What is the cost for distributing my commercial(s)?
We offer a Network Package; this means that you pay one price per clock, for delivery
to 6+ broadcast sites. There is no limit to the number of broadcast sites you choose,
therefore this method can be extremely cost-effective! If there are less than 6 broadcast
sites, you will pay a Network Individual price. This charge is made on a per-clock, per
broadcast site basis.
Please contact the TV Department for more information.
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How do I place an order?
You can place an order by using the IMD online booking wizard. If you haven't used our website before and you don't have any user details, please contact the TV Team on +44 (0)20 7468 6850. It takes seconds to set up a user account for you, and the team are here to guide you through any queries you may have.
Click here to see a sample order.
Click here to view a user guide.
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How do I supply copy to IMD?
You can send your clock(s) to IMD via FTP or on a Digi Beta. FTP is our preferred
delivery method as the file is entered on to our system immediately and can be stored
indefinitely. It takes longer for us to process digi beta's and we can only store them
for up to 3 months, after which time, they are recycled.
Detailed:
Click here to see our FTP delivery
format options and technical standards.
Click here to see our Digi Beta
delivery format options and technical standards.
Short:
Click here to see our FTP delivery
format options and technical standards.
Click here to see our Digi Beta
delivery format options and technical standards.
We can also accept non-standard formats with prior-agreement.
We will either reject material that does not comply with our specifications or charge
for correctional work to be carried out. If material does not arrive correctly, we cannot guarantee
same day delivery.
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Do I need to obtain Clearcast (BACC) approval for my commercial?
Yes. UK Broadcasters will not air clocks without Clearcast (BACC) approval.
Supplying to Clearcast (BACC)
IMD is happy to supply your clock(s) to the Clearcast (BACC) for approval. We can either send a
beta sp or we can upload digitally on your behalf, using your details.
It is recommended that you supply the Clearcast (BACC) with your clock(s) 3 days in advance of
station copy deadlines. Please call us for more information.
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What deadlines are in place for each broadcast site?
In order for broadcasters to ensure your campaign goes to air, they have deadlines
for receipt of clocks and as expected each broadcaster has different requirements!
We are happy to share our knowledge of copy deadlines, but for specific deadlines
it is advisable to contact each broadcaster.
Don't forget that IMD has preferential delivery deadlines with many of the major broadcasters!
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What is 'late copy' and which broadcasters charge it?
Late copy is a charge implemented by broadcasters to cover the costs of late
submission and last-minute checking procedures.
Most of the major broadcasters charge late copy. The typical charge is £250
(this is usually charged on a per-clock basis) for copy which is delivered after
the published deadlines. Each broadcaster has its own late copy policy and
deadlines.
IMD has late copy advantages with many of the major broadcasters, permitting
us a great deal of flexibility. In some cases late copy is not charged at all
if delivered via IMD. Please contact the TV Department for more information.
We are happy to share our knowledge of late copy charges; however, when working
within tight deadlines, it is advisable to contact each broadcaster to ensure your
commercial does not incur any additional costs.
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What are IMD's deadlines?
IMD knows no day at an agency is ever the same. To meet your needs we offer two different services:
Use our 4 hour standard service for your regular campaigns (we need copy by 17:00).
When time really matters the quickest Express service in the UK and ROI will get your commercial
to the stations in just 60 minutes (we need copy by 20:00).
Please call our TV team on 020 7468 6850 they will guide you on what service will suit you best.
Express service applies to digital delivery only. Tape delivery to London based channels will be made
by 19:00 for copy received up until 15:00. For copy received after 15:00, delivery will either be
before 19:00 that same day, or as soon as possible the next day. Tape delivery to channels based outside
London will generally be the next day during normal business hours.
UK and ROI broadcasters operate their own opening hours and some will not accept copy outside these
hours. Therefore, we will only send out tape to sites that we know to be open and willing to accept
copy. All other tapes will be dispatched the following morning.
Our opening hours are 08:00 – 21:00, Mon - Fri. We can arrange for the office to be open out of
these hours and at weekends, however charges will apply and prior notification is required. Please
call for more information.
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Which broadcast sites can IMD deliver my commercial to?
IMD can deliver to all broadcast and transmission sites. Most now have IMD's in-house
digital delivery equipment, however where this has not yet been installed, IMD
will produce tapes and courier your clock(s) to the relevant sites. We also have
the facility to FTP to sites, both within the UK and internationally.
Please contact the TV Department for more information.
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Do you QC my commercial(s)?
Yes, we QC all material that we send to broadcast sites using their specifications
as a guidelines. As expected, these specifications differ according to each broadcaster;
therefore we make it clear that our QC is a combination of their specification
and the opinions of our experienced VT operators. However, where we find fault with
copy, it does not necessarily mean that the material would fail a QC at the
broadcasters. On this basis, we will send you a detailed report and give you the
following options:
- Proceed with the job as it stands
- Re-supply amended copy to IMD
- Instruct IMD to repair copy
We charge £50 per 15 minutes for all VT repair work.
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How do I know when a broadcast site has received copy?
We send you a verification report once all the digital broadcast sites have
received copy and then again once all the tape broadcast sites have received
copy.
Click here to view an example of the verification report.
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How long do broadcast sites hold copy delivered by IMD?
Copy is held on the IMD system of each broadcast site for up to three months (dependant on the site).
After this period a charge will be incurred at the standard rate to re-supply
copy to broadcast sites.
It is the broadcaster's responsibility to ensure that copy is held (either on the
IMD system or their own) for the entire transmission period.
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What happens if I need to cancel an order?
You can cancel an order at anytime; however, if we have already completed the job
and the commercial has been sent to the broadcast sites, then you will be invoiced
at your normal rate. If the commercial has not been sent out to sites, but has been
QC'd, you will be charged a one-off QC charge of £50. If no QC has taken place
then you will not be charged.
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How can I keep track of my previous jobs?
You can view your Job History within the Secure Client Area on this website after
logging in. Your order history will provide you with a list of your previous jobs,
including advertiser and product details, clock numbers and the broadcast sites where
copy has been delivered. You can also see the date and time that each broadcast
site received copy.
Click here for examples:
Order Summary,
Station Details
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How do you invoice?
We invoice on a weekly basis. You will receive a paper invoice listing all your
jobs from that particular week. We require payment within 30 days.
We send out statements on a monthly basis.
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If you have a question which is not listed here, then please do not hesitate to call Sebastian (Director of Operations) or Peggy (Head of TV Bookings & Client Relations) or the TV Team on + 44 (0) 207 468 6850.
Alternatively, email tv@imdplc.com
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