Music Briefs: Fashion Show, Halloween, Chase Music, 1940s

This month we’re interested in hearing some catwalk anthems, spooky sounds, high intensity scores and bygone tunes from the ‘40s.

Once you’ve completed your work, a unique code can be applied to each track – just add the code (provided in each brief) to your keyword tags when you upload. That way, we’ll know which genre you’ve been focusing on.

If you have any questions or comments about any of these briefs, please email Pond5’s Director of Audio Collections, Mike Pace, at mike@pond5.com.

 

Fashion Show

Strike a pose and hit the runway. Think cutting-edge, sexy, dark.

  • KEYWORD CODE: FASHIONOCT19
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: fashion, runway, model, fashion show, fashion week, dark, edm

 

Halloween

Take a stab (pun intended) at creating a piece you wouldn’t want to listen to if you were alone; think really spooky, creepy, eerie. Moans, groans and sounds that go bump in the night.

  • KEYWORD CODE: HALLOWEENOCT19
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: Halloween, spooky, creepy, eerie, scary, ghost, ghoul, horror, slasher

 

“Chase” Music

Something tense, technical and suspenseful for a high-speed action scene.

  • KEYWORD CODE: CHASEOCT19
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: chase, action, car chase, adventure, trailer

 

1940s

Go Big Band or noir-ish…just keep it classy!

  • KEYWORD CODE: 1940SOCT19
  • SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: 1940s, WWII, world war II, newsreel, big band, jazz

 
Don’t Forget:

Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords (but no recognizable band or artist names please)!

We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social-media use.
 
Top image: Guitar Player In The Street With A Basket On The Head by bignoub

Creative Brief: Paranormal Activity

Keyword Code: PARAP5BRIEF

There are an enormous number of TV shows and documentaries that deal with supernatural and paranormal themes. The ratings for shows like The Dead Files, Ghost Hunters, and The Haunted are going through the roof, which means more shows like these are in development. That translates to a huge demand for clips that illustrate stranger things and sounds that go bump in the night. We’re especially looking for mysterious interiors and macabre locations.

Shot-List Thought-Starters

• Cemeteries
• Scary interiors: rooms, corridors, hallways, staircases
• Scary exteriors: houses, hotels, apartment buildings
• Ominous weather, dark clouds, rain
• Seances
• Tarot cards and psychic readings including crystal balls
• Windows, doors, cupboards, drawers being opened by themselves
• Sheets being pulled off the bed
• Someone being chased through a house, woods — explore the use of night vision.
• Apparitions, human shadows, and silhouetted human shapes

Suggested Keywords: Mystery, Supernatural, Paranormal, Haunted, Scary, Fear, Mysterious, Spooky

Typical Users: Unscripted drama, non-fiction and reality TV programming, feature and documentary films

Scary Hospital Corridor by boscorelli

Pro-Tip: If you decide to add effects to the image, be sure to include a clean version in case an FX artist wants to manipulate it.

Before You Shoot:
• Please check what content already exists in the Pond5 marketplace
• Think about a visual approach that will result in new and fresh footage

Submission Checklist:
• Remember to tag your clips with the keyword code: PARAP5BRIEF
• Have all property and model releases filled out and submitted
• No logos or brands may be visible in any of the clips
• Don’t forget to add any applicable conceptual keywords

Top image: Low Angle View of Castle on Rocky Hill by blendimages

Creative Brief: Crime Scene

Keyword Code: CRIMEP5BRIEF

Crime-anthology series haven’t been as numerous as they are today since the early days of television — and there are more on the way. Equally, non-fiction crime-themed programming continues to be on the rise, as evidenced by many of the requests Pond5 is receiving from clients.

Shot-List Thought-Starters

• Crime scene tape being unspooled and wrapped around a scene
• Detectives investigating — plastic gloves, small flashlights, examining victims, chalk outline around a body, blanket over victim
• Detectives using tweezers and plastic evidence bags to collect bullet casings or other evidence
• Evidence-marking cones, police and ambulance sirens
• Handcuffing suspects

Suggested Conceptual Keywords: Social Issues, Crime, Forensics, Occupations, Investigation, Evidence, Proof, Search

Typical Users: TV Programming, Feature and Documentary Films, Security Companies, Political Campaigns

4K Crime Morgue Mortician Uncover Dead Body by MarioProduction

Pro-Tip: Creating crime scenes that are open allows a client to interpret a cause. Get coverage. Running or thinking of other scenarios beyond a murder, such as a car theft, home robbery, or business “stickup” are simple setups that can potentially create a steady revenue stream for years. An unconscious victim can be interpreted as an overdose, suicide, or murder. If you decide on this setup, try running variations of these themes.

