Green - need help

[beatnik]

I just landed a political candidate as a client who wants me to produce a TV spot for him. I tried talking to my local cable provider but ran into a brick wall. They seemed to try to discourage me and were not helpful at all, unwilling to provide me with any answers or direction as to the process of getting a commercial on TV.

I was thinking of shooting it on the HVX200 at DVCPRO-50. I have nowhere else to turn. Is this an appropriate format? Has anyone here ever shot a commercial with this camera? With another camera? Where can I get a crash course on this subject? Like the title of the thread says, I'm very green. I've produced many projects, but this is my first commercial. I read somewhere that the cable company pays the production company, much like an airline company pays the traveling agency. Is this true? Basically, I just need to know what the procedure and etiquette is so I don't get taken advantage of.

Like I said - I have nowhere else to turn! Help? :undecided

 

[Panther]

Beatnik,
NOTE: This information is no legal advice and information is based on 1999 college textbooks, specifically Mass Media Law by Don R. Pember. So my information is based on 7 year old content.

One reason why the station(s) are not helpful is because of the expectations associated with FCC regulation regarding Equal Opportunity & Equal Time Rule and Candidate Access Rule - Section 315 and Section 312 of the Federal Communication Act. Also, many states have regulations associated with airtime and financial reform. So, this is likely what your battling against.

I would recommend speaking to the advertising end of the broadcasting station and asked them about the advertising costs and you should expect an discount.

On the technical note, I would recommend DVCPRO50 at least. Find out what format the station runs commercials on. If it's DVCAM or BETACAMSP, you got it made with the downsampling.

I read somewhere that the cable company pays the production company, much like an airline company pays the traveling agency. Is this true?

Nope. Cable companies have less regulations than broadcaster do. They can even reject political commercials based on some elements. But, Federal candidates do have a better time with cable company access. Broadcasters must have a bit of an open door associated with political communications. Finally, the broadcaster doesn't necessarily pay you to run the commercial, but they might recommend you for the opponent.

On the commercial timing. Have a good script written and time out each line read. It is high recommendation to have the candidate address the conclusion of the 30 second spot.

Here are a few commercial airing for State Governor for Oregon. Left side is a section called TV Spots. This might give you a better idea on the production values you might consider. http://www.votesaxton.com/

Good luck beatnik. You might like doing these things... or you'll turn out like me doing the Republican and Democratic tickets and NEVER do a political commercial again. :nads: