REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – HERITAGE MINUTES: FIRST WORLD WAR (WWI)
Historica Canada’s Heritage Minute collection contains 75 one-minute shorts about moments in Canadian History on topics ranging from Viking settlements in 980 CE to innovations in 1980. Created between 1991 and 2005, these spots have become an enduring part of popular culture in Canada. The series was re-launched in 2012 with two new episodes commemorating the War of 1812. “Richard Pierpoint” and “Queenston Heights” are the first new Minutes in seven years. Production is currently underway on two more Minutes, dedicated to the contributions of Canada's Fathers of Confederation, Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier. Those Minutes will be launched in January 2014, in advance of the bicentennial of Macdonald and Cartier’s births.
Another historic milestone will be commemorated in 2014, in Canada and across the globe. Next year marks a century since the beginning of the First World War. This important anniversary provides Historica Canada with an opportunity to create two more Minutes. The classic collection already contains three First World War battlefield Minutes: Vimy Ridge, John McCrae and Valour Road. The new spots provide an opportunity to look beyond combat and share lesser-known stories about Canada during a formative period in its history.
Themes of interest include, but are not limited to:
- unique acts of bravery
- war’s impact at home
- the role of women
- multiculturalism in the military
- founding of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry & the Royal 22nd Regiment
- conscription
- resistance to the war
- Impact on Canadian identity
- war art
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Historica Canada is seeking a production company or team to develop two new Heritage Minutes on the First World War. Each Minute will be made available in English and French. The organization seeks to create engaging new Heritage Minutes that resonate with the brand and legacy of the celebrated collection while offering a fresh vision to capture new audiences.
This new vision might include period dramatizations such as those seen in the established Heritage Minutes, as well as new visual treatments including innovative re-enactments, animation (2D and 3D) and CGI, and/or new documentary formats.
Historica Canada will work with historians and consultants, who will provide consultation on script development and production. All aspects of the concept, script, casting, creative direction and production, however, will be required to meet with the final approval of Historica Canada. The organization will be regularly engaged throughout the production process. Each team should have a writer with credits, who will develop scripts.
TIMELINE
Following the selection of a production company in December 2013, the organization plans to undertake script development on two Heritage Minutes in January 2014, shoot in April or May 2014, with delivery of broadcast-ready Minutes in August 2014. The Minutes will be released in September 2014.
BUDGET
A budget should be provided, to a maximum all-inclusive cost of $260,000 (incl. all applicable taxes) for two Heritage Minutes in both English and French ....
