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Dear Pittsburgh AFTRA Freelancers and agency/recording studio folks: As you’re aware, our local commercial codes have been extended since new national contracts went into effect on October 30, 2003. During this period of extension, members and staff from the three locals (Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Tri-State) have been working to create a new regional commercials code that will replace the various local codes now being used. An informal survey of signatory producers indicated that a regional code is a great idea. Those of us who have been working on it believe that a Regional Code should enable us to organize more work for our members. We developed a set of rates that are simple to calculate and easy to use. Up to now, commercials that were produced to air anywhere outside of western Pennsylvania had to be produced and paid under the terms of the national commercials codes. Commercials can now be produced to air within the geographical jurisdiction of the three locals by paying a percentage of the national code rates. Rates for 13-week commercials will be 75% of the appropriate national code rate. There will also be shorter run commercials: 4-week uses at 75% of the appropriate 13 week rate and 1-week cycles paid at 60% of the appropriate 13 week rate. The Health and Retirement contribution rate will increase by 1% to be14.3% (the current rate for national commercial work). The Regional Code is actually a waiver of the national commercial contracts and has been approved unanimously by all three local boards as well as the National Board. The new rates go into effect on January 1, 2005. We have already notified signatories, paymasters and agents of the changes. Please look over the enclosed rate sheets so you are familiar with the rates as well. We will be getting some rate cards printed in the future and will make them available to you as soon as possible. We’re very excited about this endeavor and look forward to some positive results. If you have any questions, we encourage you to give us a call.
Suzanne Steidl
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