Last updated 6 months ago
The lack of engaging, easy to understand Cardano education leaves millions unaware of its benefits; we’ll solve this by creating short, captivating videos to onboard a global audience
We’ll produce short, animated videos using storytelling and visuals to explain Cardano concepts simply, optimized for social media to educate, engage, and onboard new global users.
This is the total amount allocated to Cardano Unchained: Animated Explainers for Mass Adoption.
Please provide your proposal title
Cardano Unchained: Animated Explainers for Mass Adoption
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
21050
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
6
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
The lack of engaging, easy to understand Cardano education leaves millions unaware of its benefits; we’ll solve this by creating short, captivating videos to onboard a global audience
Supporting links
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
No dependencies
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
Yes all our videos, scripts, and visual assets will be fully open source, allowing anyone in the Cardano community to reuse, adapt, and translate them for wider global impact.
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Social Media
Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano.
We target global, crypto-curious individuals aged 18–35, especially mobile-first users on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and X. We’ll reach them via platform-optimized, shareable animated videos, trend-based marketing, and active community engagement. This matters for Cardano because it brings in new users, fosters informed participation, strengthens the brand’s visibility, and accelerates adoption by making Cardano concepts accessible to a fast-growing, younger audience.
Provide a list of key activities of your project?
Key activities include:
* Research & scriptwriting for 20 essential Cardano topics.
* Storyboarding & concept art creation.
* Professional voiceover & sound design.
* Animation production with high-quality motion graphics.
* Editing, captions & accessibility features.
* Platform-optimized publishing on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram & X.
* Marketing & paid promotion campaigns.
* Analytics tracking, audience engagement & feedback-driven content refinement.
What are your success metrics?
Success metrics include: producing 20 high-quality animated videos, achieving 200K+ views across platforms within 3 months, maintaining ≥70% average watch time, and ≥10% engagement rate (likes, shares, comments). Additional metrics include increases in Cardano-related search queries, wallet sign-ups, and community adoption. Long-term success is measured by sustained content reuse, global translations, and ongoing audience growth after the funded period.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Our proposed solution directly addresses the core barrier slowing Cardano adoption: the absence of accessible, highly engaging, and easily shareable educational content tailored to today’s digital consumption habits. Cardano’s unique features its secure proof-of-stake protocol, innovative eUTxO model, governance system, and vibrant dApp ecosystem offer enormous value, but this value often goes unnoticed by younger, mobile-first global audiences. These audiences primarily consume knowledge through short-form, visually rich, and emotionally engaging content on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X (Twitter).
To bridge this gap, Cardano Motion will produce 20 professionally crafted animated short videos, each under 60 seconds, that simplify and humanize complex blockchain and Cardano concepts. By blending storytelling, relatable analogies, bold motion graphics, and humor, we will create a content series that is both educational and irresistible to share designed to capture attention in under 3 seconds and retain it to the very end.
How the Solution Works
1. Content Strategy & Topic Selection
• Identify 20 high-priority topics that align with Cardano’s strategic growth goals and resonate with crypto-curious audiences.
• Topics will include: What is Cardano?, How staking works, The eUTxO model explained, Smart contracts on Cardano, NFTs and the Cardano NFT community, DeFi opportunities, Cardano governance, Security best practices, Real-world use cases, and Myths vs Facts about Cardano.
• Ensure that each topic addresses common questions, misconceptions, or areas of low awareness, creating a “knowledge ladder” that guides viewers from beginner to engaged ecosystem participant.
2. Creative Development & Scriptwriting
• Craft 150–200 word scripts for each video in clear, friendly, jargon-free language.
• Employ storytelling techniques — for example, explaining transactions through a “coffee shop analogy” or comparing staking rewards to “loyalty points at your favorite store.”
• Write with mobile audiences in mind: punchy, relatable, and engaging within seconds.
3. Storyboarding & Visual Design
• Create detailed storyboards for each video to map out the narrative flow, visual metaphors, and key animations.
• Develop a consistent visual identity with recognizable characters, color palettes, and motion styles that make our videos instantly identifiable as Cardano content.
4. Voiceover & Sound Design
• Use professional voice actors with warm, approachable tones for maximum clarity and connection.
• Integrate sound effects, background music, and audio cues to enhance pacing, retention, and emotional engagement.
5. Animation Production
• Produce animations using industry-standard tools (Adobe After Effects, Blender) to ensure broadcast-level quality.
• Optimize each video for vertical mobile viewing (9:16 aspect ratio) while also maintaining adaptable formats for desktop-friendly platforms.
6. Accessibility & Inclusivity
• Add captions/subtitles to all videos for viewers watching without sound and for accessibility compliance.
• Release videos under an open-source license, enabling community members worldwide to translate, adapt, and redistribute them.
7. Publishing & Promotion
• Publish videos on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X, each with platform-specific optimizations such as trending hashtags, keywords, and posting schedules.
• Use paid micro-targeted ads to boost reach in high-growth markets and among demographics that align with Cardano’s expansion priorities (e.g., Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America).
