Endorsement vs Testimonial. What are some creative ways to pay employees of a company or friends and family of a company who are giving on camera testimonials so it’s not an “endorsement?” Product?

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You can’t legally provide payment or offer something for a testimonial. One of the main components of a testimonial release is the person’s words and opinions are their own and they received no compensation for them. Compensation can be considered an item of value. A “thank you gift” I suppose could be considered, but there could be risk of how it’s perceived - do not offer it before hand.

Furthermore, if the agency and/or client is a signatory to the Union, you’ll want to be sure you check on intended use and the need to get a waiver. There could be fines if you don’t.

If the agency or client have legal counsel you can speak with, I’d recommend doing so. We as producers are not attorneys so best to put to push that liability off to those who are.

helpful

Well that’s not very creative.

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I have always been allowed in most cases to pay interviewees expenses as long those expenses don’t cross the “reasonable” line. Employees are not normally considered “testimonials” but are just interviews. .

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We pay people for their product testimonials. We have to disclaim, “[person’s name] was compensated for their story” in the videos.

They also have to sign an affidavit they are telling the truth - networks require this for TV spots. And it’s good to have on hand for any legal reasons

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Annnnnnd. Be careful on using employees for testimonials. Just google Deutsch LA and Playstation. They were sued by the FTC for this. If an employee is going to endorse a produce it has to be disclosed they work for/on the brand

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Depends on the usage. If it’s a social post - we don’t pay anything and have them sign a release.

But for web to TV
Session $400-$500.
Buyout $1500-$5000

If you’re a union shop. The. It’s SAG rates

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Isn’t a testimonial an endorsement of a product?

Just kidding @cityborder. I appreciate your input and I agree with what youre saying. We were thinking a meal and a gift afterwards. I’ll be sure to consult and could have prob worded my post much better. Thanks for your help.

Thanks, exec producer 1. What do you typically pay company employees for these endorsements.

*then

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