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PROMO GUIDELINES
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ON-AIR AND TECHNICAL
GUIDELINES
SABC1
ON-AIR PROMO GUIDELINES
INTRODUCION
SABC1 has a new three year strategy that requires on-air to consolidate and create consistency in all its promotional
material. This also needs to speak to the new audience segmentation that has been specified to channel’s target
market and the headspace this audience segmentation carries. All production houses, internal stakeholders and
employees are required to assist in complying to the new standards as outlined herewith.
Against the challenges of the points stated below, SABC1 has found it necessary to draw up guidelines that will lend
in aiding the standards that meet the requirements of the SABC1 brand:
late delivery of footage and promotional material,
lack of quality, consistency and creativity of promos and
no central point of approval and delivery of promotional material
These standards must be implemented and any deviation or non-compliance with these will be dealt with.
All promo material is to be delivered to the on-air department only. Please do not deliver tapes to FCC, QCC or
any other department. All promos need to have final sign off by the on-air manager. All creative used either on-air or
through other mediums that reflect SABC1 as a brand needs to be approved by the on-air manager. This includes all
program boards, stings and creative used by sponsored productions.
SABC1 BRAND GUIDELINES
TARGET AUDIENCE:
The primary target market is all adults, LSM 5-8 with secondary being LSM 1-4.
Our primary target is ages 16-34 (without alienating broader base).
Our epicenter is 24 year olds, therefore the treatment of all content, graphics, editing styles, copy, music
and messaging needs to be directed accordingly.
The headspace of our epicenter is Young at heart, energetic, Bold, Open-minded, questioning, dynamic
and progressive.
SABC1 positions itself as a “Cultural Elder” – A brand that is a guide and influencer. All messaging,
therefore, needs to have the ability to impact values, lifestyle and ultimately culture in a youthful, yet
responsible manner.
SABC1 is more than television, we are in culture.
The tone of all SABC1 promotional material needs to encompass a youthful, dynamic, bold, ambitious
and inspirational energy. It should be driven by the brand values, being:
South African
Responsible
Authentic
Inclusive
Honest & straight forward
Bold
Energetic
BRAND ESSENCE: “Living in Mzansi”:
“Living in Mzansi”: this essence roots the channel brand
Mzansi is shorthand for South Africa, but not any South Africa, it is post apartheid youthful notion of
South Africa that emerged from youthful popular culture.
Living in Mzansi’ grounds the SABC 1 brand in youthful, contemporary South African culture. It positions
SABC 1 as an insider and participant rather than just an observer. As the youthful consciousness in
South Africa evolves, this essence ensures that SABC 1 is of its very fabric.
The Brand essence is:
Rooted: This bold statement transcends just lifestyle in that it further fortifies SABC 1’s
commitment to local content and everything that is in that regard relevant.
Inspirational: The SABC 1 Brand is inspired by the youthful Mzansi world around it
In-touch: Placing the brand close to change, development and growth of Mzansi. Posts an
encounter with the Brand, you feel in the know, and part of the exciting things of the world of
Mzansi.
BRAND POSITIONING:
SABC is presenting things as they are,
Vibrant, Bold, Innovative & Exciting,
Presenting realities of life as they present themselves,
Exhibiting all possible case scenarios,
Entertaining the target audience with what appeals,
Responsive to environment dictates,
Being responsible,
Proudly South African and
Young at Heart
LOGO/BRAND USAGE:
Channel branding added to promos take up 30% vertical space on the right hand side of the screen.
Please bear this in mind when deciding on end shots.
End docking shots chosen must refrain from being a two-man shot. Choose close-up and mid shots of
one person.
If the program logo is used as a docking element, please compose it to the left of the screen to avoid it
being unreadable or being obstructed by the brand banners.
Note that the brand has a red banner showing throughout the promo, taking up about 8% vertical space
on the right hand side of the screen. Please bear this in mind when deciding on shots as well as using
sub-titles. No sub-title is to be hidden under the banner.
The SABC1 logo is not to be written out at any time during the promo. It must either be said through voice
over or make use of the logo. Should the logo be used, please note the following:
The logo may not show more than once on screen at any one particular time.
