How BECS gets performers paid when film and TV work is shown overseas.
If your work is being shown anywhere in the world, you may have the right to receive additional payment (additional to what is provided for in your contract with the producer) – and that’s where the British Equity Collecting Society (BECS) comes in.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- BECS’ global revenue collection: BECS is a non-profit organisation that collects legally mandated overseas royalties for actors when their work is broadcast globally.
- Its significant financial impact: As the UK’s only audio-visual collecting society, BECS has 30,000 members and has distributed over £58 million since 2017.
- Industry advocacy: Beyond bi-annual payouts, BECS actively lobbies to protect performers’ rights regarding AI consent, digital copying and fair trade deals.
- Free direct enrollment: Membership is free for credited performers, but actors must apply directly because agents or Equity cannot register them automatically.
BECS is a membership-based organisation who work on performers’ behalf, collecting money which is due to them (per the law of several countries) when their films and TV shows are shown across the globe. Established in 1998 as a not-for-profit organisation run by performers for performers, BECS is the UK’s only collective management organisation for audio-visual performers and has around 30,000 members.
Since 2017, BECS has collected over £58 million for distribution to their members. If you’re a performer working in the audio-visual medium it’s well worth looking to sign up for free BECS membership.
What Does BECS Do for Its Members?
BECS negotiates and maintains an ever-growing network of international agreements with other overseas collective management organisations to secure payment for members when their work is shown overseas. BECS will claim performers’ dues from across the world and pass this on to their members bi-annually.
“BECS is like a fabulous truffle hound rooting out what is due to you,” says Joanna Lumley, star of Absolutely Fabulous and Motherland. “I love them and rely on them. And when a small, sometimes large, sum of money suddenly turns up, I raise my glass to them with gratitude.”
BECS also works to protect and improve the rights of performers in the UK and abroad with lobbying and educational activities. Some of the lobbying they’re currently involved in are:
- The ratification of the Beijing Treaty, which aims to improve earning conditions for actors and other audio-visual performers.
- The SMART Fund, a proposal that will ensure creators and performers are paid fairly when their work is copied on digital devices.
- AI consultation, advocating for the protection of actors’ rights and their ability to control the use of their work and receive fair payment when informed consent has been given to AI developers.
- Ensuring that any trade deals the UK government makes protect the rights of UK performers.
How Do I Become a Member?
BECS membership is free. To sign up, a performer must have completed, and be credited in, at least one piece of audio-visual work.
Agents can’t sign up on your behalf, so it’s up to you to complete the application form. If you’re a performer who is under 18, a parent or guardian’s signature is required.
It’s a common misconception that being an Equity member automatically signs you up for BECS membership. This isn’t how it works and you’ll need to apply directly to BECS for free membership.
Visit the BECS website to find out more and sign up for your free membership.
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