ACTRA
ACTRA:
ACTRA Student Agreement:
What is the ACTRA Student Agreement?
 The ACTRA Student Agreement allows both Union and Non-Union actors to
participate in the production of your film on a voluntary basis for NO MONEY.
 ACTRA Apprentices are allowed to use your student film as one ACTRA
CREDIT that goes towards their full ACTRA membership.
 If someone is not already an ACTRA Apprentice they CANNOT use your film as
their first credit.
 If someone has already got TWO films school credits, working towards their full
membership, they CANNOT use your film as a THIRD credit (This only applies
to ACTRA Apprentices who are wanting to become full ACTRA members).
What’s the first step?
 Before you begin you will need an ACTRA registration #. A registration # is like
an account #, it allows ACTRA to acknowledge your project as an existing project
that qualifies under the ACTRA Student Agreement.
 To get a registration # you will have to see GRACE WALKER for the appropriate
forms. Once you sign the ACTRA Student Agreement contract and fax it to
ACTRA, you will hear back from them in a few days. They will then give you
your registration #.
 Please note: The ACTRA Student Agreement will already be pre-signed by
Barbra Evans, who signs on behalf of the faculty at York.
 Once you have your registration # agents are going to be asking for it. Here’s
why: Let’s say you have an ACTRA Apprentice who needs this credit to get their
full ACTRA membership. Your film is going to be their last credit. Once they are
cast, the agents will go to ACTRA and tell them they have just been cast on your
film. If you haven’t gotten your registration # yet, ACTRA won’t know who you
are, and won’t have any idea that your project even exists. Agents will hunt you
down and keep nagging you for days, until you finally get your registration #.
 Key word of advice: Get your registration # right away!
Once you have your registration # what’s the next step?
 Once your film is cast and you have your registration # you will have to give
ACTRA the following things (FAX/EMAIL):
1. Cast List: the name, SIN numbers and addresses of the performers
involved including both members and non-members to be sent to ACTRA
prior to production.
2. Shooting Schedule, prior to production.
3. A copy of the script, prior to production.
4. Copy of the Film Budget, prior to production.
5. Signed contract(s) with all performers.
6. Minors Consent forms for all performers under 16 years of age.
7. Stunt Breakdown, if applicable
8. Daily Work Reports signed by the producer or their designate and each
performer.
What are the Rules and Regulations?
 Principal Performers will receive one 3/4" or 1/2" VHS video tape containing the
scenes in which they participated.
 All principal performers will be listed in all comprehensive publicity issued by the
York University concerning the film in which they appear.
 Each recorded performance shall provide written credit to ACTRA in a manner
such as the following: “The producer acknowledges the cooperation of the
ACTRA Toronto Performers of the ACTRA Performers Guild in the production
of this Film”
 NO ACTORS CAN BE PAID ON YOUR SET = This means both Union and
Non Union!
 The workday for Performers shall be eight (8) consecutive hours, exclusive of
time for meal breaks. Meal breaks as per the IPA.
 Under the Independent Production Agreement (IPA) covering film and television
work, children under the age of 12 may only work 8 hours plus one hour for
lunch.
 A parent or guardian of a child under 16 must be at the studio or accessible to the
child at all times when the child is on set and must go with the child to and from
the set or location.
 If a child performer is going to miss more than two school days in a given week,
the IPA (film and TV work) requires that productions provide a qualified on set
tutor for the child.
The Do’s and Don’ts:
 DO send all of ACTRA your paperwork prior to production
 DO follow the rules and regulations and if you are going to break one of these
rules DON’T announce it publicly.
 DON’T Pay any of your actors
Child actors, stunts, underwater photography and tutors!
 Child performers cannot work past 8 hours (if the need to: speak with just the
parent, if the parent approves then you should be OK)
 Any stunts in your film require a stunt coordinator. They cost lots of money. If
you have any stunt in your film, be careful what you tell ACTRA. If it is a
dangerous stunt you must tell ACTRA. If it is something small like kids rolling
around in leaves, which isn’t a stunt, don’t bother mentioning it.
 If you are shooting underwater you will need: 2 life guards on set at all times, and
a licensed rescue scuba diver, who is also under water at all times while the
performer is in the water.
Key contacts: Who to call for what and why.
 Admin assistant: Erin Hazzan 416.642.6746 ehazzan@actratoronto.com = all
paperwork and questions concerning paperwork goes through her, she’s really
nice.
 Steward: Barbara Larose at 416.928.2278 extension 6712 or
blarose@actratoronto.com.= for all questions concerning child actors, tutors,
stunts etc. be careful she’s the one who demanded I have a stunt coordinator on
set for two kids rolling in leaves!
ACTRA TIP Agreement:
What is the “Toronto Indie Production” Agreement?
 The Toronto Indie Production programme (TIP) permits eligible Canadian
producers to engage ACTRA performers on long or short-form low-budget
dramatic productions.The TIP minimum guideline rates have been amended
below ACTRA’s Independent Production Agreement (IPA) minimum scale rates.
TIP is applicable to Canadian films with budgets less than $275,000.
Procedures:
 At least one month prior to start date, contact the ACTRA Toronto office. The
TIP Coordinator will review the application package.
 Casting and principal photography may not begin until TIP approval is granted.
Face-to-Face Online will be made available to Producers for casting purposes
upon approval.
 Upon becoming a signatory, all terms of the IPA apply except as amended by the
TIP guidelines.