Casting Considerations: Authenticity with talent and imagery. Accept the challenge to subtract artificiality from your setups. In other words, keep it REAL. These things will play an important role in the success of your shoot.

Location Diversity: Urban, Suburban, and Rural

Before You Shoot:
• Please check what content already exists in the Pond5 marketplace
• Think about a visual approach that will result in new and fresh footage
• Create setups that allow for multiple actions and variety of shots to tell the story. Include closeups, medium, wide angles.

Submission Checklist:
• Remember to tag your clips with the keyword code: CRIMEP5BRIEF
• Have all property and model releases filled out and submitted
• No logos or brands may be visible in any of the clips
• Don’t forget to add any applicable conceptual keywords

Top image: Crime Scene Investigation by paulfleet

Creative Brief: High Tech Detection

Keyword Code: HITECHP5BRIEF

Technological advancements are changing the tactics for how local and global governments thwart crime and terrorist attacks, and these technologies are more prevalent than ever on modern battlefields. With that in mind, crime shows are among the things network TV does best — or at least, does in ways that have been proven to draw viewers, which accounts for as much as 15% of TV audiences. That doesn’t even include sci-fi themed programming, war docudramas, and spy thrillers, which also have a very large viewership — and all of them can use footage on this theme.

Shot-List Thought-Starters

Heat-Sensor Cameras

  • People moving through an infrared environment — street, park, etc.
  • Close-ups of faces and body parts
  • An automobile, ship, train
  • Perpetrator running through urban, suburban, or rural landscape

X-Rays

  • Luggage
  • Briefcase
  • Laptop
  • Camera
  • Purse
  • Package
  • Cellphone
  • Backpack

Military and Police “Eye in the Sky”

  • Infrared or un-enhanced POV from a drone or helicopter following a car, truck, ship, or train
  • Infrared or un-enhanced POV from a drone or helicopter following a perpetrator through a street, cityscape, rural landscape, or suburban neighborhood
  • A consumer drone in flight
  • A military drone in flight

Satellite Spy Camera

  • Animated space-to-earth shot; push in on continent – country – city – village – street – building, vehicle, or person(s)

Suggested Keywords: Big Brother, Crime, Privacy, Security, Surveillance, Suspicion, Terrorism, Technology, Warfare, High Tech, Hi-Tech, Innovation, War

Typical Users: Scripted, Unscripted, and Reality TV Programming, Feature and Documentary Films, Security Companies, Political Campaigns

Surveillance Drone Camera Scanning Middle East by schistra

Pro-Tip: A multi-camera split-screen shot from the camera’s POV is a dynamic illustration of the concept and worth the effort to assemble in post. These themes are a stellar opportunity for our visual-effects contributors, as well, when it comes to applying layers such as facial and iris-recognition features, bombing targets, and infrared imaging.

Location Diversity: Urban, Suburban, and Rural

Before You Shoot:

  • Please check what content already exists in the Pond5 marketplace
  • Think about a visual approach that will result in new and fresh footage

Submission Checklist:

  • Remember to tag your clips with the keyword code: HITECHP5BRIEF
  • Have all property and model releases filled out and submitted
  • No logos or brands may be visible in any of the clips
  • Don’t forget to add any applicable conceptual keywords

Top image: Scanned baggage on X-ray scanner screen in the airport by dakosta

Creative Brief: Milestones

Keyword Code: MILESTONESP5BRIEF

Milestones are significant events that occur in one’s lifetime, and Pond5 needs images that demonstrate firsts, which signify change and progression. These images are enormously popular in commercial advertising and may take on a greater importance given recent world events — which translates to an increase in requests to convey closeness, security, love, and other concepts related to a softer tone and spirit.

Shot-List Thought-Starters

  • Learning to ride a bicycle – A child being guided by a parent as they ride solo for the first time
  • First date or Prom – Teenagers kissing for the first time on doorstep, holding hands, picking up girl or boy in front of house
  • First Day of School – A parent hugging a child as they turn toward school building or school bus
  • Graduations – Students (of all ages) receiving diplomas, tossing caps in the air, portraits with proud family
  • First Car – Parent handing over car keys to a teenage son/daughter, teenager holding up car keys
  • First Job – Person in their early 20’s sharply dressed, excitedly looking up at the business building of their first “real job”
  • First Home – Young homeowners standing by a “Sold” sign in front of their first home

 
Suggested Keywords: Firsts, Change, Milestones, Future, Independence, Courage, Excitement, Graduation, Ceremony, New Horizons, Accomplishments, Rituals, Lifestyle

Typical Users: Education, Insurance Companies, Telecommunication, Public Service Announcements, TV Promos, Finance and Banking Firms, Political Campaigns


Graduation Success, Happy Black College Graduate Female Hugged By Proud Mother by Imagine_Media
 
Pro-Tip: Capture multiple sequences with your subjects before, during, and after the main action of the shoot. This gives the end user the ability to license multiple shots to thread a story together about the subject/s, and gives you more earning potential! Also, shoot both real-time and slow motion to give the end user even more options.

Casting Considerations: Diversity is always important to keep in mind for lifestyle shoots. Authenticity with talent and imagery. Accept the challenge to subtract artificiality from your setups. In other words, keep it REAL. These things will play an important role in the success of your shoot. Read more in our post on authenticity and why it matters.

Locations: Urban, suburban, and rural

Before You Shoot:

  • Please check what content already exists in the Pond5 marketplace
  • Think about a visual approach that will result in new and fresh footage

Submission Checklist:

  • Remember to tag your clips with the keyword code: MILESTONESP5BRIEF
  • Have all property and model releases filled out and submitted
  • No logos or brands may be visible in any of the clips
  • Don’t forget to add any applicable conceptual keywords

Top image: Mom Teaches Son To Ride A Bike In The Park by Galitskaya

Creative Brief: Young at Heart

Keyword Code: YNGHRTP5BRIEF

Today’s seniors are staying young by engaging in fun activities they enjoyed in their youth. As “Oldchella” proved, seniors know how to party — the average age of the performers was 72 at Desert Trip 2016. Mick Jagger found time in his set to have a laugh about it all, when he told the crowd: “Tonight, we’re not going to do any age jokes or anything, OK? Welcome to the Palm Springs retirement home for gentle English musicians.”

Even seniors who didn’t attend this throwdown in the desert are being active, throwing caution to the wind, and living life to the fullest.

Shot-List Thought-Starters

  • Motor-biking, surfing, martial arts, skydiving, and every other cool activity deemed “unacceptable” for folks over 65
  • Attending live events such as rock concerts and nightclubs
  • Adventurous travel to both cities and off-the-beaten places
  • Taking part in youthful “throwback” activities such as: date night at a diner sharing a milkshake, driving a convertible with hair blowing in the wind, taking a dance class together
  • Taking “selfies” of their experiences

 
Suggested Keywords: Active seniors, elderly, activity, carefree, togetherness, young at heart, vitality, happiness, individuality, fun, adventure

Typical Users: Healthcare, retirement services, insurance, pharmaceuticals, finance and investment services, travel industries

Senior Man on Harley Davidson by BMJ
 
Pro-Tip: Do your best to cast real-looking talent with real skills. This approach will pay dividends in the end, as clients are constantly searching for authenticity within our collection.

Casting Considerations: Race and gender diversity, authenticity with talent and imagery. Accept the challenge to subtract artificiality from your setups. In other words, keep it REAL. These things will play an important role in the success of your shoot.

Location Diversity: Urban, suburban, and rural

Before You Shoot
• Please check what content already exists in the Pond5 marketplace
• Think about a visual approach that will result in new and fresh footage
• Remember that each shot must communicate a clear message

Submission Checklist:
• Remember to tag your clips with the keyword code: YNGHRTP5BRIEF
• Have all property and model releases filled out and submitted
• No logos or brands may be visible in any of the clips
• Don’t forget to add any applicable conceptual keywords to the clips

Top image: Older Surfers Carrying Boards on Beach by caiapond5

Creative Brief: Startups

Keyword Code: STARTUPP5BRIEF

A staggering 100 million businesses are launched annually and this culture of innovation isn’t stopping anytime soon. We’ve noticed high demand for startups and scenes that portray entrepreneurs in action.

