ADDITIONAL MATERIAL ON BBC DVDs

Posted on March 27, 2009

Rules for blooper reels and extras

BBC Worldwide Limited is constantly examining ways to increase the sales of the BBC’s comedy and drama DVD’s. One innovation they have used is to add extra material to the DVD release of their programmes. The theory is that “Additional Material” increases sales and as a consequence the amount of royalties paid to the artists.

Recognising that the usage of “Additional Material” by BBC Worldwide will continue to grow, Equity has reached an agreement with the BBC to ensure that the various elements regarding “Additional Material” are now clearly defined together with some guidance regarding its implementation.

A copy of the agreement and accompanying guidance notes are listed below:

‘The engagement fee covers the following: subject to no further attendances being required the BBC may incorporate additional material in any DVD (or similar home video media) incorporating the programme made pursuant to this Agreement.

For the avoidance of doubt “Additional Material” means by way of example recorded publicity interviews, behind the scenes activity (e.g. footage filmed in rehearsals, read-throughs, wardrobe and make-up calls), extracts from the programme and deleted scenes. Use of out-takes and audition material are subject to the Artist’s separate prior permission.

Additional Material may also be used for promotional purposes in all media provided that no separate revenue stream is created. For the avoidance of doubt should Additional Material be used outside a promotional context the terms of the BBC/Equity agreement will apply to material containing performances.’

• The definitions of ‘deleted scenes’ and ‘out-takes’ are ‘deleted scenes’ are scenes which are recorded but which are not included in the final version of the programme for editorial reasons and ‘out-takes’ are scenes where there is an error in the performance – this is usually referred to as a blooper.
• that our rights teams will ensure that agents/artists know during the fee/contract negotiation that we will record Additional Material
• production teams will also reiterate this to artists. The method of informing artists and the timing will vary from production to production, however, the intention is to give artists as much prior notice as feasible

The BBC has also given Equity an assurance that the various production teams will be notified of the need to display sensitivity towards the artists prior to the scheduled filming of the additional material.

What can you do?

The agreement is due to be reviewed in February 2010 and we need you to assist Equity to monitor the implementation of this agreement. So if you are engaged by the BBC and are then subject to any additional material filming, elements of which you consider were for example to be unacceptable, intrusive and/or insensitive towards you please contact Equity’s BBC Organiser Ian Bayes on 020 7670 0252 or via email ibayes@equity.org.uk to report your concerns to him.

Equity has also consulted extensively with the PMA and the union has highlighted to the agents the importance of monitoring the functioning of this agreement.

TV is Changing • Equity