Questions and Answers .pdf

Solicitation Number 191N6525Q00119

Questions and Answers

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Question 1: What are the target metrics for the boosting campaign? (e.g., impressions, reach, engagement rate, or video views over the four-week period) Answer: The target metrics include views, impressions, and engagement.

Question 2: Is there a predefined media/boosting budget or are you expecting us to propose one based on your performance goals?

Answer: Vendors are required to propose a budget based on performance goals and the provided script.

Question 3: Should all content pieces (films, reels, influencer videos) be equally boosted, or is there a hierarchy of importance or weightage?

Answer: The hierarchy of importance is as follows: the trailer, followed by the first film, and then the remaining films. All films will be released only after the complete series has been produced.

Question 4: Are there preferred types of influencers (e.g., language, content category), or should we recommend profiles based on your audience goals?

Answer: Preferred influencers are Punjabi and Hindi-speaking individuals on ShareChat.

Question 5: Should we engage micro-influencers (10K–100K followers), macro-influencers (100K–1M+), or a mix of both?

Answer: A mix of both micro- and macro-influencers is required.

Question 6: Will influencer partnerships be limited to organic content, or should we factor in paid partnerships and boosting of influencer posts as well?

Answer: Paid partnerships with ShareChat are required, as it is the only boosting platform identified by Embassy New Delhi for reaching the desired regional target group.

Question 7: Should the influencers engaged be popular specifically on ShareChat and Moj platforms, or can they have a broader social media presence?

Answer: Influencers must be active on ShareChat and Moj, with potential presence on other platforms.

Question 8: What is the core purpose of these films (awareness, behavior change, cultural diplomacy, etc.)?

Answer: The core purpose is to drive behavior change and raise awareness about the risks and consequences of illegal immigration.

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Question 9: What key message or theme should all films consistently convey?

Answer: The films should consistently highlight the downside of illegal immigration.

Question 10: Who is the primary target audience (demographics, psychographics, location)?

Answer: The primary audience includes parents and grandparents of youth in Northern India who are vulnerable to agents and are considering the "donkey route" to reach the United States.

Question 11: Are there secondary audiences we should consider (e.g., policymakers, media)?

Answer: Yes, secondary audiences such as policymakers and media should be considered.

Question 12: Are these films fiction, docu-drama, or documentary style?

Answer: The films will be fiction.

Question 13: Should all three films be connected (series) or standalone stories?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for details on script availability. The scripts will be provided via email only to bidders who attended the pre-quotation conference in person on August 6 and 13, 2025, at the American Embassy, New Delhi.

Question 14: Are there any creative restrictions or sensitivities (cultural, political, language)?

Answer: The content must align with U.S. Government policies and should not be adverse to them.

Question 15: What is the desired tone and style (emotional, inspirational, entertaining)?

Answer: The tone should be emotional, informative, and entertaining.

Question 16: Will the Embassy provide script concepts, or should the vendor develop storylines and scripts?

Answer: The scripts will be provided via email only to bidders who attended the pre-quotation conference in person on August 6 and 13, 2025, at the American Embassy, New Delhi.

Question 17: What is the approval process for script, cast, and final cut?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability. The vendor will decide the cast and production plan.

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Question 18: Are there preferred shooting locations or will location scouting be the vendor’s responsibility?

Answer: Location scouting will be the vendor’s responsibility.

Question 19: Will the Embassy provide access/permissions for locations or should the vendor handle clearances?

Answer: The vendor will handle all clearances.

Question 20: Are there specific talents or influencers preferred for casting?

Answer: No specific talents or influencers are preferred.

Question 21: Expected quality standard: cinematic (film cameras) vs broadcast/web?

Answer: Cinematic quality is expected.

Question 22: Should dubbing be lip-synced or voiceover style?

Answer: A mixture of both is required, with a preference for lip-sync.

Question 23: Are there preferred voice artists or should vendors propose?

Answer: Vendors should propose voice artists.

Question 24: Are subtitles required in either language?

Answer: Yes, subtitles are required.

Question 25: Is this teaser meant for cinema, social, or mixed platforms?

Answer: The teaser is intended for social platforms.

Question 26: Should the teaser highlight all three films collectively or each film separately?

Answer: One main teaser should highlight all three films collectively, followed by individual teasers for each film.

Question 27: Any specific release date tied to events/campaigns?

Answer: The release date is January 2026.

Question 28: Are these highlight moments from the main films or original content shot for vertical format?

Answer: The content will be derived from the main films.