It may not be distorted, colour corrected or re-created.
Only a simple dissolve or cut may be used as a transition or animation effect on the logo.
It may not be broken up in any manner and it is not permitted to use only a portion of the logo for
design purposes unless approved by the on-air manager and motivated by concept.
Please make sure the logo has half of its height in breathing space at all times.
All promos must promote SABC1 through the voice over or the presenter.
BEHIND THE SCENES AND ICON MESSAGING
In order for SABC1 promotional material to be in line with the new three year strategy, it is imperative that we become
more interactive and personal with the viewer at home. Therefore we ask that all productions done for SABC1 send
through a betacam tape with the main icons punting the property and SABC1. We also require a betacam tape with
behind-the-scenes footage of the production process. This will be used in-house for promos and for selling the
property to outside investors and sponsors. This is compulsory and needs to follow the guidelines below.
ICON MESSAGING
The actor/actress chosen needs to be the main icon of the show or the presenter.
The background must be green screen in order to key over the SABC1 brand.
Each property must have a Launch and Generic style delivered, with the generic being refreshed every
month.
The duration must not exceed 15 seconds.
The shot needs to be a Mid to Close-up shot.
The dress code needs to suit the character portrayed from the show.
The message brought forward must run along the following guides:
Generic:
- “Hi I am Edd Nslepedi (name of character) from Generations (name of show)”
- “Catch the drama and intrigue every weekday at 18:00” (time or date of show)
- “Only on SABC1, the best in local drama FO SHO!”
Launch:
- “Hi I am Edd Nslepedi (name of character) from Sokulu & Partners (name of show)”
- “Join me as I fight for human rights in South Africa’s court rooms starting every Thursday at 20:30”
(time or date of show and show description)
- “Only on SABC1, your official Mzansi storyteller”
BEHIND THE SCENES:
These shots can be actor/director/producer/staff discussing their experiences, the show’s story, the
filming process or what ever drives the property effectively.
The shots must show scenes that are raw, uncut and behind-the-scenes.
SABC1 requires four behind-the-scene shots at 30 seconds each.
Please note that this is separate from the weekly and monthly promos required for the marketing of the
property.
PROPERTY/PRODUCTION BRAND GUIDELINES
PRODUCTION HOUSE BRANDING:
The production house may not brand any promotional material either with their own logos or with
channel’s visual branding
All SABC1 branding is to be done in-house
The SABC1 logo may not be used in conjunction with any other brand unless prior agreement has been
reached with the Portfolio Managers of SABC1.
Property/Show branding is imperative on all promos, using the logo and property style
There must be consistency in use of property/show branding throughout all promos
Only one logo is to be used at any one given time, any over branding will not be allowed
When ending the promo, please place the property logo to the left of the screen. It may not be obstructed
from view due to channel branding (30% vertical space on the right hand side of the screen)
As above, no subtitles are to be obstructed due to channel branding (30% vertical space on the right hand
side of the screen)
SABC NEWS, SABC SPORTS BRANDING:
SABC News and SABC Sports may not brand any promotional material with their own branding or with
channel’s visual branding.
It is allowed, however, to have a sting that ends the programme/property.
The sting used may not imply in copy or voice over that the “show is brought to you by..”
The sting may only be a logo animation with no audio, copy or voice over
GENERAL GUIDELINES
AUDIO:
Concept to inform audio choice
Edit to sync and flow with audio
Mixing two or more tracks over one another is not permitted
Footage used with script driving the promos must be audible and understood
Audio levels need to be of a professional standard
The music must be relevant to the property and it’s tone
All music/audio must be informed by the brand and target audience of SABC1.
Audio effects must be used to enhance the promo experience.
The voice chosen needs to be in line with the brand and target audience of SABC1.
Audio may not distract from Voice over or footage audio. Tighten up all audio levels.
Ensure all audio is in-line with the SABC broadcast standards.
All promos must promote SABC1 through the voice over or the presenter (See genre guidelines below)
VISUAL - footage:
Concept to inform shots chosen.
Edit to sync and flow with audio.
Always focus more on the stars/icons of the show.