8. Community Engagement
• Engage directly with viewers through comments, Q&A sessions, polls, and live discussions to foster a sense of belonging.
• Encourage sharing by creating “duet-friendly” or “reaction-friendly” content formats for TikTok and Instagram.
9. Feedback Loops & Iteration
• Analyze performance metrics (watch time, engagement rates, shares) and audience feedback to refine topics, visuals, and delivery styles.
• Use A/B testing to optimize thumbnails, titles, and hooks for maximum click-through rates.
How This Solves the Problem
1. Breaking the Complexity Barrier
o Cardano’s concepts — like staking, smart contracts, or the eUTxO model — can be difficult for newcomers to grasp. Our animations break these concepts into bite-sized, visually intuitive explanations, making them easy to understand in less than a minute.
2. Meeting Audiences Where They Are
o Instead of expecting new users to seek out long-form technical content, we will bring Cardano education directly into the platforms and formats they already consume daily. This reduces friction, lowers the learning curve, and encourages curiosity.
3. Creating Evergreen Educational Assets
o Once produced, the videos will remain online indefinitely, continually attracting new viewers and serving as permanent onboarding tools for the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Scaling Through Open-Source Distribution
o By making all content open-source, we enable global translation, remixing, and re-distribution at zero additional cost multiplying our reach without multiplying our budget.
5. Fostering a Positive Brand Image
o Well-crafted, visually appealing content will strengthen Cardano’s brand identity as a forward-thinking, user-friendly blockchain that invests in educating its community.
Example Viewer Journey
A crypto-curious 22-year-old sees our short video “Cardano in 60 Seconds” on TikTok while scrolling before class. Intrigued, they follow our page and watch “How to Stake Cardano” and “Why Cardano’s Model is Different.” This sparks enough confidence for them to download a Cardano wallet, stake ADA, and join a community Discord. They share our video with a friend, who does the same. This chain reaction, multiplied thousands of times, leads to measurable growth in wallet sign-ups, staking participation, and community engagement.
Long-Term Impact
• Mass Onboarding: Attract thousands of new users to Cardano who may otherwise never encounter or understand it.
• Developer Inspiration: Simplified explanations of Cardano’s technology can spark interest among developers to build on the platform.
• Community Empowerment: Content can be reused in community meetups, online events, and educational initiatives worldwide.
• Global Reach: By designing for translation and cross-platform sharing, we ensure the Cardano message reaches emerging markets critical for adoption and real-world utility.
In Summary
Cardano Motion is a cost-effective, high-impact strategy to translate Cardano’s technical brilliance into relatable, digestible, and viral educational content. It solves the awareness gap by combining professional animation, strategic marketing, and open-source accessibility. In doing so, it turns potential confusion into curiosity, curiosity into action, and action into long-term community growth for Cardano.
By producing a library of permanent, shareable, open-source educational videos, we provide a scalable onboarding pipeline for the Cardano ecosystem — one that continues delivering value long after Catalyst funding is spent.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
Positive Impact on the Wider Cardano Community
The Cardano Motion project is designed not just to produce content, but to create a lasting, multiplying positive effect on the entire Cardano ecosystem. By focusing on short, engaging, open-source educational videos, our work will empower community members, inspire new participants, and strengthen the ecosystem’s brand identity globally. Below is an in-depth look at how this project will deliver positive impact across multiple dimensions — awareness, education, engagement, inclusivity, and long-term growth.
1. Dramatically Expanding Global Awareness of Cardano
Cardano’s technology is among the most advanced in the blockchain space, yet millions remain unaware of its capabilities, values, and real-world applications. Current outreach efforts rely heavily on technical articles, long-form videos, and conference talks — formats that don’t effectively reach the younger, mobile-first audiences dominating digital spaces today.
By distributing our 20 high-quality animated shorts across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X, we meet these audiences where they already spend time. These platforms’ algorithms favor short, highly engaging, and shareable content, meaning a single well-produced video can organically reach hundreds of thousands of viewers — even outside the crypto space.
Every new impression is a gateway to curiosity. Our work will turn passive social media scrollers into active learners, planting the first seed of awareness that can grow into full participation in the Cardano ecosystem.
2. Lowering the Barriers to Understanding Cardano
For newcomers, Cardano concepts like proof-of-stake, staking pools, eUTxO, and smart contracts can feel overwhelming. Without a clear, relatable explanation, even interested audiences may walk away confused or disinterested.
Our videos break down these concepts into bite-sized, visually engaging stories using everyday analogies like comparing transactions to ordering coffee or staking to a loyalty program. This removes intimidation from the learning process.
Impact:
• Onboarding: New users can grasp the basics within a minute, giving them the confidence to take their first action (e.g., creating a wallet, staking ADA).
• Retention: Simple, relatable education leads to better retention and higher long-term engagement in the ecosystem.
• Community Education: Even existing Cardano members gain new tools to explain the platform to friends, family, or colleagues.
