Similar to the Live Television (Videotape) Agreement, the AFM Basic Cable Agreement covers musicians engaged for variety programming intended to air on basic cable networks. 

Much like 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. 

However, the replay patterns differ; the rates paid under Basic Cable allow a producer to air the program on 20 “play dates” over a 24-month time span (this was updated in 2018 and does not appear in the printed book linked below). Re-use cycles are, therefore, paid for future years of exhibition, in which future years allow for 12 additional “play dates” each. 

Premium channels, such as HBO, are not considered Basic Cable. Programs produced for premium channels are covered by the AFM Non-Standard Television Agreement. 

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

 

Further Resources:

• Basic Cable Agreement (2011-2014, extended to present)
• Scale Summary Sheet
• Step-by-Step Project Filing Instructions

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