If performers’ rights revenue from European sources is not already split between
performers by the originating collecting society, BECS apportions performer shares
according to time spent on screen and programme duration.
This entails classifying productions as either ‘film character’ or ‘ensemble’ and
grading performances according to the importance of the character played. Performers’
rights are only paid to credited cast members.
‘Film character’ productions are split into four grades:
- Principal Performer (PP) Leading characters in a production around whom the story
revolves.
- Featured Performer (FP) Major characters who are integral to the storyline
but secondary to the principals.
- Secondary Performer (SP) Secondary characters who, whilst part of the storyline,
do not have a focal role.
- Cast Member (CM) All remaining characters on the cast list.
‘Ensemble’productions are split into two grades:
- Main Artist (MA) All members of the standing cast of an ensemble programme.
- Cast Member (CM) Other performers in an ensemble production.