Shot-List Thought Starters:

  • Team leader reviewing mood boards and design elements with staff
  • Team leader using whiteboard in conference room or discussing projects with staff around a table or couches in open space
  • Team leader reviewing and discussing work on computer screen with others at a co-worker’s workstation
  • Team members eating lunch while discussing a project on couches or in kitchen area
  • Team member walking their bike or skateboard into the office space
  • Video portraits – individual and group

Shooting some scenes with overheads is especially attractive to our clients, ideal for when a shot is symmetrically composed. A good example of this is a roundtable meeting. Try shooting through glass partitions and walls. Working late at the startup is another concept to explore. Startup office settings are often ‘hip’ spaces with exposed brick walls and plants around the space.
 
Suggested Keywords: startup, teamwork, innovation, focus, communication, connection, success, inspiration, entrepreneurship, concentration, leadership, empowerment, freelancer, freelance, small business

Typical Users: Banking and Investment, Insurance, Telecommunications, Technology, Internet, Shipping, Credit Cards

Creative Business Woman Brainstorming With Her Team In A Modern Office by fsuffert

 
Pro-Tip: Startup spaces are often littered with the remnants of ideation that include drawings, artwork, tear sheets, photos, headphones, coffee cups, pastries and other materials and objects associated with daily life in a startup. Tone down the actions of your talent and shape an environment that’s real. Remember, authenticity is one of the main characteristics our customers are looking for when licensing clips.

Casting Considerations: Age, Gender and Race Diversity. Authenticity and diversity will play an important role in the success of your shoot.

Before You Shoot:

  • Please check what content already exists in the Pond5 marketplace
  • Think about a visual approach that will result in new and fresh footage

Submission Checklist:

  • Remember to tag your clips with the keyword code: STARTUPP5BRIEF
  • Have all property and model releases filled out and submitted
  • No logos or brands may be visible in any of the clips
  • Don’t forget to add any applicable conceptual keywords

Top image: Startup Small Business Owner Working With Computer At Workplace by psisa0

Creative Brief: Baby on Board

Keyword Code: BABYP5BRIEF

Milestones are significant events that occur in one’s lifetime, and there’s no greater milestone than bringing a new life into the world. Pond5 needs clips that demonstrate the time leading up to birth, as well as all of the baby’s first moments. These visuals are enormously popular in commercial advertising and increase in importance during turbulent times — which translates to an increase in requests to convey closeness, security, love, and other concepts related to a softer tone and spirit.

Shot-List Thought-Starters

  • Pregnancy: Scenes showing a couple expecting a child, tender moments demonstrating hope and anticipation, setting up a nursery
  • Childbirth: Checking into a maternity ward, being handed a newborn for the first time, looking at a baby through nursery window, babies in incubators
  • Breastfeeding
  • First Steps: A baby being guided by parents, falling into parents’ arm, or attempting to walk and falling on their backside
  • Babies being comforted or consoled
  • Pushing baby in a stroller
  • Safety: Baby being secured into a car seat

 
Suggested Keywords: Baby, Family, First Steps, Birth, Love, Pride, Compassion, Happiness, Security, Innocence, New Beginning, Milestones, Tenderness, Care, Lifestyle

Typical Users: Healthcare, Insurance, Banking and Finance, Credit Cards, Telecommunication, Utilities

Mother Cuddling Baby Daughter At Home In Front Of Window by monkeybusinessimages
 
Pro-Tip: Consider using more graphic shots to illustrate your concept, such as an inked baby foot or baby’s hand wrapped around an adult’s finger. In addition, tight close-up shots on babies’ expressions are always needed. Also, shoot both real-time and slow motion to give the end user even more options.

Casting Considerations: Diversity is always important to keep in mind for lifestyle shoots. Authenticity with talent and imagery. Accept the challenge to subtract artificiality from your setups. In other words, keep it REAL. These things will play an important role in the success of your shoot. Read more in our post on authenticity and why it matters. Also, if you’re a parent, your own little ones are perfect casting opportunities!

Locations: Urban, Suburban, and Rural

Before You Shoot:

  • Please check what content already exists in the Pond5 marketplace
  • Think about a visual approach that will result in new and fresh footage

Submission Checklist:

  • Remember to tag your clips with the keyword code: BABYP5BRIEF
  • Have all property and model releases filled out and submitted
  • No logos or brands may be visible in any of the clips
  • Don’t forget to add any applicable conceptual keywords

Top image: Baby Boy (6-9 Months) Drinking Milk From Bottle, Portrait by westend61