3. Creating Open-Source, Reusable Educational Assets
All our outputs scripts, animations, and voiceovers will be released under an open-source license. This means any Cardano community member, project team, educator, or SPO can:
• Translate videos into new languages.
• Add custom branding for local outreach.
• Integrate them into meetups, workshops, or onboarding materials.
This multiplies the project’s value exponentially. Instead of content living in a single channel, it can be adapted and spread across dozens of initiatives worldwide — from African developer bootcamps to Latin American crypto education campaigns.
4. Empowering Community Outreach and Advocacy
Cardano has an incredibly active grassroots community, but individual members often lack professional-quality media assets to share. Our videos will become a community toolkit for advocacy.
Examples of use cases:
• SPOs explaining staking to potential delegators.
• Educators introducing blockchain concepts in classrooms.
• Community managers using videos as conversation starters in online forums.
• Event organizers playing animations during conferences or meetups.
By providing ready-to-use educational resources, we equip the community to speak about Cardano more effectively and persuasively.
5. Strengthening Cardano’s Brand Identity
Perception matters. In the competitive blockchain landscape, clear, friendly, and polished messaging is essential for building trust. Our animation style, visual branding, and storytelling approach will position Cardano as approachable, innovative, and forward-thinking.
When viewers encounter Cardano content that is both beautiful and informative, it signals professionalism and reinforces that the ecosystem is robust, well-organized, and worth exploring further. This perception is key to attracting not only users, but also developers, investors, and media attention.
6. Driving Real Adoption Metrics
While awareness is valuable, adoption is the ultimate goal. We will track and optimize for concrete outcomes:
• Wallet downloads following exposure to our videos.
• Staking participation rates among new users.
• Traffic to Cardano-related resources (e.g., official documentation, dApp sites).
• Engagement spikes in Cardano community spaces after content drops.
By designing videos with clear calls-to-action (e.g., “Download a wallet in 2 minutes — here’s how”), we connect curiosity directly to ecosystem participation.
7. Reaching Underserved & Emerging Markets
Many blockchain education initiatives focus on North America and Europe, leaving vast potential untapped in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America — regions where Cardano is already building real-world use cases.
Our content will be:
• Mobile-first for accessibility in areas where smartphones are the main internet device.
• Easily translatable for non-English-speaking audiences.
• Platform-optimized for networks popular in these regions.
By making Cardano education accessible and relevant to these markets, we help accelerate adoption where blockchain solutions can have the most transformative real-world impact.
8. Fostering a Feedback-Driven Content Ecosystem
We will actively engage with viewers through comments, polls, and Q&A to understand their needs and questions. This creates a two-way communication channel between the broader public and the Cardano community.
Over time, the community will influence which topics are covered next, creating a living library of educational content that grows and evolves with Cardano itself. This feedback loop ensures our work remains relevant, accurate, and impactful.
9. Longevity and Ongoing Impact
Unlike campaigns that fade once funding ends, our videos will remain permanently available online. They will continue to educate, inspire, and onboard viewers years after production.
Furthermore, we have a sustainability plan to keep content creation going post-funding through:
• YouTube monetization.
• Partnerships with Cardano dApps and SPOs.
• Community crowdfunding for additional episodes.
This ensures the initial Catalyst investment creates long-term ripple effects well beyond the project timeline.
10. A Strong Return on Catalyst Investment
For the requested budget, Catalyst will be funding:
• A permanent library of 20 open-source educational videos.
• Global reach to hundreds of thousands of potential users.
• A community asset that can be reused infinitely at no extra cost.
Few initiatives can match this combination of low cost, high scalability, and long-term utility. It is a strategic, high-leverage use of funds that will amplify the work of every other Cardano project by expanding the audience and deepening understanding.
In Summary:
The positive impact of Cardano Motion extends far beyond the immediate delivery of videos. It’s about building the bridges that connect curious minds to Cardano, lowering the barriers to understanding, and giving the community the tools to educate and inspire others. By aligning creative storytelling with strategic outreach, we will not only grow awareness but also convert it into active participation, creating a healthier, larger, and more vibrant Cardano ecosystem for years to come.
What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?
Capability to Deliver with High Trust and Accountability
The Cardano Motion project is not just an idea — it’s a structured initiative backed by an experienced, multidisciplinary team with a proven ability to execute creative, technical, and marketing tasks at a professional level. Our collective experience in animation, content creation, education, design, and social media growth gives us the unique capability to produce and deliver this project with high levels of trust, quality, and accountability to the Cardano community.
Team Structure & Roles
We have intentionally built a balanced and complementary team, where each member brings specialized skills while contributing to the shared mission. This structure ensures there are clear responsibilities, efficient workflows, and overlapping competencies for risk mitigation.
1. Abel Teshome – Project Leader & Senior Animation Video Editor
• Role: Oversees the entire project lifecycle — from topic research to final publishing. Manages production schedules, quality control, and team coordination.
• Background: A Blockchain enthusiast with great knowledge of blockchain and creating engaging explainer videos, and visual storytelling.
• Achievements: Has worked on multiple blockchain and technology-related animation projects, ensuring content is visually appealing, technically sound, and engaging.
• Core Strength: Leadership in both creative direction and technical execution, ensuring that every video meets our high-quality standard and brand identity.
2. Kassahun Worku – Animation Editor & 3D Designer
• Role: Responsible for creating and editing animations, 3D modeling, and visual asset design. Supports Abel in refining motion graphics and adding visual creativity to storytelling.
• Background:
• Graduated with a degree in Architecture from Gondar University.
• Over 5 years of professional experience in designing buildings and advanced 3D modeling.
• Skilled in transforming complex concepts into visually appealing and easily understandable animated scenes.
• Additional Experience:
• Successful content creator and online shop owner, demonstrating entrepreneurial skills and audience-building expertise.
• Owns active TikTok and YouTube accounts, giving him first-hand insight into social media trends, viewer behavior, and content optimization for maximum reach.
• Core Strength: Combining architectural precision and design expertise with creative storytelling for educational animation.
3. Support Team
In addition to Abel and Kassahun, our extended team includes professionals in:
• Scriptwriting & Educational Content Development – Ensuring complex blockchain concepts are simplified and engaging.
• Voiceover & Sound Design – Using professional voice talent for clarity and audience connection.
• Marketing & Social Media Growth – Designing and executing campaigns to maximize content reach and engagement.
Track Record & Relevant Experience
Collectively, our team has:
• Produced high-quality educational videos for blockchain and technology projects with combined views exceeding 500,000+ across platforms.
• Managed multi-phase creative projects from concept to launch within tight deadlines.
• Successfully grown social media channels through data-driven content strategies.
• Delivered open-source educational assets for communities, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and public value.
This track record establishes trust in our ability to deliver on time, on budget, and at the expected quality standard.
Systems for Trust & Accountability
Delivering with high trust means more than technical skill — it requires processes, transparency, and community accountability.
1. Clear Milestones & Reporting
We have a well-defined milestone structure with allocated budgets and timelines
Accountability Measure: We will publicly report progress at the end of each milestone, showing deliverables, completed videos, and budget usage.
2. Transparent Budget Management
• Each expense will be itemized and tied to a specific milestone output.
• Any budget savings will be reinvested into bonus videos or additional promotion — maximizing community benefit.
3. Open-Source Commitment
• All scripts, animations, and assets will be released under an open-source license, allowing community verification and reuse.
• This guarantees that the deliverables remain a public good long after project completion.
4. Multi-Layered Quality Control
• Internal Review: Abel and Kassahun review all videos for visual quality, accuracy, and brand consistency.
• Community Feedback: A small group of community testers will preview videos before public release to ensure clarity and relevance.
• Iterative Improvement: Feedback is incorporated before final publishing to ensure every video is effective and high quality.
Validation of Feasibility
We intend to validate our approach using a combination of pilot testing, data analytics, and community engagement before full-scale rollout.
Step 1: Pilot Batch Production
• We will produce 2–3 pilot videos early in the process.
• These will cover key introductory topics like “What is Cardano?” and “How Staking Works.”
Goal: Test audience engagement, watch time, and feedback to ensure our style and approach resonate.
Step 2: Data-Driven Optimization
• Measure engagement metrics: watch time, likes, shares, comments, and retention rates.
• Adjust pacing, visuals, and hooks to improve performance before producing the full batch.
Step 3: Cross-Platform Testing
• Test videos on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X to identify the best-performing platforms and posting times.
• Adjust publishing strategy accordingly to maximize reach.
Step 4: Community Feedback Loop
• Collect direct feedback from the Cardano community via Discord, Twitter Spaces, and Catalyst forums.
• Use audience suggestions to prioritize topics for the remaining videos, ensuring maximum relevance.
Why Our Approach is Feasible
• Proven Skills: The team’s combined animation, content creation, and marketing experience ensures technical feasibility.
• Existing Platforms: Kassahun’s TikTok/YouTube presence gives us ready-made distribution channels in addition to project accounts.
• Clear Processes: Defined milestones, transparent budget tracking, and structured workflows reduce risk.
• Scalable Model: Once templates and animation styles are developed, producing the remaining videos becomes faster and more cost-efficient.
Conclusion
With Abel Teshome providing experienced creative leadership, Kassahun Worku adding 3D design expertise and social media insight, and our extended team covering scripting, sound, and marketing, Cardano Motion has the right people, processes, and safeguards to deliver this project on time, on budget, and to a standard that reflects positively on the Cardano ecosystem.
Our trust-building mechanisms open-source outputs, milestone reporting, and community feedback ensure full accountability. Our validation process pilot videos, analytics and iteration guarantees feasibility.
Milestone Title
Research, Preparing & Scriptwriting
Milestone Outputs
• Twenty plus production ready scripts covering the priority learning path: What is Cardano, wallets & security, staking, eUTxO, smart contracts, governance/Catalyst, NFTs, DeFi, real-world use cases, and myths vs facts.
