Commercials

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High Level Summary

The summary represents the current year only. 

Commercials are advertising message that are on broadcast, social media, traditional digital, streaming and radio.  Additionally, they can be used in a variety of different platforms such as theatrical venues and industrial displays. Commercial messages include any narration, dialogue, songs, jingles or other matter that depict the advertiser’s product or service, and are used to sell that product or service. 

PAYMENT STRUCTURE

All rates quoted are minimums and do not limit the performer’s right to negotiate for better rates, terms, or conditions of employment.

WHAT IS A SESSION FEE VS. A USE FEE

In commercials, day rates are referred to as “session fees,” and performers are paid on a per 8-hour day worked, or per commercial filmed, whichever is greater. Additionally Principal Performers are paid for use of that commercial determined by the commercial’s airing/placement (“use”).

Refer to page 14, section 20 of the full contract (link)

Extra performers do not receive residuals on commercials they work on due to the fact that they are not held in exclusivity for that particular product.

ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS IN THE FORM OF USE TYPES

Performers are paid additional compensation based on use cycles and or use number. Amounts vary depending on the performer’s role, the length of use, and the type of use. This is described in detail under the MOA.

There are lots of myths in how performers make money on commercial projects, please call us with any questions so that you can stay up to date.

HOLDING FEES

Principal performers in commercials are associated with the brands and products being advertised, and as such, are held in exclusivity to these brands and products.

However, it should be noted that if a performer does not receive a holding fee on time, they will be released from exclusivity. Producers should be sure to send holding fees on time, and performers should keep track of holding fees received to not be in breach of the contract.

PENSION & HEALTH

The Health & Retirement Contribution is 20.5%.

PERFORMER HOLIDAYS

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
• President’s Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• July Fourth
• Labor Day
• Veteran’s Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If one of the above holidays falls on a Sunday, then the following Monday shall be deemed the holiday.

SPECIAL NOTES

Under the commercials contract, payments are to be made to performers 15 business days after the last date a performer works and 15 business days after the date of first use. 

Business days exclude weekends and holidays included in our contract after the date of first use for each use type.