Question 29: Should reels have voiceover/text overlays/captions?

Answer: Reels should include subtitles and voiceovers.

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Question 30: Do they need separate music licensing for social use?

Answer: The vendor is responsible for all licensing and copyright clearances.

Question 31: Will influencers be provided by the Embassy or sourced by the vendor?

Answer: The vendor must work with ShareChat to source influencers.

Question 32: Should influencers appear on-set (BTS), review the films, or deliver campaign messages?

Answer: Influencers should deliver campaign messages.

Question 33: Platforms focus: Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Moj, ShareChat?

Answer: Moj, ShareChat, and other platforms as appropriate.

Question 34: Expected types: Static images, GIFs, short clips, quote cards, behind-the-scenes?

Answer: BTS, images, and short clips are expected.

Question 35: Are there branding guidelines (logos, fonts, color palette) to follow?

Answer: The Embassy team will collaborate with the vendor on branding guidelines.

Question 36: What is the volume of assets expected (approximate count)?

Answer: Three films, one main teaser, and three short teasers.

Question 37: Who manages account posting and moderation – vendor or Embassy?

Answer: The Embassy will manage account posting and moderation.

Question 38: Is there a calendar of campaign rollouts or do we propose?

Answer: The vendor should propose a rollout calendar, which the Embassy will vet.

Question 39: Any geo-targeting or paid promotion planned?

Answer: The vendor must work with platforms to implement targeted paid promotions.

Question 40: What KPIs/metrics are required (impressions, engagement, reach, sentiment)?

Answer: Required metrics include impressions, engagement, reach, and sentiment.

Question 41: Which platforms’ native analytics should be included?

Answer: ShareChat or any other platform used for boosting.

Question 42: Expected report format (PDF dashboard, PPT)?

Answer: Reports should be provided in dashboard or PPT format.

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Question 43: File formats for handover (ProRes, RAW, Project files)?

Answer: All formats are required.

Question 44: Should music and stock licenses be fully cleared and transferred?

Answer: Yes, all licenses must be cleared and transferred.

Question 45: What are the key milestones and deadlines (script approval, shoot, edits)?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability. The final submission deadline is mid-December 2025.

Question 46: Is there flexibility in timelines for revisions/feedback loops?

Answer: Revisions will be required, but the schedule will be tight following Embassy vetting.

Question 47: What is the budget range and should we provide costing options (basic/premium)?

Answer: Not applicable.

Question 48: Who are the decision-makers (Embassy Digital Team, external partners)?

Answer: The Embassy is the decision-maker.

Question 49: How many revision rounds are included for each deliverable?

Answer: Four revision rounds are included for each deliverable.

Question 50: Preferred communication channel (email, Slack, weekly calls)?

Answer: Communication will be via email and virtual team meetings on weekdays between 9 AM–5 PM.

Question 51: If scripts are not being shared via email prior to the meeting, will they be made available via secure FTP transfer after the meeting?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

Question 52: Is there a working script available for review that should be used as the basis for budgeting and creative alignment?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

Question 53: Would it be possible to share a reference video that indicates the desired production quality, tone, or style?

Answer: No reference video will be shared. Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

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Question 54: Is any form of registration with the U.S. Embassy required for the production team, in addition to contract signing and SAM Registration?

Answer: Please refer to Section 3 of the solicitation document.

Question 55: Can you share the competitive budget range?

Answer: No.

Question 56: Can you share draft scripts? Pricing is driven by locations, quantity of actors, set & equipment needs, and filming days. Without seeing a general script and having a better understanding of filming needs, pricing would not be accurate.

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

Question 57: Is filming expected to take place in India or can filming take place in the United States?

Answer: The vendor may choose the filming location.

Question 58: Is there a virtual option for attending the pre-quotation conference or is attendance in-person required?

Answer: Please refer to SF-30-A00001.

Question 59: Will there be a video conference for the pre-proposal conference? If so, can you please forward the login information?

Answer: Please refer to SF-30-A00001.

Question 60: Is it possible to get the scripts to base our production schedule and budget? If this is not possible, can we get any input on the number of actors needed, the anticipated number of shoot days, locations, etc.? Any information that can support the development of our production management plan is greatly appreciated.

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

Question 61: Will a finalized script or content brief be provided from your side as part of the production scope, or is the vendor expected to develop it entirely?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

Question 62: Evidence that the offeror/quoter operates an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing in India or plans to establish an office within 30 days of contract award.

Answer: Please refer to Section 3 of the solicitation document.