• Per-script package: working title, 2–3 hook options first 3 seconds, 4–6 key beats, on-screen text cues, voiceover text, CTA, caption text, asset notes (icons/diagrams/metaphors), and platform metadata (hashtags/keywords per TikTok/Shorts/Reels/X).
• Editorial & Style Guide: tone (clear, friendly, non-promissory), plain-language rules, glossary of Cardano terms, visual metaphor library, accessibility rules (subtitles, reading level), and branding basics.
• SEO/Distribution Pack: keyword bank, posting calendar scaffolding, thumbnail/hook patterns, caption templates, and translation notes to streamline localization.
• Open-source repo setup (e.g., CC BY 4.0): folder structure, naming conventions, contribution guide, issue templates, versioning and review checklist.
• Accuracy & Risk Log: fact-check table per script, “not financial advice”/security best-practice prompts, and reviewer comments.
Outcome: a locked, approved script library and a production playbook that lets animation and VO start immediately with zero ambiguity.
Acceptance Criteria
• Coverage & completeness: 20/20 scripts finished, each including hooks, beats, captions, CTA, asset notes, and platform metadata.
• Clarity & accessibility: Plain-language compliance; Flesch-Kincaid target ~Grade 7–9; each script communicates 1 core idea that a first-time viewer can restate.
• Hook effectiveness: Each script opens with a 1–2 sentence hook designed for <3s attention capture and compatible with vertical formats.
• Technical accuracy: 100% of technical statements pass the fact-check log; no misrepresentation of staking, eUTxO, smart contracts, or risk.
• Brand & tone alignment: Matches the style guide (helpful, neutral, non-hype, safety-aware) and Cardano community norms.
• Platform readiness: Metadata-filled for TikTok/Shorts/Reels/X; captions written for sound-off viewing; CTA framed toward safe onboarding (wallet basics, official docs, community hubs).
• Team leader validation: Internal QA sign-off by Project Lead (Abel Teshome) and Animation Editor (Kassahun Worku) plus at least 8–10 community reviewers; ≥80% rate scripts as “clear & accurate.”
• Production readiness: No open “blocking” issues; repo, tracker, and calendar prepared; milestone delivered within time/budget envelope.
Evidence of Completion
• Documented strategy assets: Uploaded Content Strategy Map, Editorial & Style Guide PDF, visual metaphor library, and SEO/Distribution Pack (keyword bank, caption templates, posting scaffolds).
• Tracking artifacts: Export of the content calendar for the 6-month window; issue tracker or board showing all 20 scripts moved to “Approved.”
• Quality & accuracy records: Fact-check spreadsheet per script claim → source → reviewer → date risk notes, and “not financial advice/security” language embedded where relevant.
• Stakeholder sign-offs: Signed acceptance checklist by Abel (Project Lead) and Kassahun (Animation Editor); change logs addressing reviewer feedback.
• Community validation snapshot: Summary of test-reader feedback (count, comments, % clarity/accuracy ratings), plus screenshots of review threads or survey results.
• Handover readiness: A short “producer note” per script (VO timing, anticipated motion beats) confirming each is ready for storyboarding/VO without additional rewriting.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
3500
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
Storyboarding, Voiceover & Initial Animation
Milestone Outputs
• Storyboards for all 20 scripts — fully illustrated sequences mapping camera angles, motion beats, transitions, and key visual metaphors, matching the style guide from Milestone 1.
• Character & Asset Library — reusable animated characters, icons, and scene elements designed for vertical video (9:16) and adaptable to horizontal formats; includes layered files for editing.
• Voiceover Recordings — professional, clear, and friendly delivery for all 20 scripts, timed to match storyboard pacing; VO files provided in lossless format with backup MP3s for quick integration.
• Sound Design Elements — library of licensed background tracks, transition sounds, and effects pre-selected for tone, pacing, and audience engagement.
• 5 Fully Produced Pilot Videos — complete with animation, voiceover, captions, and music to represent the final style. These serve as proof-of-concept for both internal alignment and community feedback before full-scale production.
• Feedback & Iteration Log — documented notes from internal reviews and test audience reactions to pilots, outlining adjustments to improve clarity, engagement, and platform performance.
Outcome: A full visual and audio production package, validated through pilot releases, ensuring the final 15 videos will match or exceed quality and engagement targets.
Acceptance Criteria
• Storyboard completion & approval: All 20 scripts visually mapped, reviewed by Project Lead Abel and Kassahun and validated for narrative clarity and visual consistency.
• Asset quality & reusability: Character/asset library optimized for animation efficiency; meets accessibility and brand guidelines; compatible with both After Effects and Blender pipelines.
• Voiceover quality: All 20 VO tracks meet professional audio standards (no clipping, consistent tone, clean background); timed accurately to script pacing with ≤1s deviation.
• Pilot engagement readiness: The 5 pilot videos are fully representative of the intended style, pacing, and tone; contain captions, hooks, and CTAs aligned with Milestone 1’s strategy.
