Rights and Obligations of Members

Producers engage ACTRA members because they meet a standard of skill, training and dedication to their craft. As an ACTRA member, you are expected to be professional. You also have rights and standards you can expect as a professional.

Rights of ACTRA’s Full members in good standing:

  • do not require permits to work under ACTRA’s jurisdiction.
  • are entitled to the many rights and protections negotiated through ACTRA agreements, including minimum rates of pay.
  • enjoy preference of engagement over all other non‐member performers.
  • can participate in ratification votes for ACTRA agreements if they meet the eligibility requirements defined in the ACTRA By-Laws.
  • can vote in ACTRA Toronto elections.
  • can play a direct role in governing their union by holding elected positions at ACTRA Toronto;
  • receive health and insurance benefits through the AFBS.
  • participate in free professional educational opportunities provided by ACTRA Toronto.
  • are eligible to put forward fellow performers or be nominated for the ACTRA Awards in Toronto.
  • are eligible for consideration by other performers’ unions under ACTRA’s reciprocal agreements.

ACTRA Member Responsibilities:

  • When you accept a booking from your agent or the casting director, make sure you have a clear idea of the requirements of the role, the location, the time and the date of the shoot. If anything is unclear, ask questions.
  • At the time of booking, inform your agent or the casting director if you have a commitment for other work that could limit your ability to do overtime on that day.
  • Your word is your bond. If you accept a booking, you’re committed to that production for the duration of the production day. Don’t cancel!
  • Be on time. A professional always arrives prepared to work at least 10 minutes before call.
  • Be organized. If the production asks you to bring wardrobe, have it ready to show to the wardrobe assistants.
  • Follow instructions. When you’re moved from place to place, go quickly and quietly.
  • Respect the set. Don’t rearrange things to suit yourself.
  • Do your job, remember your actions and perform the same actions each time – unless directed otherwise.
  • Listen attentively. Don’t make the Assistant Directors (AD) repeat instructions.
  • Be aware of equipment and what the camera is doing. Learn to know when you’re in the frame and when you’re not.
  • When you go for a break, tell the AD, Production Assistant or casting person responsible where you’re going. Don’t just wander off, and always return immediately. Try to take washroom breaks during slow times.
  • Don’t:
    • bring valuables to a production.
    • take food, drinks or anything that’s not part of the set onto the set.
    • wear your own makeup to the set unless asked.
    • rearrange your hair, makeup or wardrobe for personal comfort.

Obligations of ACTRA Members:

These rules are essential in maintaining our collective agreements and in protecting the rates and working conditions we have won through years of negotiations.

  • Do not work for engagers that are not signatory to the relevant ACTRA agreement.
  • Do not work without a signed contract.
  • Do not work for a fee less than the minimum set out in the relevant agreement.
  • Only work with ACTRA members in good standing or non‐members permitted by ACTRA.

Your Rights on Set:

  • The right to a fair wage.
  • The right to compensation for use of your image and performance.
  • The right to safe and acceptable working conditions.
  • The right to artistic freedom.
  • The right to maintain control over artistic output.
  • The right to be treated respectfully as an integral part of the film and television production industry and as a contributing member of the Canadian cultural fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions