Residuals Terminology

A helpful glossary of the most often used (and sometimes confused) terms in the residuals world.

The following information serves to define generally the terminology used within the world of residuals. If you have questions about any of these terms, feel free to contact the residuals office for specific interpretation.

Beneficiary

The person(s) who are designated by a performer to receive that performer’s residual earnings after his or her death.

Distributors Gross Receipts

Revenue derived from the license or sale of a project. This formula depends on the type of product, parties to the agreement and market of exploitation. Refer to the Codified Basic Agreement for more information.

Foreign Market

Product licensed to any part of the world outside the United States, its commonwealths, territories, possessions and Canada.

Loan Out

The performer’s corporation to which he or she would receive residuals using a federal ID#.

Mult Payment

A mult payment is a residual check representing multiple payments for multiple projects from the same production company. For example, if a performer was on several episodes of Friends, all of those payments go on one check instead of a separate check for each episode.

Network Prime Time

TV shows airing in prime evening viewing hours on NBC, CBS, ABC and as of July 1, 2003, FBC (FOX).

Production Number

A unique number assigned by SAG to a TV show or theatrical movie.

Recoupment

The residuals payor is entitled to recover any overpayment made in error or resulting from revenue and air-date adjustments.

Runs

A Made-for Free TV product which has been telecast not more than once in any city in the United States or Canada is considered in its first run.

A Made-for Free TV product which has been telecast more than once but not more than twice in any city in the United States and Canada is in its second run.

A similar test applies in determining when a Made-for-Free TV product is in its third and succeeding runs.

Syndication

Product licensed for telecast over independent stations, local network affiliates, and for non-primetime network exhibition.