• Community alignment: Feedback from at least 10 reviewers (including Cardano community members) indicates ≥80% agreement that pilots are clear, engaging, and on-brand.
• Technical readiness: All production files, storyboards, and audio are stored in the open-source repo with clear naming and version control; no blockers for moving to full animation of remaining videos.
Evidence of Completion
• Storyboard set: Uploaded PDF or PNG exports of all 20 approved storyboards in the open repo, each labeled with script title and version number.
• Asset library proof: Folder containing layered design files (PSD, AI, or equivalent) for characters, props, and icons; metadata file listing usage rights and attribution for licensed elements.
• Voiceover deliverables: Repository folder with 20 voiceover WAV files + MP3 backups; metadata including script name, duration, and speaker notes.
• Pilot video uploads: 5 finished MP4 videos, each optimized for TikTok/Shorts/Reels, with captions burned in and separate subtitle (.SRT) files included; posted privately or unlisted for review before public release.
• Feedback documentation: Survey results, review notes, or recorded review calls from pilot testers, showing suggestions and the adjustments made in response.
• Version control records: Git or similar commit history showing addition of storyboards, voiceovers, and pilot videos; milestone tagged and documented in repo changelog.
• Sign-off sheets: Approval checklist signed by Project Lead and Kassahun confirming readiness for full animation of remaining videos.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
6000
Progress
50 %
Milestone Title
Full Animation & Post-Production
Milestone Outputs
• 15 Fully Animated Educational Videos — completing the remaining batch after the 5 pilots from Milestone 2, each ≤60 seconds, covering priority Cardano topics identified in Milestone 1.
• Integrated Visual Assets — application of the approved character/asset library, ensuring consistent style, branding, and accessibility features across all videos.
• Captions & Subtitles — embedded captions for sound-off viewing plus separate .SRT files for translation/localization; captions designed for mobile readability and accessibility compliance.
• Sound Design & Mixing — background music, transitions, and sound effects synchronized with animations and voiceovers to enhance pacing and engagement.
• Final Quality Assurance Pass — every video reviewed against the editorial guide, technical accuracy checks, accessibility requirements, and brand tone; adjustments made as needed.
• Open-Source Packaging — organized folder structure containing raw animation files, final MP4s, voiceover audio, subtitle files, and thumbnails — all licensed for open community use.
Outcome: A complete library of 20 high-quality, ready-to-publish videos optimized for cross-platform performance and permanent online availability.
Acceptance Criteria
• Completion & readiness: All 15 new videos meet the same quality, pacing, and style as the pilots, with no gaps or inconsistencies.
• Platform optimization: All videos are in 9:16 vertical format with correct resolution (1080x1920) and ≤60s duration, ready for TikTok/Shorts/Reels; additional formats generated if needed for X or desktop.
• Technical accuracy: Every concept explained in the videos matches verified Cardano sources; 100% pass on fact-check review logs.
• Accessibility compliance: All videos have clear captions, legible on mobile devices, synchronized with voiceovers, and available in separate subtitle files for translation.
• Brand consistency: Color palettes, typography, tone, and visual metaphors match the style guide developed in Milestone 1.
• Community validation: Internal and external reviewers rate ≥80% of videos as “clear, accurate, and engaging” in feedback surveys.
• Open-source readiness: All project files organized and documented in the repository with correct licensing.
Evidence of Completion
• Final video library: Repository folder containing 15 MP4 files (plus 5 pilots from Milestone 2) with matching subtitle (.SRT) files and thumbnails.
• Raw project files: Source animation files (e.g., .AEP, .BLEND) and linked assets organized by topic and date, with clear documentation.
• Fact-check logs: Updated spreadsheet showing all 20 videos passed accuracy review, with sources cited for key claims.
• Accessibility proof: Screenshots or exports of captions and subtitle files; confirmation they match voiceover timing.
• Quality review records: Sign-off checklist from Project Lead (Abel Teshome) and Animation Editor (Kassahun Worku) confirming technical, stylistic, and accessibility compliance.
• Community feedback: Summary of reviewer comments and engagement tests (e.g., watch time data for sample videos if soft-launched).
• Version control evidence: Tagged milestone in the open-source repo, showing addition of final files, QA reports, and metadata.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
6950
Progress
80 %
Milestone Title
Final Milestone: Marketing, Distribution & Analytics
Milestone Outputs
• Cross-Platform Launch of All 20 Videos — published on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X, each with platform-optimized captions, hashtags, and descriptions.
• Targeted Marketing Campaigns — paid micro-ads in key markets (Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America) and audience segments (crypto-curious 18–35) to amplify reach.
• SEO & Engagement Optimization — keyword-rich titles, engaging thumbnails, and call-to-action prompts designed to maximize watch time and shares.
• Community Activation — videos shared with Cardano community hubs, SPOs, educators, and project teams for reposting; social prompts created to encourage duets/reactions.
• Analytics Dashboard — consolidated tracking of impressions, watch time, engagement rate, audience geography, and click-throughs to Cardano resources.
