Similar to the Live Television (Videotape) Agreement, the AFM Non-Standard Television Agreement covers musicians engaged for variety programming intended to air on pay cable networks, such as HBO, Cinemax, and Showtime. 

As in the Videotape Agreement for network television, work is assumed to be on-camera, so the rates herein cover both audio and visual capture. The actual program rates themselves depend on two factors: how long the program is and how often it airs. Based on that, a show’s “minimum call” rate will comprise the “air rate” for time spent taping the show as well as a minimum number of required rehearsal hours. 

Broadcast patterns are more similar to Basic Cable than to network television; the initial compensation fee covers broadcast on up to 8 “play dates” in a 6-month time period. 

All premium cable work is filed on an AFM B-8 Report Form. 

 

Further Resources:

• Non-Standard (Pay Cable) Television Agreement (2002-05, extended to present)
• Scale Summary Sheet
• Step-by-Step Project Filing Instructions

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