Simply a reminder to think about usage – and make sure to ask questions when the word buyout is used for a radio or TV spot, because there are so many more places for spots to run these days than just on radio or TV.

I have no pithy remarks. I actually was canning emails really quickly and I thought your subject line said “Spread the Word. Think about sausage.” I believe my lunch must be well overdue.

As long as I’m here…

As for enforcement outside of a union contract, though, not necessarily so. Many hirers of talent believe, often falsely, that if terms aren’t specified, then it’s auytomatically assumed to be a buyout. If, for example somebody sends you a script and says in the body of their email words to the effect of “Looking for somebody to record this for a tv spot. We have $800 to pay – buyout.” Then this becomes the covenant – meaning they have full buyout for “tv”. This has been succesfully challenged in courts of law and compensation for actors, artists, and other creatives has been obtained, as wellas occasional punitive damages.

Although, I am not a lawyer and anyone interested in their rights and responsabilities should consult a proper professional for their opinion.