The copy clearance process
Advertising agencies submit pre-production scripts to Clearcast before any significant expense is incurred in the production of a TV commercial. [4] The process of script submissions is to reduce the risk of agencies spending a significant outlay on a TV commercial which is later rejected because it is unacceptable. Once submitted, the agency's allocated copy group executive will give initial comments on the script, detailing broadcast timing restrictions, advice on appropriate use of specific shots or imagery and requesting substantiation. Substantiation must be submitted where a claim is made in a broadcast commercial. An agency will then adapt the script (because it does not comply with broadcast standards or contains a claim which cannot be corroborated) and submit relevant substantiation documents to the Clearcast executive.
A process of second-reading then takes place, whereby the executive may request further information or approve the script.
Once a script submission is accepted, an agency will produce a final (or 'clocked') TV commercial, which also needs to be submitted for approval to Clearcast. The agency must then submit the 'clocked' ad digitally via FTP using the digital copy clearance system (CopyCentral).
Once received and ingested into the Clearcast system, the ad is first checked for 'supers', a process which measures the height (in television lines) of required legal text ('the small print') to ensure it complies. The legal text height is 16 TV lines, measured on a flat-topped, lower case letter; anything less than this will be rejected. Legal text is also timed to ensure it is legible to the viewer.
Some ads fail at this point, and the agency is forced to modify the legal text in order to ensure it complies in terms of line height and duration on screen. After this stage, the ad is subjected to a Harding test (also known as a flash test), which ensures it will not cause sufferers of photosensitive epilepsy to have seizures. [5]
Subsequently, the commercial is screened by a traffic assistant, who checks the ad and guarantees that the accompanying post-production script and relevant consignment details are comprehensive, valid and correct. Consignment details include relevant music, artists' names and voice-over names.
Once this process is complete, the ad is allocated to the relevant copy group executive, where it is viewed and placed 'on the reel' for the following day's morning meeting. The term 'on the reel' relates to a viewing which takes place every morning at 10 am, in which a group of executives view each commercial and pass comments on whether it complies with the BCAP code (the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice). Most ads comply (because they are produced as per the initial script), but this viewing serves as a way of spotting otherwise unforeseen problems, such as music which is not permitted or a style of editing which does not show the product in an accurate light. It is at this point that any relevant restrictions (for instance on timing) are applied to the commercial.
After the morning meeting (which usually ends at 11:30 am), the copy group return to their desks and pass on feedback to the agencies involved and approve compliant commercials.
The same process also applies to video-on-demand (VoD) commercials that are destined for services provided by Clearcast's shareholders, as well as Virgin Media. [6]
Other activities
Working with Peach Media (previously IMD), Clearcast manage the Attribution service which links advertiser, agency and product category metadata with Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (BARB) data on brands advertised on TV.
They also commission the CARIA service from Peach Media. [7] CARIA is a system developed and owned by Peach Media, part of Peach video on which airtime bookings are confirmed to Sales Houses by advertising agencies and on which copy to be used for each booking is specified - it is widely used across UK & Ireland.
They also run a Training Programme which is CPD Certified and IPA recognised that runs courses for agencies, advertisers and broadcasters to help them get to grips with advertising rules and how to work within them.
In 2010, Clearcast launched an online flash test in partnership with Cambridge Research Systems Ltd. who develop the Hardings flash testing technology.
In 2012, Clearcast launched three new services under the Clearcast Plus banner: Copy Development, TV Admin and Editing. [7]
In 2019, Clearcast launched a Fast Track service that guarantees feedback on your script or video submission within 24 hours.
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