• Impact Report — documented outcomes against KPIs (e.g., total reach, engagement %, new wallet sign-up spikes if measurable), plus lessons learned and recommendations for ongoing content cycles.
Outcome: Maximum exposure of Cardano educational content, measurable adoption impact, and a transparent record of results to share with the Catalyst community.
Acceptance Criteria
• Full content deployment: All 20 videos published across all intended platforms with correct formatting, captions, and metadata.
• Engagement targets: Achieve ≥200,000 combined views across platforms in first 3 months post-launch; ≥10% engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) on average.
• Watch time goal: ≥70% average watch duration per video, indicating strong viewer retention.
• Geographic diversity: Reach audiences in at least 10 countries, with measurable engagement from priority regions.
• Community participation: Content reposted or embedded by ≥15 Cardano-related accounts (SPOs, projects, educators).
• Marketing efficiency: Paid campaigns deliver cost-per-view within industry benchmarks for short-form educational content.
• Impact alignment: Positive feedback from viewers and community confirming videos improved understanding of Cardano concepts.
Evidence of Completion
• Platform publishing logs: Screenshots and URLs for all 20 videos live on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X.
• Marketing records: Reports from ad platforms showing targeting parameters, impressions, reach, cost-per-view, and regional performance.
• Analytics dashboard export: Data on views, watch time, engagement, audience geography, and traffic sources, consolidated for transparency.
• Community engagement proof: Screenshots/links showing reposts by Cardano community accounts; compilation of viewer comments and testimonials.
• Impact report document: PDF summarizing KPI achievement vs. targets, audience insights, and strategic recommendations for future campaigns.
• Version control archive: Final milestone tag in the open-source repo containing the analytics report, campaign data, and promotional assets (thumbnails, captions, hashtags).
• Sign-off confirmation: Approval from Project Lead and Animation Editor Kassahun verifying all content was launched and analytics collected.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
3600
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Cost Breakdown by Milestone
Total Funding Request: 21,050 ADA
Total Duration: 6 Months
Goal: Maintain high quality while optimizing cost efficiency.
Milestone 1 — Research & Scriptwriting
Team Costs:
• Project Leader Abel : 30 hrs @ 35 ADA/hr → 1,050 ADA
• Scriptwriter: 30 hrs @ 25 ADA/hr → 750 ADA
• Animation Editor Kassahun consulting: 15 hrs @ 25 ADA/hr → 475 ADA
• Internet access: 300 ADA
Software & Tools:
• Research resources & subscriptions → 150 ADA
• Project management tools → 75 ADA
• Contingency → 700 ADA
Total M1: 3,500 ADA
Milestone 2 — Storyboarding, Voiceover & Pilots
Team Costs:
• Project Leader: 60 hrs @ 35 ADA/hr → 2,100 ADA
• Animation Editor: 45 hrs @ 25 ADA/hr → 1,125 ADA
• Illustrator/Asset Designer: 30 hrs @ 25 ADA/hr → 750 ADA
• Voiceover Artist: 20 scripts @ 45 ADA/script → 900 ADA
• Sound Designer: 20 tracks @ 30 ADA/track → 875 ADA
Software & Tools:
• Adobe Creative Cloud (2-month license): 150 ADA
• Blender plugins/assets: 100 ADA
Total M2: 6,000 ADA
Milestone 3 — Full Animation & Post-Production
Team Costs:
• Project Leader: 60 hrs @ 35 ADA/hr → 2,100 ADA
• Animation Editor: 100 hrs @ 25 ADA/hr → 2,500 ADA
• Support Team: 800ADA
• Illustrator/Asset Updates: 20 hrs @ 25 ADA/hr → 500 ADA
• QA & Accessibility Reviewer: 15 hrs @ 20 ADA/hr → 700 ADA
Software & Tools:
• Adobe Creative Cloud renewal (2 months): 150 ADA
• Stock music/effects: 200 ADA
Total M3: 6,950 ADA
Final Milestone 4 — Marketing, Distribution & Analytics
Team Costs:
• Marketing Lead: 25 hrs @ 30 ADA/hr → 750 ADA
• Project Leader: 25 hrs @ 35 ADA/hr → 875 ADA
• Social Media Manager: 25 hrs @ 20 ADA/hr → 500 ADA
• Data Analyst: 15 hrs @ 25 ADA/hr → 375 ADA
Marketing & Ads:
• Paid campaigns (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X): 1,000 ADA
Software & Tools:
• Analytics tools: 100 ADA
Total M4: 3,600 ADA
Total: 21,050 ADA
We made a change to reduce cost while keeping quality:
• Cut total paid hours by ~25% where tasks could be streamlined.
• Reduced Adobe license costs by switching to shorter subscription terms.
• Slightly lowered marketing budget but still kept enough for meaningful reach.
• Leaner team allocation for pilots, since style/templates from pilots makes full production faster.
