Clearance Process

Our clearance process is made up of three stages that run alongside the production of an ad.

The ad clearance process involves three key stages—Script, Rough Cut, and Final TVC (Television Commercial) – which are all managed through our clearance system, The Clearcast Library.

Once you’ve registered and logged into The Library, start by creating a ‘campaign’, which links all your materials (script, rough cut and final TVC) for your ad, along with any feedback, together in one place.

We advise you to start the clearance process as early as possible, to make sure you have enough time before your aid date, leaving a minimum of two weeks

1 Script stage (Pre-production)

2 Rough cut stage (Post-production)

3 Final clocked ad/TVC Stage

1. Script stage (Pre-production)

Upload your script, along with any substantiation (evidence for claims in the ad), to The Library.

Once you’ve created the ‘campaign’, begin stage one by creating a ‘script material’ within it. Input the required information and upload your substantiation and script (as well as any necessary storyboards), which should outline everything that will be in the ad, including voice overs, visuals and text.

Then, within approximately three working days, you’ll receive feedback from your Clearcast contact, either approving the script or highlighting any required changes. Any scripts that contain advanced scientific or technical claims may need to be sent to a consultant however, which can result in a later feedback time.

Once the script is approved, you can move on to the ad’s production, then stage two of the clearance process.

2. Rough cut stage (Post-production)

Upload the filmed version (rough cut) of your ad to The Library.

For stage two, create a rough-cut material, input the required information and upload your video file. Although this stage of the process isn’t mandatory, we strongly recommend it, as it can save you time and money down the line.

Your ad will be watched by the Copy Clearance team in our daily viewing meeting, to check if it’s compliant and to decide any timing or scheduling restrictions which will be applied.

At this stage, we’ll also review your ad’s ‘supers’ (super-imposed legal text) to make sure that the heigh of text and duration held on screen passes legibility checks.

You’ll then receive feedback, providing you with approval, or outlining any edits that are required.

Once your rough cut has been approved, you can move on to stage three.

3. Final clocked ad/TVC Stage

Upload your final clocked ad to The Library.

For the third and final stage of the clearance process, create a TVC material, input the required information and upload your clocked ad, complete with a clock slate.

If you’d like to order subtitles (closed captions) to your ad to make it more accessible, this is the stage where you’ll need to request this in The Library.

The system will perform QC (technical quality control checks), which include duration, sound and PSE checks (the latter of which ensures its safe for viewers with photo-sensitive epilepsy), among others. If your ad fails any of these, you’ll be able to view which one in The Library, so that you can make any necessary changes to the file and re-upload it.

Once passed, your Clearcast contact will check your ad for compliance for the final time. Then, if possible, they’ll provide final approval in The Library, the status of which can also be viewed by the broadcasters.

Once you’ve received final approval, your ad is ready to be delivered to the broadcasters, through your preferred delivery supplier.

Helpdesk

Register to use our Clearance system

New agencies will need to register with us in order to clear copy through our online system. Once registered, you can begin the three-stage clearance process.