Use mid to close up shots as much as possible as this drives excitement
Mid to far shots are used mostly only with action scenes or setting scenes.
The end docking shot must be a mid to close-up shot of the main star/icon.
These work best when a single man shot is used and when an emotion is being portrayed.
No grading is to be used unless it is motivated by creative concept.
It is best to stick to the original tone of the show wherever possible.
All shots chosen need to be relevant and in line with telling the story of the show.
Only one transition style is permitted per promo unless motivated by creative concept.
All editing styles, final mix and treatments must be informed by the brand and target audience of SABC1.
Special effects must be informed by the concept, be relevant and not over-done.
Any special effects must be driven by innovation and creativity.
Ensure all visuals are in-line with the SABC broadcast standards.
Unless a programme was shot in 16x9, only 4x3 formats will be accepted.
VISUAL - graphics:
Concept to inform all graphics and the creative there of.
Graphics used must correlate with the genre, tone and editing style of the promo.
All graphics must be driven by innovation and creativity.
Only one font per promo is permitted and needs to be used for continuity for all episodics and campaigns.
The choice of font must be in-line with the concept and tone of the promo/show.
All text must be legible and not overdone with animation and special effects, unless motivated by concept.
Graphics must flow and sync with audio and edit.
Colours chosen must be informed by the show and concept.
All graphics and show packaging must be consistent with episodics and campaigns.
No copy is to be written on the promo informing date, time and channel.
All graphics must be informed by the brand and target audience of SABC1.
MESSAGING:
The message or story cannot be completely driven by footage.
A voice over or presenter must be used for ALL promos.
The audio must correlate with the visual shown in its messaging and information given.
The message/copy needs to be simple, bold and understandable.
The message/copy must drive excitement, curiosity or suspense in order to drive appointment viewing.
All promos must have the time, day, channel and name of the show spoken via either presenter or V.O
The copy needs to drive SABC1 as the leader in all genres or as the leader in lifestyle and youth.
The copy must be informed by the brand and target audience of SABC1.
The tone and treatment of the messaging/copy needs to speak to the Mzansi headspace and keep rooted
to being truly South African.
CAMPAIGNS/SERIES AND EPISODIC:
All promos in a campaign or episodic series must have continuity in the following areas:
Audio/Music
Voice over
Graphics and Logo
Format and Editing Style
Messaging and copy
Overall treatment
Should promos be edited by different editors, please ensure the above elements are consistent.
Changing styles and elements during the series or campaign will not be permitted.
All concepts and campaigns must be informed by the brand of SABC1 and it’s target audience.
PROMO GENRE GUIDELINES
MOVIES/ INTERNATIONAL:
Movies/International need to be driven purely by the story or stars of the movie.
Driving the promo purely on footage is not permitted.
The Voice over needs to drive the storyline and appointment viewing.
The elements/treatment must be informed by the target audience of SABC1 and the genre.
Refrain from using too many graphic elements, unless motivated by concept.
Use the tone and treatment of the movie to drive the tone and treatment of the promo.
If none is available or not enticing enough, use the genre to drive the tone and treatment.
No grading is to be used. The original movie tone must be kept.
The copy is to be informed by the genre and concept.
Use footage that is exciting, funny, adventurous, dramatic and captivating.
All footage chosen must be relevant to story and concept.
The end docking shot must be mid to close-up of a star/icon of the movie.
Keep in mind the right brand banner when choosing this shot.
All graphics and editing styles must be innovative and creative but remain simple.
The voice over must punt SABC1 as being the best in entertainment.
DRAMA/DOCUMENTARIES:
The Drama series needs to be driven either by the story and stars of the show or through a theme that
encapsulates the series.
Driving the promo purely on footage is not permitted.
The Voice over needs to drive the storyline and appointment viewing.
The elements/treatment must be informed by the target audience of SABC1 and the genre.
Graphic elements used must be creative and rooted to youth and being proudly South African.
Make sure tone and treatment is raw, original, South African and youthful, but also keeping in mind the
elders of the community who enjoy the local content of SABC1.
Grading used must be motivated by concept, otherwise not used at all.
The copy is to be informed by the concept and theme.
