What's a DEALER SPOT

Khristine Hvam · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007, 17:00 (GMT) Post subject: What's a DEALER SPOT

what's a dealer spot and what do i charge to do one?

Allen Brown · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007, 15:14 (GMT) Post subject:

Khristine,

A "dealer spot" is, typically, a spot that is provided by a national manufacturer to local dealers. For example, the agency for General Electric might produce a set of dealer spots for their water filtration line of products. The appliance dealer who sells the filtration product can take the agency produced spot and then customize it with a local announcer. There's usually time allowed for such customization in the form of an open donut in the middle of the spot, or a tag at the end.

Some customization is more complicated and it involves using the original performers speaking the name of the local dealer. The agency can offer various levels of customization based on the dealer's needs and budget.

As far as what to charge, I avoid giving advice in that area for various reasons. But, you can get an idea of what union talent charges for that kind of work by visiting the AFTRA site. There may also be some guidance offered on the V123 suggested rate sheet, although I haven't visited that recently so I can't be sure.

Connie Terwilliger · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007, 20:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Always remember that union scale is NOT what the producer pays. The producer (or the paymaster) is supposed to write two checks - one for the talent with all the payroll taxes and agent fee (if it is scale +10%) - and then writes another check for about 14% of the total for Health and Retirement contribution. So if you are using scale as your guide - be sure to pad it for your own health and retirement plan!