Standard ULB Program

…may meet your needs if you are not eligible for the Student Film Program or the 40 Under Indie Program.

  • Generally, all cast must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. However, in extraordinary circumstances, where specific conditions are met, UBCP/ACTRA may allow up to one (1) star Performer who is neither a Canadian Citizen nor Permanent Resident. Contact the ULB Administrator for more information.
  • In recognition of the need for diverse and inclusive casting, the producer commits to a casting process that considers all performers, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, disability, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis prohibited by law, subject to legitimate casting requirements.
  • Should the production generate revenue, the Producer agrees to pay the Performers an amount equal to 5% of Distributor’s Gross Revenue
  • The Producer must pay the Performers a minimum of $100 per day; nothing shall restrict the Performers from negotiating higher than the minimums.  There is no requirement to pay volunteers for background performance
  • As Performers are required to be paid, under BC law you must have WorkSafeBC coverage
  • Affordable “Accident on Set Insurance” is required for any UBCP/ACTRA Members volunteering as a background performer and is available by contacting AFBS Commercial General Liability Insurance is required if stunts are to be performed

Simple Steps to working with Professional Talent

1. Submit Application:

At least five business days prior to first scheduled day of shooting, please submit the following to ulbprogram@ubcpactra.ca.

2. Apply for the necessary Insurance:

  •  WorkSafe BC insurance:  Under the Standard ULB Program, Production is required to pay all Performers a minimum of one hundred dollars ($100) per day of work. Under BC law, you are required to contact WCB regarding required employee coverage.  Please forward the registration confirmation email to ulbprogram@ubcpactra.ca.
  • Accident on Set Insurance: If any Union Members are not being paid (i.e.: those in a Background role), Accident on Set insurance is required. Apply for Accident on Set Insurance through AFBS (accidentonset.com) by calling the program administrator in Toronto at 1 800 387-8897, extension 304, or by email admin@accidentonset.ca  Once you have been provided with the Accident on Set Certificate, please email it to ulbprogram@ubcpactra.ca.
    Please note that it may take up to five (5) business days for AFBS to process insurance applications and their office hours are Monday to Thursday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET

If your production requires stunts you will need the following:

3. Return signed Agreement:

Once you have completed Steps 1 & 2, UBCP/ACTRA will provide you with the ULB Agreement. Please sign and return it to UBCP/ACTRA.

4. Return signed Performer Forms and Final Cast List:

Once you have provided UBCP with the signed ULB Agreement, you will be provided with Performer Forms and a Final Cast List Template. Please have all Union and non-Union Performers (except background performers) sign the forms. Return these signed forms to UBCP along with the Final Cast List indicating each Performer’s name, addresses, SIN, GST (if applicable) and the number of days worked.

Please note: If the production has a distribution agreement in place: Fees in an aggregate amount equal to five percent (5%) of Distributors’ Gross Revenue (the “DGR) shall be issued to the Union for distribution to Performers in the form of Use Fees.  The 5% of DGR is shared amongst the Performers based on days worked as provided by the Producer. DGR payments shall be issued to the Union for distribution to Performers in accordance with the Reporting and Payment Procedure of the BCMPA.

Please note: If Performers are required to stay overnight at a distant location: Please contact a ULB Program Administrator at ULBProgram@ubcpactra.ca or 604-689-0727 for further information regarding the expenses and requirements associated with shooting at distant locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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