TV Commercial Content

[Scott Roberts]

Sorry! I’m doing horror spots. So, blood, implied violence. I won’t be using curse words or nudity. What content is safe to use? I’ve got it covered for NTSC standards for color levels, etc.

Thanks!

[Arthur Vibert]

Different networks have different standards. It used to be that ABC was the most conservative, but it’s been awhile since I checked into it and it could have changed.

You may not be running on a network. If you’re running the spot on Cable or local television you could find an entirely different sensitivity.

It also depends on what time you’re planning on running the spots. If they run during prime time the station/network will be more conservative than if it’s being run much later.

The only way to find out is to submit a script to the station. They’ll let you know how they feel about it. Of course, they reserve the right to change their minds if the actual commercial is not accurately represented by the script.

Looking at the content the station/network airs can be a guide, though typically the stations are much more conservative about sex and violence in commercials than they are in the actual programming.

Go figure.

Arthur Vibert

[Steve Roberts]

Try posting in the Broadcast Video and Broadcast Design COWs.
Talk to someone face-to-face at a network, a station, or someone who deals with them.
Grab examples from TV or the web, and show them to that person.

And, yes, as has been said, imply. Don’t show. Take the high road.

[Antony Buonomo]

Hi

I know this is probably not very useful to you but, this is the producer’s job. If you’re the designer (I’m only guessing but this is a design forum) you shouldn’t be accepting a responsibility that you are not being financially compensated for, so I hope you are!

A

[Todd George]

Hello

actually Dave’s comment about the actual content guidelines does bring up a great question where would one find a comprehensive listing of broadcast safe guidelines in terms of bars & tone, gamma and or luma levels and anything else that broadcasters would need to approve in order for spots to be considered “viewable”

my gut feeling is that each broadcaster has it’s own set of rules (with regards to regional spots) but is there perhaps a north american (US) standard that most of these broadcasters base their rules on

thanks

take care

Todd George
Instructional Media Services
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH 44118