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
The Fund we requested is 21,050 ADA it is not just a production budget it is an investment in scalable, open-source educational infrastructure that will continue delivering value to the Cardano ecosystem long after the funding period ends.
We designed our budget with maximum efficiency in mind, ensuring every ADA spent directly contributes to:
1. High-quality content creation that inspires adoption.
2. Tools & assets that the community can reuse freely.
3. Targeted distribution to reach audiences who are most likely to join and contribute to the ecosystem.
1. Lean, Transparent, and Impact-Driven Spending
• We keep software costs minimal by using monthly licenses only when actively editing, and by leveraging free/open tools where possible.
• We’ve streamlined production hours without compromising quality our template-based workflow means pilots build the framework for all future videos, reducing labor time and costs.
• Marketing spend is micro-targeted toward crypto-curious audiences in growth regions (Africa, Southeast Asia), ensuring that each ADA spent reaches potential Cardano adopters rather than being wasted on untargeted ads.
2. Long-Term, Open-Source Multiplier Effect
• Every video, script, storyboard, and visual asset is released under an open license, enabling SPOs, educators, and community builders to reuse, adapt, and translate them at no cost.
• This means 21,050 ADA generates not just one campaign, but an ongoing global resource library for onboarding new users, year after year, at zero extra cost to the community.
• By providing subtitles and open source design files, the content can be localized into dozens of languages — multiplying Cardano’s reach far beyond the scope of this proposal.
3. Measurable and Immediate Returns for Cardano
• Our KPIs — 200,000+ views within 3 months, ≥10% engagement rate, ≥70% watch retention — are aggressive but realistic. Achieving these will substantially increase Cardano awareness among the 18–35 mobile-first demographic.
• Videos are designed to funnel new users toward safe wallet setup, staking education, and governance participation, directly contributing to ecosystem growth and decentralization.
• Marketing campaigns will focus on regions with low current penetration but high potential adoption, ensuring Cardano becomes the blockchain of choice in emerging markets.
4. Cost vs. Output Comparison
• For the cost of ~1 mid-level developer salary in one quarter, the Cardano ecosystem gains:
• Professional, evergreen educational videos
• Full script library & style guide for future use
• Open-source visual asset library for community projects
• Global distribution campaign targeting high-growth regions
• Analytics and impact report to measure ROI and guide future proposals
• This is one of the highest content-output-to-cost ratios Catalyst can fund we deliver both volume and quality without inflating costs.
5. Designed for Ecosystem Synergy
• SPOs and Cardano dApps can embed these videos into onboarding flows.
• Educational hubs can integrate them into workshops and online courses.
• Influencers and community marketers can remix them into their own campaigns with zero licensing barriers.
• The project strengthens brand cohesion by ensuring newcomers hear a consistent, clear explanation of Cardano’s core strengths.
In short: This proposal turns 21,050 ADA into a global, perpetual outreach engine for Cardano combining education, accessibility, and professional production in a lean, accountable budget that maximizes adoption potential and serves the community long-term. Every ADA spent has a direct, measurable path to increasing Cardano’s user base and strengthening its global reputation.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Our project is powered by highly skilled, multidisciplinary team that blends creative vision, technical mastery, and community insight. Each member brings unique expertise to ensure we deliver exceptional results with precision, creativity, and accountability.
1. Abel Teshome – Project Leader & Senior Animation Video Editor
Abel is the creative captain steering Cardano Motion from concept to completion. With deep blockchain knowledge and proven experience in producing engaging explainer animations, Abel oversees the entire production lifecycle from topic selection and script approval to final publishing. He ensures every frame reflects Cardano’s values of innovation, clarity, and accessibility. His blend of creative leadership and hands-on technical editing skills guarantees a polished, consistent style across all videos.
2. Kassahun Worku – Animation Editor & 3D Designer
Kassahun brings architectural precision and visual artistry to our animations. A graduate of Gondar University with a degree in Architecture, he has over 5 years of professional experience in building design, advanced 3D modeling, and visual storytelling. Beyond technical design, Kassahun is a seasoned content creator and online entrepreneur, managing active TikTok and YouTube channels that give him firsthand knowledge of social media trends and audience engagement strategies. He refines our motion graphics, enhances storytelling with immersive visuals, and ensures that every concept is both beautiful and understandable.
3. Extended Creative Support Team
Alongside Abel and Kassahun, we have specialized collaborators who bring targeted expertise:
• Scriptwriting & Educational Content Development — transforms complex Cardano concepts into clear, engaging micro-stories that resonate with both beginners and crypto enthusiasts.
• Voiceover & Sound Design — professional voice artists and sound engineers who ensure clear, friendly, and emotionally engaging delivery.
• Marketing & Social Media Growth Specialists — strategists who design campaigns to maximize reach, retention, and community sharing across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X.
Together, this team blends creativity, precision, and marketing savvy to create a content series that is informative, visually captivating, and primed for global reach. Each member plays a critical role, ensuring the project moves smoothly from research to script, storyboard, animation, and final release — with open-source deliverables that empower the entire Cardano community.