Call for Quotations: Documentary Filmmaker/Production Team – 3 Short Films for Lebanon's National Lifeline 1564

OBJECTIVES

Produce three human-centered, ethical, and impactful testimonial films that:

• Center lived experience while safeguarding identities.
• Convey coping, connection, and community through sensitive storytelling.
• Are optimized for TV,  web (3-minute cuts) and social media (vertical/short cuts).

SCOPE OF WORK & DELIVERABLES

A. Pre-Production

• Creative treatment & visual approach (max 2 pages) per film, aligned with Embrace and NMHP safeguarding guidelines.
• Production plan: schedule, crew and roles, locations, equipment, and a brief risk assessment
• Interview questionnaires and on-set safeguarding protocol (approved by Embrace and NMHP)
• Interview guide/questions and proposed visual approach for b-roll/visual metaphors

B. Production

• Filming of interviews (as per safeguarding requirements) and agreed b-roll/visual metaphors
• On-set practice aligned with Embrace ethics, consent, confidentiality, and suicide-safe communication standards

C. Post-Production (per film)

Master Film (web)

• Duration: ~3:00 (±15s)
• Aspect: 16:9 (1920×1080 or 4K master downscale)
• Sound mix and basic color grade
• Subtitles: English .srt + burned-in versions
• Optional: clean version without titles (if titles are used)

Social Media Cuts (per film)

• 9:16 vertical (primary) – 60–90s
• 1:1 square – ≤60s
• 16:9 – ≤90s
• Teasers: 15-30s (9:16)
• Subtitles (EN) as .srt + burned-in
• Thumbnail/cover image (1080×1920 & 1080×1080)

Asset & File Delivery

• Final masters (all formats)
• Separate WAV stems (48kHz) if available
• Proof of licenses for music/SFX/fonts (perpetual, NGO use)

D. Revisions and Timeline

• Up to 2 rounds of revisions per film & per social cut set.
• Indicative schedule (to be confirmed on award):
  • Pre-prod: 2 weeks from kick-off
  • Production: 1–3 days total across films (tentative)
  • Rough cut: 12 calendar days after each shoot day
  • Final delivery: 5 calendar days after consolidated feedback

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Acquisition: 4K preferred (10-bit if possible), 25/30fps; stable handheld/gimbal as needed.
• Audio: WAV 48kHz/24-bit; lav/boom as appropriate; noise reduction in post.
• Color: Basic grade matching; neutral/cinematic without heavy stylization.
• Subtitles: UTF-8 .srt (AR & EN) + burned-in deliverables.

SAFEGUARDING & ETHICS (MANDATORY)

• Embrace consent forms and confidentiality NDA are mandatory.
• No identifying visuals (faces, names, traceable locations) unless explicitly approved in writing by participant.
• Content must avoid triggering imagery; emphasize dignity, agency, and hope.
• Comply with Embrace and the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) guidance on suicide-safe language and portrayal.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & CREDITS

• Embrace and the NMHP retain perpetual, non-exclusive rights to use deliverables across owned/earned channels (web, social media, reports, presentations, media, donor communications), with proper credit to the selected supplier.
• Supplier guarantees all music/SFX/fonts are properly licensed for perpetual NGO use (provide proof of license).
• Behind-the-scenes sharing requires written approval from Embrace and the NMHP.

ELIGIBILITY

• Producers/Directors/Agencies with strong documentary/ testimonial work.
• Demonstrated experience with sensitive topics and safeguarding practices.
• Based in Lebanon and available for pre-dawn/day shoots in Greater Beirut (or agreed locations).

EVALUATION CRITERIA

• Portfolio quality and relevance
• Creative approach and understanding of safeguarding
• Financial offer and value for money
• Timeline feasibility and team capacity

FINANCIAL OFFER (QUOTATION)

Submit a detailed, itemized quote in USD including:

• Per-film price and package total for 3 films.
  • Breakdown: pre-production, production (crew, days, gear), post (edit, color, sound, subtitles, deliverables), and contingency if any.
  • Any unit prices for additional films/social cut variants.
  • Clarify whether prices include/exclude VAT and all incidentals (local travel within Beirut should be included).
  • Embrace may award as a single package or adjust scope based on budget and value.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Email quotes@embracelebanon.org with subject CFQ – 1564 Short Films – [Company/Director Name] including:

• Technical Proposal (max 4 pages): concept approach, safeguarding plan, timeline, team & gear.
• Financial Proposal: detailed quotation (PDF).
• Portfolio/Showreel: links to 3 - 5 relevant works.
• Legal/Administrative: company/freelancer registration, VAT status, contact info.
• Deadline for submissions: [30 December 2025, 17:00 Beirut time].