Let’s Talk Lingo: Learn The Lingo Part 3
Industry lingo can vary depending on who you are dealing with, but it’s important to know the basics.
Rollover – A rollover is when the usage rights, originally agreed upon for a commercial or images, are later extended for a longer period of time. For example, a brand may pay for a commercial to be released for 12 months initially and then decide to extend it for another 12 months, later down the track. In these cases, they will pay talent a “Rollover Fee” for the re-release of the commercial. Companies like banks, supermarkets, car brands and insurance agencies don’t necessarily need to create a new commercial every year as their product hasn’t changed. They may just “rollover” a previous commercial and pay talent a fee so that they can continue advertising and running the commercial.
Loading – A fee that is paid to the talent when additional usage terms are added after the commercial or images have already been shot and contract negotiations have been completed. For example, the agreed fee when you worked on the commercial may have included 12 months of usage, onlineonly, within Australia. If they later decide to also release the commercial on TV, in cinemas or in New Zealand, they will pay the talent a “Loading” to cover the new usage. The same can happen with still photography. Brands can choose to release the images in more places after the shoot – Eg. In stores, on billboards, in magazines etc.
Work Hours - These are the hours that your child worked on the shoot, from their call (arrival) time set by the Producer to the time they finish on set. It does not include travel to or from the job. If you decide to arrive 30 mins earlier than your call time (for example) you do not get paid from that time. Your call time is the time you clock in and will be paid from. Similarly, if the Producer is running behind schedule and you are asked to wait, you will still be paid from your call time.
Commission – A percentage of the talent’s overall payment that is deducted by the talent’s agent or manager as a form of variable-pay remuneration for their services. Commission rates will depend on what state you live in and whether the job is a commercial, photoshoot, film or TV series but usually range from 10-20%.
Deal Memo – A short-form, less formal employment contract that summarises the key points of the agreement between the talent and the client/brand / Producer / Advertising Agency. A Deal Memo includes key pieces of information such as rate breakdowns, intended work hours, and shoot dates, plus options for different rollovers or loadings if they were to happen in the future. (These are often negotiated upfront before the commercial has been shot). Deal Memos may be drafted by the Casting Director or another third party who organised the initial casting process before the job is passed on to the final Producer or Advertising Agency who may create a more detailed contract. Often both a Deal Memo and a Contract are required. These are generally signed by your agent, on behalf of the talent, in the negotiation stage.
Contract – This document outlines in detail the exact agreement between the talent and the client. It is the longhand version of what is on the Deal Memo and may include extra terms of the agreement, such as permission for them to use your full name in credits, no posting about the job on social media and any possible limitations on the talent who may not be permitted to work for a competitive brand for the duration of the release of the commercial. These are just some examples. The exact terms will vary between each contract and are set by the Producer, Advertising Agency or brand.
Rate – Often referred to as pay rate or fee, is the fixed amount that you would be paid for working on a job or shoot. Rates are generally set in stone by the client / Producer / Advertising Agency before they approach your agent. However, sometimes your agent may be required to quote and negotiate on your behalf.
On Hold – This means you or your child have been further shortlisted for the role and are being presented to the Director, Marketing Manager, or whoever is making the ultimate decision, along with the other talent on the final shortlist. You’ll need to be available for the shoot dates and keep the whole day free (on hold) until they have confirmed the final cast/ models. If you have been placed “on hold” your agent will always let you know the final outcome as soon as they hear anything. Call Time – This is the time your child needs to be on set. No earlier, no later. This is your set arrival time.
Cancellation - Unfortunately the client, for a variety of reasons, is no longer able to proceed with the scheduled booking or shoot. While this can be disappointing, it is an element of the industry that is sometimes unavoidable. Wardrobe Fitting / Wardrobe Call – If you or your child are booked for a job, they may ask you to come in on another day before the shoot to try on the “costume” or clothing that you will be wearing on set. This is usually for TV and film jobs. If the clothing doesn’t fit or look good, they then have time to purchase other items or make changes before the shoot day. Weather Hold – This applies when the shoot is going to be outdoors and is basically a backup date in case there is a bad weather forecast. If it’s looking like bad weather a day or two before the shoot, they may reschedule the shoot to the “weather hold” date. You would need to keep this day completely free until your agent has confirmation on the final shoot date.