 Since every project is unique we suggest that you review the ACTRA Performers'
Rights Society's procedures sheet and contact them (416-489-1311) should you
require information on the specifics of your distribution arrangements.
 Your project must be budgeted to secure liability and accident insurance covering
cast and crew for the shoot and show proof of coverage prior to shooting.
You must complete all requirements listed on the checklist.
The IPA agreement is available on ACTRA Toronto website: www.actratoronto.com.
The Producer is expected to review this agreement and have a thorough understanding of
its terms and conditions.
Qualifications:
 Films of any length, genre or format qualify for TIP, subject to exclusions listed
as ineligible productions below. All projects must shoot within ACTRA Toronto’s
jurisdiction. Producers, directors, writers, performers and key crew must all be
Canadian or landed immigrant, and resident in Canada.
 The production must cast all its performers entirely from ACTRA membership –
ACTRA apprentices and ACTRA Extras are eligible.
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TIP:
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Producers must be members of the CFTPA before approval.
The producer will select a Mentorprior to applying. The Mentor will work
exclusively with the Producer.
Producers of feature films must commit to having at least 2 theatrical screenings
prior to any television or other media exposure. Short films require at least one
public or festival screening. All Distribution and Broadcast agreements must
allow for an initial theatrical window.
The project must be eligible as a 10 out of 10 Canadian content project under the
CAVCO rules and thereby also be eligible for federal tax credits.
Short and Experimental films are excluded from having to apply to CAVCO, but
must otherwise qualify under CAVCO. As per CAVCO any Canadian feature film
Distribution Agreement must include an obligation to exhibit the production in
Canada within two years of completion.
The Feature Film property must be owned and produced through a company
incorporated in Canada under the laws of Canada or of a Canadian province or
territory. All projects must adhere to standard legal, business, and accounting
procedures. All feature films must have a final audit performed. Experimental and
short Films, need only submit a final cost report.
A standard executed Security Agreement as per Appendix 7 a and b of the IPA is
required.
TIP is an initiative offered by ACTRA Toronto to eligible filmmakers.
The TIP Coordinator will approve projects on the basis of feasibility, professional
reputation and financial soundness. All productions of varying artistic and
commercial merit may qualify. The Coordinator shall not evaluate a project on the
basis of its artistic merit, subject or content.
ACTRA Toronto reserves the right to contact all other industry partners and/or
grant organizations to corroborate details of the production package.
The Producer's applications must be approved by the TIP Coordinator before
casting may begin.
ACTRA Toronto recognizes that TIP is vulnerable to abuse by producers who
chose to manipulate budgets and other financial documents. Continued success
depends on all participants complying with the guidelines of TIP, and its spirit:
generosity creating opportunity.
Guidelines may change at the discretion of ACTRA Toronto.
Ineligible Productions:
 All Industrials, Corporate Videos, documentaries, dubbing, animation, pilot
programs, Television Movies of the Week, Commercials and Music Videos are
not eligible.
 Projects that depend on the extensive involvement of minors will be carefully
examined for viability and will be excluded unless the resources and planning for
the proper care and treatment of the young performers can be demonstrated.
 TIP projects which in the course of production or completion increase the scope
of their budget or alter the nature of their production (e.g. TV movie) must
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disclose such changes to ACTRA Toronto. The TIP status of such a production
may be amended or withdrawn at the discretion of ACTRA Toronto.
A production which is found to be taking unfair advantage of TIP rates through
misrepresentation or falsification of budget will become immediately subject to
the rates and conditions of the IPA.
The Producer(s) and its principals and their related companies cannot apply to TIP
if they are (A) currently in default with ACTRA, or (B) have been declared an
Unfair Engager, or (C) have been previously found to be undermining TIP.
Money, money, money!
Actor payouts:
Class I Production: Total budget of $125,000 to $275,000
 Principal $210.00/day
 Actor $140.00/day
 Background $ 80.00/day
Class II Production: Total budget of less than $125,000
 Principal $110.00/day
 Actor $ 80.00/day
 Background $60.00/day
Administration Fees:
 Administration fees payable to both ACTRA and the CFTPA are as follows:
o Class I Productions under 30 minutes - $350
o Class I Productions over 30 minutes - $500
o Class II Productions under 30 minutes - $250
o Class II Productions over 30 minutes - $350
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How does it work = for those who are graduating
What are the rates $?
What are the rules and regulations
Key contacts: Who to call for what and why.
Performer Working Conditions:
 The workday for Performers shall be eight (8) consecutive hours, exclusive of
time for meal breaks. Meal breaks as per the IPA.
 If the Performer is requested or required to work beyond eight (8) consecutive
hours, Producer shall pay the Performer for each 1/4 hour increments, an amount
equal to time and one-half of the Performer’s payment for the day at the pro-rata
hourly rate.
 Overtime Formula: Contracted daily rate ÷ 8 (hours) = hourly rate x 1.5 (time and
half) = overtime hourly rate x.25 = overtime quarterly hour rate.
 No work shall be permitted in excess of twelve (12) hours, exclusive of time for
meal break, within any 24-hour period.
 Only ACTRA members, ACTRA apprentices and ACTRA extras are permitted to
work on TIP projects.
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All Performers will be provided the same meals as the crew.
Applying for a TIP project is a long and exhausting process. All the details can be found
on: http://www.actratoronto.com/TIP/form.htm