creative should be able to resonate with both a male and female audience who is really interested in finding the perfect gift. We need to overcome any hesitancy to buy products (especially clothing) online.

The message we want to communicate:

• Happy Holiday’s is about more than just gifting for others. Gifting is the name of the game, just not necessarily for others. “Celebrate the art of gifting, whoever it might be for.”
  
• A gift for you, a little gift for me
  
• Celebrate you – take the time to worry about yourself
  
• Consider “guilty pleasures”
  
• Put something in the box that will make you feel good!
  
• Delivering Happiness

We are known for our 24/7 customer service, fast/free shipping, 365-day return policy. We have great website features that make it easy to shop and it’s a near risk-free experience.

What is the personality of the campaign and the films we will create?
I – inspirational
C – connectedness
E – entertaining
E – educational

At the end of the day, we want the spot to deliver happiness, through a smile, a chuckle, etc. We want the Zappos brand to be portrayed in a very personable way that is relate able. We are often thought of as unexpected.

What keywords are important to your strategy?
4 C’s: clothing, customer service, culture, community. BIG emphasis on clothing and customer service.

Videos in this contest will potentially be used for:

• TV commercials – Cable
  
• Potentially repurpose for pre-roll digital campaigns
  
• Potentially use on Facebook and/or Zappos blogs

In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Submission Agreement and a contest rule, term or condition set forth in a Contest Brief, the terms of the Contest Brief will govern.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Visit the forum and sound off!