NEW TO TV ADVERTISING?
If you’ve never worked with us before — or it’s been a little while — we’ll provide whatever help you need to take an ad from script to air.
That help will come from senior copy group executives Jonathan and Micky who dedicate their time to assisting new agencies, as well as agencies we work with infrequently.
If you’re preparing your campaign or are ready to submit and have any questions about the process they’re here to help. You could also check out our handy Welcome To Clearcast brochure.
Email new.business@clearcast.co.uk to contact Jonothan or Micky, (please remember to include your contact details) or call 020 7339 4700 and ask for the New Business Team. There is no charge for this service.
GET GOING WITH OUR CLEARANCE SYSTEM
CopyCentral is our online clearance system. You will use it to send us scripts and ads for approval, as well as to send messages and feedback so there’s a central record of all communications.
All new agencies/companies that need to get ads cleared with us will need to register.
To get set up on CopyCentral (for scripts and rough cuts) and The Library (for clocked ads/TVCs/delivery), a senior person of the appropriate level of authority (eg MD, FD, Head of TV Admin) will need to fill out the form in the link below and then we’ll send over your contract for you to digitally sign and return.
CopyCentral Registration form
The registration and user agreement contains the Ts&Cs of CopyCentral as well as a section for the names of the people they will nominate as Super Users. Super Users will need to be informed as they will administer the account.
If you have any questions about the registration process for CopyCentral, or the agreement, please email us on help@clearcast.co.uk or call us on 020 7339 4780.
SKY ADSMART SME 100
If you are submitting an ad through the Sky AdSmart SME 100 scheme you should follow the standard process but make sure to reference it in the script and video stages.
When uploading your script in CopyCentral make sure to highlight in the script description section that you are part of the Sky AdSmart SME 100 scheme.
When uploading videos use the same description field to reference your submission ID from the approved script. If you have any questions please contact your Clearcast contact who you will be assigned after you register.
FAQS
How do I submit my ad to Clearcast?
To work with Clearcast you need to register for our online submission system CopyCentral. This must be used for anything you want to submit to us, rather than email. Please see ‘Get going with our clearance system’ above for further details.
Who can register with Clearcast?
Anyone can register with us whether ad agency, client, post production house, freelancer, PR company etc. We request though that there is just one point of contact so that we’re not dealing with more than one party in a clearance.
How much does it cost to clear an ad?
All clearances are free if your ad is being transmitted on a channel we clear for. For a list of channels we clear for please see this list. If your ad is going out on a channel we don’t clear for they should be approached directly for clearance.
What are the regulations for TV advertising in the UK?
All ads must comply with either the BCAP or CAP codes. Ads seen in normal airtime (‘Linear’ ads) must comply with the BCAP code, ads shown on the ‘On Demand’ platforms (‘VOD’ ads) must comply with the CAP code.
What’s the process?
Clearance is a three stage process. You need to submit a script to us first using our template, this is a written breakdown of your ad. When this has been approved a rough cut should be submitted so Clearcast can check you’re in line with the approved script and the final stage is submitting the finished version of the ad to us for approval. The rough cut stage is advisable but not compulsory. For a more detailed breakdown please click here.
My ad is already made so can I skip the script clearance stage?
No, even if your ad has already been made you need to submit a script first before submitting the ad itself so that we can perform the necessary checks and request supporting evidence for any claims being made in the ad (what’s known as ‘substantiation’).
How long should I leave for a clearance?
You should leave at least two weeks for clearance of the script but please note clearance could take longer if the script is particularly complex or requires a considerable amount of substantiation. Clearance of the ads themselves usually takes 2-3 working days as long as the ad is in line with the approved script and there aren’t any technical issues uploading it onto our system.
Can anyone at my company submit to Clearcast?
Yes they can but everyone who uses the CopyCentral system must have their own login, we don’t allow the sharing of logins. Logins are created by the allocated ‘super user’ (usually the person who registers with us), not Clearcast.
What else can Clearcast help with?
We offer a number of additional service that will help with your clearance:
- Book yourself on a Clearcast training course– the better you understand how and why we work the way we do, the more time you’ll save.
- Take advantage of our Meet the Consultants sessions; complicated claims can be discussed before a script is received.
- Enlist the help of our Copy Development team who can save you time, money and stress by helping you shape your ad concepts, creative ideas and claims, making the clearance process as smooth as possible.
- Need to run your ad in other countries? Get in touch with our TV Admin team who can help you with international compliance.
If your query isn’t answered above please click here for our more detailed FAQs or email us new.business@clearcast.co.uk.
Clearcast is broadcaster, agency and production house neutral and no organisation gets preferential terms. CopyCentral is a standalone system and not currently integrated with any advertising agency, production house or advertising services systems. Where opportunities arise for integration they will be made available to third parties on equal terms.