Use footage that is exciting, funny, adventurous, dramatic and captivating.
All footage chosen must be relevant to story and concept.
The end docking shot must be mid to close-up of a star/icon of the movie.
Keep in mind the right brand banner when choosing this shot.
All graphics and editing styles must be innovative and creative.
The voice over must punt SABC1 as being the best in local drama or the official Mzansi storyteller.
NEWS/SPORTS:
News and Sports promos are to be driven by either presenters and SA icons or by exciting concepts.
Driving the promo purely on footage audio and script is not permitted.
News and Sports promos rely heavily on dramatic, emotive and exciting footage.
The elements/treatment must be informed by the target audience of SABC1 and the genre.
Graphic elements used must be creative, innovative and competitive.
Make sure tone and treatment is global, current and kept to one understandable message.
Grading used must be motivated by concept, creative effect or otherwise not used at all.
The copy is to be informed by the concept and theme and speak to SABC1 target audience.
Use footage that is dramatic, action-driven, emotive and bold.
All footage chosen must be relevant to the current message and concept.
All graphics and editing styles must be innovative and creative.
The voice over for soccer promos must punt SABC1 as being the home of soccer.
Game details must used as a creative graphic element, not merely written for the sake of informing.
Voice overs are not compulsory for Sports if creatively and effectively driven through music and graphics.
In this case, it is essential to have the game details shown on the promo.
News promos must be punted and treated for SABC1 not SABC News (see brand guidelines below).
Sports promos must be punted and treated for SABC1 not SABC Sports (see brand guidelines below).
PROMO DELIVERABLES & DEADLINES
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PROMO OFFICE: Room 0801, 8 Floor, TV office Block
CONTACT PERSON: Zweli Kubheka (011 714-5233)
ON-AIR MANAGER: Simone Berger (011 714 5165)
BRANDED PROMOS: Sponsorships (011 714-7000)
DELIVERY TIME: 08h00 – 14h00
PRODUCTION HOUSE:
Production houses are responsible for delivering all episodic/topical promos.
All promotional material must be delivered to the on-air department
On-air department will approve the promo and FCC will digitise 1 day in advance.
The On-air department will produce launch, teaser and generic promos, unless:
The promo requires high-intensity, show-specific graphics
The show is driven by current affairs
The show is driven by a presenter
The footage is delivered late or production is still in progress.
There is no footage available
Should the production house be producing the above mentioned promos, a concept and treatment board
must be approved by the on-air manager before final production takes place, unless otherwise agreed to.
SABC News and SABC Sports are to supply all promotional material unless otherwise agreed to by the
On-air manager of SABC1.
All footage supplied to the in-house promo producers need to be delivered three weeks prior to TX date of
programme.
Late footage delivery will be dealt with accordingly and further action will take place should the problem
persist.
Episodic promos:
Delivery deadlines for episodic promos are one week before episode TX date
Should the programme be driven by current affairs, the latest delivery would be 5 days
before episode TX date and a generic promo must be supplied
The length is to be no longer than 30 seconds
On-air duration will be one month
On-air duration will be from one day to one week and refreshed weekly
Any late deliveries will not be permitted to air
Any deviation from the promo guidelines will result in it not being flighted
INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED:
All promo tapes delivered need to be on SP30 betacam
TC in at 2:00:00:00
Tapes must have continuous unbroken time code
All promos must have a still screen before with the following information:
Programme name
Episode number
Production house
TX date of promo
TX date of episode/show
Countdown clock
All betacam labels must show the above information as well
Color bars and tone must be to channel specifications (see technical guidelines)
Should there be more than one promo per tape:
TX in for all promos need to begin at a rounded off number
Each promo must have a still screen before showing the episode number and the TX date of the episode.
IN-HOUSE DELIVERABLES:
In-house is responsible for delivering all generic, teaser and launch promos, unless:
The promo requires high-intensity, show-specific graphics
The show is driven by current affairs
The show is driven by a presenter
The footage is delivered late or production is still in progress.
