A campaign has been launched to ask individuals who work in the comedy industry to pay for their tickets at the Edinburgh Festival.

At present, TV producers and other such individuals who work in the comedy industry can often claim a free ticket to see a Fringe show. However, the new movement Free-Free is asking these people to now pay for their tickets, to help signal the performance is of value, and to financially support the performers.

Free-Free is specifically asking for "a commitment from individuals in or related to the comedy industry to not request free tickets for paid shows at the Edinburgh Festival. The extension of this would be a commitment from whole production companies, broadcasters and other institutions."

Talking to those who work in comedy, the campaign explains: "The Edinburgh Festival is predominantly a loss-leader for artists. Financial margins are tight and losing money from ticket sales by giving away complimentary tickets exacerbates this. The money you choose not to spend on a ticket ultimately comes out of the artists' pocket.

"A free ticket devalues the work you are watching; if you don't pay for something it has less value to you before, during and after.

"If an individual is truly interested in the show they're seeing, especially professionally, buying a ticket shows that they ascribe value to the artist and their work.

"Free tickets should be offered at the artists' discretion entirely. Those in the industry who are able to pay should make an effort to buy their own tickets."

The campaign has been setup by Charlie Perkins, a Comedy Development Producer at Blink Industries.

Addressing how finances could be managed, the Free-Free website suggests: "Individuals, production companies, broadcasters and other institutions could allocate development money for ticket sales. They could save money by booking for previews, 2for1 days and during the week when ticket prices are cheaper."

Individuals and companies can publicly declare their support for the campaign by adding their name to a list on freefreemovement.com

The Free-Free organisers conclude: "Free-Free is starting with the UK comedy industry at the Edinburgh Festival, but the same ethos can be applied across the arts."