Frequently Asked Questions

How did you know I was owed money?

In relation to BBC cable retransmission revenue, we purchase the cast lists of programmes that have been shown on BBC1 and 2. We go through these one by one and enter programme details and the names of performers onto our database. If you appear as a contributor to a BBC broadcast programme under an Equity contact, you will be eligible for a BECS payment.

In the case of performers’ rights revenue, our first step is to negotiate with other European collecting societies to secure a share of their income for British productions. Most collecting societies then send a list of programme titles that we are going to receive money for. After determining which TV series and films these lists refer to, we obtain cast list information for each title and enter this onto our database. As accurate cast lists are not always readily available, we often consult production companies or have to buy videos or DVDs to ensure that payments reach all those who appear on the credits.

I received money from you for a BBC programme. Why does this money come from BECS and not via my agent as usual?

The money that we collect for programmes shown on BBC1 and 2 is a non-contractual payment that you receive as compensation for the BBC signal being picked up by cable operators in the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands. Equity was originally responsible for negotiating a lump sum payment for these retransmissions, which is now split equally between all those who worked under an Equity/BBC contract. Normal royalties and residuals coming via your agent are unaffected by this ‘additional’ payment.

You may also receive private copying or communication to the public remuneration from BBC programmes when they are used in other European countries. ‘Allo Allo’, ‘Coupling’ and ‘I Claudius’ are examples of such programmes.

I did a TV series that has been released on video and DVD and is being sold around the world. Will BECS collect any money for this?

BECS does not collect revenue for video and DVD programme sales because there is no performers’ remuneration right covering this particular use of your work. What you get for your work being released on video and DVD is determined by the terms of your initial contract, which in most instances will be governed by a collective agreement between Equity and the producer. If you have a query on this matter, we advise that you speak to the FTVR department at Equity.

What is the difference between BECS and PAMRA?

The essential difference is that PAMRA deals with sound recordings while BECS deals with film and television broadcasts. If you have ever performed on a record or CD and if this is played in the UK or overseas, you should register with PAMRA. Likewise, if you have ever appeared in a TV or film production that could be shown on mainstream European television channels, you should register with BECS. You can join BECS and PAMRA if you have performed on both sound and audio-visual recordings.

You sent me a cheque for work done a few years ago when I was with an old agent. Do I have to pay him commission on it?

For the most part, BECS does not collect revenue that is due to you under your contract of engagement. Therefore payment of commission, whether to an old or current agent, will be determined by your contract/relationship with that particular agent.

The only revenue we collect which results from a change to your contract of engagement is for BBC7. Commission is therefore likely to be owed to an agent for these radio programme payments.

I’ve received a cheque for £125 but Class 1 NI was not deducted. Why?

BECS does not make Class 1 NI deductions as the payments we make are not related to a salary.

Do I have to declare my payment if I am receiving benefits?

We believe that BECS income is treated as a subsection of self-employed income. Therefore someone in receipt benefits may suffer a loss of those benefits as a result of receiving a payment from BECS.