There is no footage available
Teaser promos:
Delivery deadlines for teaser promos are two to three weeks before episode TX date
The length is to be no longer than 15 seconds
On-air duration will be one to two weeks
Any late deliveries will not be permitted to air
Any deviation from the promo guidelines will result in it not being flighted
Launch promos:
Delivery deadlines for launch promos are two weeks before episode TX date
Should the programme be driven by current affairs, the latest delivery would be 10 days
before episode TX date
The length is to be no longer than 40 seconds
On-air duration will be one week
Any late deliveries will not be permitted to air
Any deviation from the promo guidelines will result in it not being flighted
Generic promos:
Delivery deadlines for generic promos are two weeks before episode TX date.
If the programme be driven by current affairs, a generic promo needs to be provided by the
production house.
The length is to be no longer than 60 seconds
On-air duration will be one month
All generic promos must be refreshed once a month
Any late deliveries will not be permitted to air
Any deviation from the promo guidelines will result in it not being flighted
Themed/Branded promos:
Delivery deadlines for theme promos are one to two weeks before episode TX date.
The length is to be no longer than 60 seconds
On-air duration will be one month or as long as the theme needs to be carried out
All themed promos need to be refreshed accordingly
Any late deliveries will not be permitted to air
Any deviation from the promo guidelines will result in it not being flighted
The On-Air manager reserves the right to make changes to all promos delivered to the channel if not in
keeping with any of the above mentioned guidelines. Should these changes not be made or we experience
late deliveries of any promos, it will not be allowed to be flighted and further action may be taken if the
problem persists.
Please note that these guidelines will be updated on a regular basis to ensure efficient alignment with SABC1
brand and quality regulations of the SABC.
PROMO STYLES
Teases viewers about an upcoming show/competition/event/series
Usually 5 seconds
Teaser: Flighted before the launch of a show
Promos a new show/ product/campaign
Set the mood & drive interest about the new show
Launch Promo/
Create appointment viewing and hype
Call to Action:
Usually 30 – 40 seconds
Flighted two weeks prior to TX date of show.
Reminder that drives repeated appointment viewing
Maintenance of show/ product/campaign
Shares the tone of the series in its entirety
Generic Promo:
Is driven through emotive treatment
Usually 30 – 60 seconds
Flighted during the TX period of show and refreshed monthly
Specific to a particular episode (once-off)
Episodic/Topical: Is driven by the content of an episode
Usually 30 seconds
Flighted one week prior to TX date of show
PROGRAMME DELIVERY AND TECHNICAL GUIDELINES
INTRODUCION
The purpose of this section is to set out the technical requirements to ensure that material delivered is of satisfactory
standard and delivered at a specific time for broadcast. It also draws attention to areas that may impact upon
technical parameters and the quality of programmes.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Technical standards are required to deliver material to the SABC in such a way that the programme is fit to perform
the purpose(s) for which it was commissioned and it will pass flawlessly through the broadcasters systems. .These
are pass/fail measurements.
QUALITY REQUIREMENTS:
Quality requirements deal with subjective quality issues with the pictures and sound. Careless shooting, inappropriate
production methods and faulty or substandard equipment can cause avoidable impairment to sound or vision.
5 point grading scale is used to assess the quality of programmes for broadcast.
OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
All material delivered must be to the correct standard, be accompanied by the correct line-up sequences and with
correct information of “Ingest” or delivery process. These requirements are specific to the video livery media .e.g via
Beta SP, DVC Pro.
PROGRAMME DURATIONS***
It is critical for all suppliers to note that any deviation over or under the stipulated durations has serious
impact for the smooth running of the channel’s schedule and may result in the channel losing revenue when
programs do not start on time. Deviations will not be tolerated.
Half hour shows must be limited to the 24min durations
And the one hour shows to 48 minutes only.
ROLE OF THE QCC:
Minimize problems relating to physical day to day broadcast.
Monitor technical quality and delivery of transmission material
Check that information supplied on the FCC sheet is correct
Serve as communication line between the supplier and the final control center
Negotiate and communicate with the various production houses and commissioning editors to pre-record
transmission material
Do all acceptance procedures necessary on re-broadcasts
QCC has the authority to:
Send material back to the Commissioning Editor, or, if not available then to the production house, for
correction should it be delivered outside the procedures and standards outlined in this document.
