About

So you want to start the fun journey of working on television and movie sets?

I have listed information to guide you and provide some education to help you determine if this is the right choice for you and your family.

to start...

I will need your name, and photos (they do not need to be professional, candid is great as casting likes to see who YOU are.) No sunglasses and preferably no hats. Generally casting prefers more natural photos, minimal makeup and typical hairstyle. I will also need your email address and phone number so I can contact you for opportunities.

Booking requests can sometimes arrive the day/night before they want you. If you are available and say YES, you are committed and should never back out last minute as each person is accounted for and requested from the production. Canceling last minute or not showing up or negligently showing up late will limit your opportunities in this industry.

Call details

Call details, such as wardrobe requirements, location, and firm call time generally arrive the evening before filming day. Often as late as 11 pm/2300. Also good to mention here, film world work on the 24-hour clock…so if you see a call time at 1500, that means 3 pm. The general rule of thumb for wardrobe, NO LOGOS or small checker print. Always bring a few options of tops, pants, and shoes. The more often you work the easier this will become. In the beginning, it is better to bring more options for clothing than to have a Wardrobe dept. potentially frustrated. It is your responsibility to have different options to choose from. Being unprepared and insufficient clothing can result in being sent home.

Working day

Working day, your call time could be 7 am or 12 pm, so if you accept the booking, you must be available ALL day. No one can tell you how long you will be on set each day. There are too many variables to determine that. Some good info for possible working day hours:

  • under 12 years old can work 8 hours plus 1-hour unpaid lunch
  • 12-15-year-olds can work 10 hours plus 1-hour unpaid lunch
  • 16-17-year-olds can work 12 hours plus 1-hour unpaid lunch
  • 18+ as long as needed

A nice buffet lunch is generally provided by the production, 6 hours after “crew call” There is also a “craft table” available in background holding. This generally consists of bread, peanut butter, jam, coffee, tea, juice crystals, apples, oranges. Anything else is a bonus. ***Covid has changed the snacks, each set will be different, but generally, a preordered lunch is still provided

Onset, when you arrive be sure to sign in and fill out your paperwork legibly with a pen you have brought. Be sure to have your health and safety certificate, and driver’s license or proof of residency (Notice of assessment, utility bills, bank statement, rental agreement, mortgage etc) to hand in. Have things to entertain yourself, books, chargers, cords, knitting as you are sometimes in holding awhile. Listen to the A.D’s for your direction, be quiet on set. You will pick up common phrases often heard on sets, such as “resetting”, “back to ones”  which means, they want to redo the scene and go back to where you started. Cut stop wait for direction.

Pay for all your hard work! 2021 rates are as follows

  • Stand In $30/hour
  • Photo Double $ 29/hour
  • *Special Skill (SSE) $39/hour
  • Actra Background $29/hour
  • Non-Union Background $14.25/hour

Everyone is paid a minimum of 8 hours unless otherwise specified. Meaning, if you are booked and wrap within 6 hours, you are still paid for 8.

Now you see the rates…you ask how do I become Actra? A couple of ways; you can be upgraded on set, it does sometimes happen where you are given a line! Be sure to let the sign-in people know so it is marked on your voucher! You can go to auditions and be chosen for a part. You can register as an AABP (additional actra background performer) and collect hours. It takes 1600 to redeem for your first credit to become an apprentice.

*SSE what is this? It can be anything as simple as riding a skateboard, being a nurse, paramedic, firefighter, juggling, dancing, etc. In this crazy film industry, I can’t even begin to name everything…but the more you know how to do, the better.

Well, I hope I touched upon all the important things to know to get started. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may think on [email protected]

Healthy & Safety Link

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/elearn/worker/index.php

Please print a copy, save a copy on your computer and phone. Only needs to be done once… if you don’t lose it.

**anyone 16+ requires this. For minors chaperones need.

Payments

Now for payments, you will receive an email transfer! This will be your payment minus your commission. In the notes, it will state the day you worked, the production and the amount paid before the commission.

Cheques arrive roughly 3 weeks after your workday. The email transfers make it quick and convenient for you! No need to come to me or check your bank if it was deposited. Plus it is easy to keep track of! IF you require a copy of your cheque stub, please message me after I have sent your transfer. In the “notes” it states production, date, and full amount before commission deduction for your reference.

What are commissions rates?

  • 10% NON UNION
  • 15% APPRENTICE
  • 10% FULL ACTRA
  • 15% UPGRADES/COMMERCIALS
  • 15% SSE (special skills extra)
  • There is no initial cost to start. All commissions to be paid when receiving your cheque
  • Failure to pay commission will result in not being asked back for work.

Minor Forms

Link to Actra for the forms. ***ANY CHILD UNDER 16 REQUIRES A CHAPERONE.

***These forms are generally handed out on set, but if you are sending your child with a chaperone, please download and fill them out. Also be sure if you are sending your child with a chaperone, they have your child’s SIN (Social Insurance Number or birthday allowed if under 16 only) online safety certificate as well as proof of residency for your child

https://www.actratoronto.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Engagement-of-Minors.pdf

Quick Reference to Minor Hours & General Rates

  • Under 12 years old can work 8 hours plus 1-hour unpaid lunch
  • 12-15-year-olds can work 10 hours plus 1-hour unpaid lunch
  • 16-17-year-olds can work 12 hours plus 1-hour unpaid lunch
  • 18+ as long as needed

Pay for all your hard work! 2021 rates are as follows

  • Stand In $29.75/hour
  • Photo Double $ 28.25/hour
  • *Special Skill (SSE) $37.75/hour
  • Actra Background $29.25/hour
  • Non-Union Background $14.00/hour

Everyone is paid a minimum of 8 hours unless otherwise specified. Meaning, if you are booked and wrap within 6 hours, you are still paid for 8.

Photo Tips!

For background work, you do not need to spend a bunch of money and time having professional photos taken. You can take photos with your phone or camera to submit.

  • Be sure there is good lighting (outside is always great natural light)
  • No sunglasses – we need/want to see your eyes
  • Preferred no hats to show true hair
  • Minimal makeup always best
  • Conservative clothes
  • Above all, send photos that best represent you! So when we see the photo we know what to expect on set.
  • Images do not need to be professional pictures, (However professional photographers are available at an extra fee if you would like to schedule a photo shoot)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a talent agency?

Talent agents represent actors, singers, performers and other entertainers in the entertainment industry. They schedule and book auditions for their clients and negotiating contracts to secure favorable benefits, payments, and future projects.

are there agency fees?

Yes, there are agency fees but

how often can i get an audition?

This can depend on many things, your look, experience and overall what the casting directors are looking for.

is bon.ker looking for new talent?

Yes! We are always looking for new talent so please feel free to reach out to us!

waht is actra?

ACTRA represents over 27,000 professional performers across Canada working in the English-language recorded media sector. Our members help bring Canadian stories to life in film, television and digital media.

HOW DO I BECOME ELIGIBLE UNDER ACTRA?

To be eligible for ACTRA Additional Background Performer membership, you must prove you have worked as a Background Performer under ACTRA's jurisdiction for 15 days within a 12-month period immediately preceding your application for membership. To apply, please contact your local ACTRA branch to set up an appointment.

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