Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know

The entertainment industry is known for its fast-paced, high-stress environment, and the film industry is no exception. Actors who want to make a living in film are often faced with a multitude of challenges, including long hours, unpredictable work schedules, and contractual agreements that can be difficult to navigate. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at the Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement, also known as the AFFCA, and what it means for actors working in the film industry.

What is the Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement?

The Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement is a contractual agreement between the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and producers of feature films in Canada. The agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which actors will work on a feature film, including rates of pay, hours of work, and other important benefits.

According to the ACTRA website, the AFFCA is designed to “ensure that actors working in Canadian feature films receive fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.” The agreement sets minimum standards for actors working on feature films, and it is binding for all ACTRA members who work on films produced under the agreement.

What are some of the key provisions of the AFFCA?

There are many provisions in the Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement, but some of the most important ones for actors include:

1. Rates of pay: The AFFCA sets out minimum rates of pay for actors working on feature films, which vary depending on the type of role and the budget of the film. For example, lead performers in a feature film with a budget of $2 million or more are guaranteed a minimum rate of $3,607 per week of work.

2. Hours of work: The AFFCA limits the number of hours actors can work per day and per week, and it also sets out rules for meal breaks and overtime pay.

3. Residuals: Actors who work on feature films produced under the AFFCA are entitled to residuals – a form of payment for the use of their performance in the film – under certain conditions.

4. Health and safety: The AFFCA contains provisions related to the health and safety of actors on set, including requirements for safe working conditions and adequate rest breaks.

Why is the AFFCA important for actors?

The Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement is important for actors because it provides a legal framework that ensures fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. By setting minimum standards for the industry, the agreement helps to protect actors from exploitation and ensures that they are compensated fairly for their work.

In addition, the agreement provides actors with access to important benefits, including healthcare, pension contributions, and access to training and education opportunities. This can be especially important for actors who work on a freelance basis and may not have access to these benefits through traditional employment.

Conclusion

The Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement is an important document for actors working in the Canadian film industry. By setting out minimum standards for wages, hours of work, and other important benefits, the agreement helps to protect actors from exploitation and ensures that they are compensated fairly for their work. If you are an actor working in feature films in Canada, it is important to understand the provisions of the AFFCA and to advocate for your rights under the agreement.