Remove material from transmission should it fall outside the parameters, as outlined in this document, for
delivery (S.O.P) and transmission ** Note: if product is sponsored, it will have to be handled differently
TECHNICAL GUIDE FOR SABC 1 TRANSMISSION TAPES
BETACAM SP:
The controlling software assures that every tape is within technical specification and the cassette players are preset
within specification for playback.
TIME CODE ON THE BETACAM SP TAPE:
Time code has to be continuous
Time code to be incrementing from 30 seconds before the start of the programme (After color bars and tone) and
continue unbroken tone until 30 seconds after the end of the programe.
In/out time codes (8 digits) e.g:
In: 00:02:00:00
Out: 00:25:00:00
Duration: 23:00
PLEASE NOTE:
Programmes with broken time code will be impossible to play within the FCC system - the computer will stop the
programme and start the next event. The playback system is frame accurate, so the time code must be supplied
frame accurate, not rounded off to the nearest second.
IN BETWEEN SEGMENTS: Black in between breaks
Fade to black from last visual - no programme bumpers to be edited onto programme.
Fade up from black to first programme visual - no programme bumpers to be edited onto programme.
Segment (clip) duration rounded off in minutes and seconds
Accurate time codes are essential.
Segment(clip) durations must not be less than 5 minutes
SABC 1 supplies bumpers in and out of the commercial break in keeping with the channel imaging. We
suggest that programmes should not be edited with bumpers in. Double bumpers or trying to hack into the
programmes creates sloppy transmission.
AUDIO
DOLBY OFF
DOLBY status cannot be set for individual tapes (switches not accessible)
PLEASE NOTE:
Tape with DOLBY ON will have to be remixed by the production house or transferred before transmission leading to
subsequent generation loss.
DELIVERY OF PROGRAMME MATERIAL
Access to the physical location of the FCC suites will be strictly limited
Transmission tapes, with the FCC, music cue sheet and V18 form, plus a VHS or DVD copy of the transmission
tape with a burnt in time code, are to first be delivered to the Commissioning Editor.
Once the Com Editor has checked the VHS/DVD copy of the transmission tape for correct programme duration
and signed off the FCC, the transmission tapes and the completed paperwork are to be delivered to Video Library
and a receipt note completed.
All final transmission tapes and one FCC sheet must be channeled to TX STORE OR Video Library. the others to
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the 8 floor TV admin. Block (Scheduling Department)
The quality control officer will check the tape and if faults are discovered, either on the FCC sheet or the video
tape, the material will be returned for correction. A report will be completed for all faulty materials received.
The material delivered must include an indication if the programme is sponsored. This must also be indicated on
the FCC sheet.
Before delivery to the TX STORE/ARCHIVE or to QCC or to Scheduling, content approval must be obtained from
the Commissioning Editor (indicated by the appropriate signature) on the FCC sheet.
Any late deliveries of material must be delivered to:
The TX store or
Peter Mokone (011 714 6675)
Dudu Mthethwa (011 714 6031)
Late material should not to be delivered to Video Library, Day store or Reception.
WHERE TO FIND THE QCC: Quality Control Centre
Second floor of the Television Facilities Block (Henley), adjacent to the videotape Transfer Area (2H035) PA3
Access to the final control suite will no longer be possible
Only transmission material cleared and approved on the FCC sheet, by the QCC officer on duty, will be accepted
for transmission.
OPERATING HOURS
WEEKDAYS MONDAY - FRIDAY: 08h00 – 16h30
If your programme is delivered over the weekends please arrange a time with QCC beforehand.
Peter Mokone (011 714 6675)
Dudu (011 714 6031)
QCC: tel (011 714 6566 / 5827)
fax (011 714 5480)
FINAL CONTROL SHEET INFORMATION FOR PROGRAMMES
Important facts about Final Control Sheets before completing the forms:
The delivery countdown will start 6 weeks before scheduled broadcast for Drama programmes, and 4 week for all
other programmes.
Information on FCC sheets has to be 100% accurate including Production Number.
Duration Supplied on the FCC sheet has to correspond with the scheduled programme time.
