Frequently asked questions…

Q1: Is there an application fee?

A: No.

Q2: What is the maximum budget amount that will be considered for approval under the 40 Under Indie ULB Program?

A: The total cash costs for the production must be $40,000 or less. “Total Cash Costs” include, but are not limited to, all sums paid for goods and services including payment of cast and crew fees, tape or film stock, equipment hire, insurance premiums, and post production facilities.  “Total Non-Cash Costs” should be included in a separate column in the budget and include, but are not limited to, all waivers, donations; and ‘in-kind’ goods and services.

Q3: Am I required to compensate Performers under the 40 Under Indie ULB Agreement?

A: The 40 Under Indie ULB Program does not require the producer to pay Performers a session fee unless they negotiate one.  If you do pay a session fee, UBCP/ACTRA does not require you to make deductions under this program.

Q4: What insurance is required under the 40 Under Indie ULB Agreement?

Accident on Set insurance from AFBS is required for all unpaid Union Members. Please see www.accidentonset.com for additional information, or contact the Program Administrator at admin@accidentonset.ca.

WorkSafe BC insurance is required by BC Law if any Performers are receiving compensation (payment is not required under the 40 Under Indie Program, but may be negotiated with Performers).

If your production includes stunts, UBCP/ACTRA requires you to have Commercial General Liability coverage (please see Schedule A for details).

Q5: Is it possible to include a non-Canadian Performer in my production?

A: Under special circumstances, UBCP/ACTRA may consider allowing a maximum of one (1) star Performer who is not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. Please contact a ULB Program Administrator for more information.

Q6: How many UBCP/ACTRA members must I cast?  Am I permitted to cast non-Union members?

A: Many productions have both Union and non-Union members.  There is no limitation or restriction as to how many UBCP/ACTRA members you must cast. You may cast all UBCP/ACTRA members, or just one.

Q7: If a non-member performs on an Ultra-Low Budget production, can they use the performance as a credit for Membership?

A: No.  Working on an Ultra-Low Budget production does not count as a credit towards Union membership.

Q8: We may shoot at a location in which we will require the Performers to stay overnight.   Is this permitted?

A: The Ultra-Low Budget Program may allow Performer to stay overnight at a distant location. Please contact an Ultra-Low Budget administrator for more information about our travel requirements.

Q9: Why do we need to include SIN numbers on the Final Cast List?

A: UBCP/ACTRA requires the address, SIN number, and number of days worked for each Performer.  This information is used by UBCP/ACTRA for the sole purpose of distributing residuals that may become due to Performers should your project generate revenue.

Q10: We’ve made some revenue on our production! What’s next?

A: Under the 40 Under Indie Ultra-Low Budget Program, the producer shall pay Performers an amount equal to 20% of Distributor’s Gross Revenue.  If your production receives revenue, contact our Distribution Department at (604) 689-0727.

Do you have a question that hasn’t been answered? E-mail ulbprogram@ubcpactra.ca or call (604) 689-0727