Understanding Your Pay Cheque

Not only is it important to receive your pay stub it’s important to also understand it, too!

To start, know your rate of pay. The 2018-2021 BCMPA Rates and Terms Summary can be found on our website under the Agreement section.

Most film and television productions use one of three main payroll companies, EP Canada, Cast and Crew and Ease Entertainment Services. There are other payroll companies who specialize in commercial payroll. Payments may also be made directly by production companies, or other companies who specialize in other agreements. Although each payroll company’s pay stub looks different, the content is generally the same.

It is important to know that Cast and Crew separates the 4% vacation pay into its own line item while EP Canada includes the 4% in the gross.

Understanding the deductions & contributions you see on your stub

Deductions & Contributions for UBCP/ACTRA Full Members working under the BCMPA or BCAA

Performer Deduction – 2.25% Member Working Dues (to a max of $4000 per year)

Performer Deduction – 3% Retirement (to a max of $3000 per Production)

Producer Contribution – 6% Insurance (to a max of $5000 per Production)

Producer Contribution – 6% Retirement (to a max of $6000 per Production)

Deductions & Contributions for Apprentice, Background and Non-Members working under the BCMPA or BCAA

Performer Deduction – Permit Fee (amount differentiates per Performer Category)

Producer Contribution – 12% Equalization Payment

In the case of residual payments there will be a deduction for a Residual Service Fee rather than a permit fee.

Deductions & Contributions for UBCP/ACTRA Full Members working under the NCA

Performer Deduction – 2.25% Member Working Dues (to a max of $4000 per year)

Performer Deduction – 4% Retirement

Producer Contribution – 5% Insurance

Producer Contribution – 7% Retirement

Deductions & Contributions for Apprentice, Background and Non-Members working under the NCA

Performer Deduction – Permit Fee for session payments (amount differentiates per Performer Category)

Or Performer Deduction – 10% Service Fee + GST for residual payments

Performer Deduction – 4% Equalization Payment

Producer Contribution – 12% Equalization Payment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. The rate of pay shown on my pay stub from Cast & Crew does not match the rate on my contract?

A. All Rate in the BCMPA are inclusive of 4% vacation pay. Cast & Crew shows the vacation portion as a separate amount so the pay rates shown in the breakdown are the rates in the UBCP Agreement less 4%.

Q. It looks like I have been paid less than minimum fees, why?

A. It may be that your payment has come from Cast & Crew or the production may qualify for a discount under the BC Indie Program (Appendix “Q” if the BCMPA). If you are still unsure, please contact the Union Representative 604-689-0727

Q. I’m a full member but I was deducted a permit?

A. If you are a Full Member who is suspended a Permit will be deducted until you have paid your Union dues. If you are a NEW Full Member it may have been deducted in error. In any case, contact the Membership Department 604-689-0727.

Q. When Does overtime start?

A. BCMPA A1201. Any time worked by a Performer in excess of eight (8) hours in any one (1) day shall be paid at the rate of one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the Performer’s contract hourly rate. Any time worked in excess of twelve (12) hours in any one (1) day shall be paid at the rate of two hundred percent (%200) of the Performer’s contracted hourly rate. Tie worked shall be paid in one-tenth (.1) hour units

Q. I have a contract for a day that was cancelled, should I still be compensated for that day?

A. A1905 Cancellation of a Performer’s Engagement. If the Producer cancels a Performer’s Booking or engagement on a Production which is subsequently produced, such Performer shall be paid in full the Performer’s contracted fee(s), except where the cancellation occurred for just and reasonable cause.

Q. What if my contracted day is rescheduled?

A. A1906 Change in Scheduled Days. If for any reason other than weather, the Producer changes a Performer’s Booking or engagement to another day, the following conditions apply:

  • If the notice of change is given to the Performer less than twenty-four (24) hours before the hour scheduled for work to commence, the Performer shall be paid in full the Contracted Fee for the original day.
  • The Performer shall be paid fifty percent (50%) of the Contracted Fee for the original day if the notice of change is given to the Performer less than forty-eight (48) but more than twenty –four (24) hours before the hour scheduled for work to commence.
  • If forty – eight (48) or more hours notice has been given, no payment to the Performer shall be required for the original day.

If such change in scheduled day conflicts with any other confirmed engagement, then the Performer shall be compensated in full for the engagement which the Performer is unable to fulfill. For the purpose of this clause, where the Call Time of the Performer has not been specified, it shall be considered to be 10h00, except when it has been designated as a night shoot, in which case the Call shall be consider to be 19h00.

Q. How are meal penalties calculated?

A. A1403 Meal Periods. If any Performer is unable to commence a meal period by the end of the sixth (6th) hour interval described in A1401 (Meal Period) above, the Performer shall be paid a meal penalty or penalties equal to such Performer’s hourly overtime rate calculated in one-tenth (.1) hour increments for all time after the sixth (6th) hour until the Performer’s meal period begins, or they are dismissed for the day.

Q. How is the 6th and 7th day pay calculated?

A. When a Performer is required to work on a Production for 6 consecutive days, the 6th day shall be paid at 150% of the contracted daily, hourly and overtime rates.

Straight time = 150%, 1.5 Overtime = 225%, 2.0 Double Time = 300%

When a Performer is required to work on a Production for 7 consecutive days, the 7th day shall be paid at 200% of the contracted daily, hourly and overtime rates.

Straight time = 200%, all overtime 300% (a1204 Maximum Compounding Effect states that the maximum payment is 300% of the Performer’s contracted hourly rate).

Q. My pay cheque is incorrect, who do I contact?’

A. If the information on the cheque is incorrect (ex name spelled incorrectly, etc) contact the Payroll Company that issued the cheque.

If your payment is incorrect, contact the payroll accountant on the Production. If you payment issues is unresolved within 10 calendar days through your agent, the Production Company or Payroll Company, please contact the Production’s UBCP Representative 604-689-0727.