Segment in and out times and durations will be entered into the system (as supplied by the FCC sheet)
These points will serve as exact points of transition in and out of programmes
Language Breakdown should be clearly noted with percentages or minutes e.g. English 40% Ndebele 60% etc.
Correct contact numbers are vital - please ensure that you give full details and more information than actually
required.
If any departmental or programme information is needed i.e. Production details or language information, please
use the Programme Description block
PLEASE CHECK S.O.P. DETAILS CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT FOR DELIVERY DEADLINES.
FINAL CONTROL SHEET INFORMATION FOR PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
To ensure that your promotional material is scheduled you have to submit Final Control Promo sheet 10 days in
advance. This FCC form is different to the one used for transmission tapes.
The final Control sheet and tape has to be delivered to the promo office five day before the scheduled
transmission date in order to have time to have material digitized.
STANDARD PROCEDURES AND DEADLINES
DAILY, WEEKLY AND BI-WEEKLY PROGRAMMES
PROGRAMME MATERIAL:
FCC sheets to be delivered 12 days (144 hours) prior to transmission for all programmes except Drama.
Drama FCC sheets to be delivered 4 weeks prior to transmission.
Duration needs to exactly match the scheduled duration of the programme
All daily, weekly and bi-weekly programmes must institute the use of FCC sheets
EXCEPTIONS:
NO LATE DELIVERY OF TRANSMISSION TAPES WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PRIOR ARRANGEMENT
BETWEEN THE PRODUCTION HOUSE AND THE PROGRAMME MANAGER OF SABC1. CUT OFF TIME FOR
TAPE DELIVERY (ONLY IF ARRANGED WITH QCC) IS 72 HOURS PRIOR TO TRANSMISSION
If no prior arrangement is reached and the Programme does not arrive within the prescribed period of time,
the Programme Manager will take appropriate action.
The production House responsible could face contract penalties
SERIES: Locally Produced and international
Final Control Sheets and matching transmission tape must be delivered 4 weeks prior to the transmission of
episode 1.
Should there be a problem with delivery of the entire series 6 weeks prior to the transmission of episode 1,
staggered delivery can be negotiated with the channel’s Programme Manager.
If no prior arrangement is reached and the Programme does not arrive within the prescribed period of time,
the programme will be replaced.
GUIDE FOR TECHNICAL PERSONNEL
FACT ABOUT THE PLAYBACK FACILITY IN FCC:
The playback system in FCC uses an automatic player that selects tapes out of holding racks by means of an
automated arm, and places them into any of three Playback machines.
The system operates on the following presumptions:
That all tapes supplied are technically within the specifications.
The machines on which the Programmes were prepared are within specifications.
It is with this mind that we supply the following technical specification.
Please ensure that your machines are within specifications and the programmes you supply do not vary.
"Tweaking" of Playback machines to compensate for variations in Technical 'spec' is not possible.
TAPE PREPARATION:
Sixty seconds of 75% first generation EBU Colour Bars.
Video material must conform to the EBU C-Format/Betacam SP specifications for material supplied in 625 format.
VIDEO:
Video Material MUST be free of excessive black-crushing or highlight compression
Colour rendition, especially flesh tones, should be natural and consistent throughout the Programme.
Video levels, measured on a Waveform monitor should not exceed the following:
Luminance at 100%
Chroma measured from synch tip: 123%
Chroma measured below black level: - 18%
Chroma levels measured on a Vectorscope should not exceed the vector blacks marked on a Vectorscope
graticule.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Special attention should be given to
Chroma breakup
Chroma noise
RF dropouts
Bearding and bleeding
AUDIO
1 kHz test tone accompanying the above mentioned colour bars should be recorded at Odbm equivalent to 100
nWebers/m, which is equal to 50% on the PPM meter.
No audio peak may exceed +db above reference level.
Audio on tracks must be in sync. With video to a tolerance of +- one field.
Stereo recordings must not have phase difference, between channels, of more than 15 degrees.
Audio must be free of hum, distortion, sibilance, wow or flutter.
Due to the rapid rate of technical development, use of specific equipment is constantly under review. This
document will be subject to periodic update to reflect this reality.