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Question 63: If scripts are not being shared via email prior to the meeting, will they be made available via secure FTP transfer after the meeting?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

Question 64: Can the crew be based in the United States and fly to India?

Answer: The vendor is responsible for planning all production details.

Question 65: Will there be a translator provided or does the production crew need to source their own translator?

Answer: The production crew must source their own translator.

Question 66: Is the meeting on August 6 only in-person in India or is there an online virtual option?

Answer: The meeting will be held in person on August 6 and August 13, 2025.

Question 67: Is this project specific only to United States SAM-registered entities?

Answer: Refer to cover letter on SAM

Question 68: Is it required that Zaragoza Pictures, Inc. be an India-located entity or open an office immediately following award?

Answer: Please refer to Section 3 of the solicitation document.

Question 69: Where can I download the scripts to create an accurate budget (e.g., number of cast members, number of locations, identify locations as described in the script)?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

Question 70: Is this solicitation only for SAM-qualified businesses in India?

Answer: Refer to cover letter on SAM

Question 71: The solicitation mentions the scripts are already written. Is it possible to see the scripts to better estimate production costs?

Answer: Refer to Question 16 for script availability.

Question 72: Will there be a way for interested vendors to attend the pre-quotation conference virtually?

Answer: Please refer to SF-30-A00001.

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Question 73: Does American Embassy already have an account on sharechat?

Answer: No. ShareChat will use their influencers to promote the films and direct the audience to Embassy platforms where the movies will be posted.

Question 74: Does costing for sharechat needs to be incorporated in the vendor budget?

Answer:Yes

Question 75: Is there a set number for impressions/Reach for social media & share chat content post?

Answer: Vendor to work with ShareChat on impressions/reach based on the budget

Question 76 : What will be location for shot?

Answer: Vendors to decide

Question 77: The services needs to be shot in vertical or horizontal format?

Answer: Teaser can be vertical but the films should be in horizontal

Question 78: The teaser/trailer needs to be shot in vertical or horizontal format?

Answer: Teaser can be vertical

Question 79: The professional casts/actors need to be from Haryana/Punjab or we can decide for better reach?

Answer: Vendors to decide but the cast should look authentic

Question 80: The influencers need to be regional of Punjab/Haryana or we can decide on our own?

Answer: Preferably Regional

Question 81: The short films will be 3 different films or one film with 3 episodes?

Answer: Three different films

Question 82: Where the short film needs to be deployed because sharechat/moj is a platform for short reels) clips?

Answer: Films would be deployed on Embassy New Delhi social media platforms.

ShareChat to be used for advertisement and promotion of films through regional influencers on the platform.

Question 83: Fiction and Reality -Towards the end, can we use real clippings for the plight of the immigrants. If yes, would you be able to help us?

Answer: Do not use any real clips, as this is supposed to be plain fiction.

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Question 84: on Production Cost: Do we also need to cost for marketing/sales/social media spendings or any other thing? Or is it strictly production Answer: Should be inclusive of everything

Question 85: On which platform, we will be telecasting the movies?

Answer: Embassy YouTube, and other social media platforms.

Question 86: Can we shoot some parts in the USA keeping thing within the budget?

Answer: Vendor can decide the locations

Question 87: Do we require approvals on the casting of actors or technical crew?

Answer:Once contract is granted, this project will be in consultation with embassy press team at all points. So yes, will be good to share the chosen actor information.

Question 88: Scripts: Level of changes permitted?

Answer: Scope for some modifications but no major changes, everything will happen in consultation with the embassy.

Question 89: For budgeting: Do you have a ballpark figure?

Answer: Bidder is expected to submit their best offer

Question 90: References: Do you have reference film(s) which kind of align with your thoughts/vision?

Answer: No

Question 91: Do's and Don’ts’s: Any do's and don’ts for us? Logistically?

Answer: There are clear cut guidelines in the solicitation about NOT copying anyone when submitting final bid/proposal and other information. No using children, animals during shoot etc. so please read solicitation carefully.

Question 92: During the bidding do we need to submit the sample work/Films/things that we have worked on?

Answer: Please refer to section 3 of the solicitation document. Yes, you have to prove you are qualified enough to execute this project successfully. Do not send large sized files . You may split your responses into multiple email.

Question 93: The first milestone payment will be done when the blueprint of the film along with cast, location and other important things are fixed?

Answer: No payments are made in advance with embassy projects; the milestones are clearly spelt out in the Scope of work.

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Question 94: Is there a budget ballpark figure you have in mind (upper limit)?

Answer: Bidder is expected to submit their best offer