Artist Rates for British-Based Talent

In commercials, a featured artist is someone who is seen or heard (excluding background speech or noise) whose role is essential to the story being told. Unless otherwise agreed, rates and working conditions for commercials and corporate films follow the Form of Engagement for Featured Artists in Television Commercials, approved by Equity, the IPA, APA and ISBA.

British-based featured artists are paid a Basic Studio Fee (BSF) plus separate usage fees. Standard shoot days are based on 10 hours, including a one-hour break. Overtime is charged at 20% of the BSF per hour after 10 hours, unless otherwise agreed. Travel and rest days are paid at 50% BSF, while night shoots, Sundays and public holidays are paid at 150% BSF.

Recalls and wardrobe fittings are typically £50. Rehearsal and prep days are paid at either 100% BSF or 50% BSF for sessions up to 4.5 hours. Standard call times are between 7:30am and 4pm. Any time on set before 7:30am or after 10pm is subject to overtime at 20% BSF per hour, increasing to 33.3% BSF after midnight.

Artists also receive additional usage fees for broadcast and media usage. Usage rates are based on agreements approved by Equity, the PMA and the AMA, available at usefee.tv. Unless otherwise agreed, engagements are subject to the standard Equity Agreement.

Print models work an 8-hour day including a one-hour break and may also be booked for half days of up to 4 hours. Model and dancer bookings are traditionally subject to a 20% agency fee. Industry practice also applies an additional 20% agency fee to invoices paid from outside the EU (including the UK from 1 January 2021).

If transport to set is not provided, travel within 20 miles of Charing Cross is generally included. Beyond this, excluding the first 30 minutes each way, travel time is counted as working time.

Any agreements that differ from the above — including rates, buyouts, working hours, additional media formats, extended territories, subsequent usage or renewal options — should ideally be agreed prior to casting.

For film and television productions, standard working hours are 8 hours within a 9-hour working day and are typically governed by the FAA/PACT Agreement, the BBC Equity Agreement or the ITV Equity Agreement.

For advice on talent fees or usage terms for specific projects, please contact us.