IPA Tentative Agreement Notice

ACTRA IPA Tentative Agreement Notice

Dear Members,

We are delighted to share some incredible news with you: the ACTRA IPA Bargaining Team has tentatively secured a groundbreaking new Independent Production Agreement (IPA) for the next three years. This tentative historic deal is a tremendous victory, bringing gains in many key areas that will strengthen and support our members like never before.

While we can’t wait to share the full details with you, we wanted to get this announcement to you before the holiday break so you can celebrate this achievement alongside us. This tentative agreement reflects the power of our collective voice and the unwavering dedication of ACTRA members from coast to coast to coast.

The tentative agreement has just been approved by your National Council and ratification voting will open on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT and close on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT.

We know you’ll have questions, and before ratification voting opens, an ACTRA National Townhall webinar will be held on Monday January 13, 2025, at 6 pm ET / 3 pm PT to discuss the details of the tentative agreement.

After the townhall, the tentative agreement and supporting information will be posted on the ACTRA National Website for members to review prior and throughout the voting period.

Please keep an eye on your inbox in the new year for information about the townhall education session and the ratification vote for eligible members. Your participation will help finalize this historic agreement and move us forward together.

Thank you for your patience and your solidarity throughout this negotiation process. This deal is a win for every member, and it’s one we can all be proud of.

We wish you and your loved ones a joyous and restful holiday season. Here’s to a bright year ahead!

In solidarity,

The ACTRA Toronto IPA Bargaining Team

Read ACTRA National’s Tentative Agreement Notice sent to all members on December 23, 2024.

Key Dates

October 10, 2024 – Exchange of proposals

November 4 to 14 – Bargaining began in Montreal

December 9 to 14 – Bargaining continues in Toronto

December 21 – Tentative Agreement reached

January 13 – ACTRA National Townhall webinar at 6 pm ET / 3 pm PT

January 14 – IPA ratification referendum voting opens at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT

January 21 – IPA ratification referendum voting closes at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT.

ACTRA Toronto members on the IPA Bargaining Team

**Get to know your IPA Bargaining Team**
Get to know your sibling ACTRA Toronto members who have stepped up to represent you during 2024 IPA bargaining. Find out why they decided to participate, what they hope to achieve during negotiations this fall, what they have been shocked to learn (so far) and more!

Why did ACTRA Toronto Member Jennifer Wigmore want to be a part of this round of IPA bargaining? “It’s historic,” she says in this video from negotiations.

“Respect for the next generation…” Just one reason why IPA Bargaining committee members like ACTRA Toronto’s Gugun Deep Singh continue to fight for a fair Independent Production Agreement.

As we hear from bargaining team members Tonjha Richardson and Paul Essiembre, the scene has shifted to Toronto as ACTRA continues to negotiate a new deal with the CMPA and AQPM.

ACTRA IPA Bargaining team members Tristan D. Lalla, Geoff Scovell and Ana Sani share their unique perspectives as Day 11 kicks off and we continue “fighting the good fight.”

ACTRA IPA Bargaining team members George Alevizos, Nova Zatzman and Jen Viens share how our diverse but unified group bring their experiences to the fight for a fair and equitable deal for all.

ACTRA members John Koensgen and Paul Constable explain how and where the IPA negotiation team continue to negotiate for a fair deal.

Let’s “pop” into the IPA negotiating room to check in with Theresa Tova, Keith Martin Gordey, Sally Bishop, Angelica Alejandro, Cory Doran and Wendi Smallwood!

IPA Bargaining Themes

The key issues – or themes – faced by Canadian performers are the same as those faced by SAG-AFTRA members in the U.S. during their 2023 negotiations. At the forefront of these issues are artificial intelligence, accessibility for members, inflation, the lack of inclusion on sets, and residuals, specifically for streaming content.

An easy way to remember the key issues ACTRA will be negotiating is through the acronym AIR.

A: Artificial Intelligence; Accessibility.
I: Inclusion; Increases.
R: Residuals; Respect.

ACTRA Toronto Treasurer Paul Constable discusses AIR – an acronym that represents a number of important issues to performers during our IPA bargaining – and more.

Learn more about these issues through the resources found below.

Accessibility

**All In: Building an inclusive and accessible production industry**
While 27% of the Canadian population aged 15+ identify as having a disability, why aren’t our sets and screens equally accessible for people with disabilities? This article examines how a more equitable screen industry requires an industry-wide commitment and willingness to foster change. (*7-minute read*)

Artificial Intelligence

Reaction to CMPA’s AI Report
ACTRA Toronto Executive Director Alistair Hepburn and ACTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Marie Kelly react to a report commissioned by the CMPA on artificial intelligence.

AI has Raised the Stakes at the bargaining Table
With AI advancing rapidly, the stakes at the bargaining table have skyrocketed, making it essential to protect jobs. Don’t miss this episode of ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk as Kate Ziegler and Amy Matysio dive into this topic and more critical issues facing performers today.

**The 3C’s: Protecting Performers in the age of AI**
With the explosion of new AI tools being the most recent disruptor in the screen-based media industry, what are the key issues facing performers? (*7-minute read*)

**AI Resources**
Check out ACTRA Toronto’s AI Resources page to learn more about AI and its impact on the screen-based industries.

ACTRA Toronto Executive Director Alistair Hepburn has an important message about AI and its effect on performers.

Increases

**The Big Squeeze**
While all Canadians are feeling the pinch on their household incomes thanks to skyrocketing inflation, there are other costs downloaded onto performers to shoulder in this *Big Squeeze* era. (*4-minute read*)

**Stand up for ~~rights~~ rates**
Inflationary costs and food insecurity are hitting Canadian workers hard, including those in Canada’s entertainment industry. ACTRA’s IPA provides critical protections, including minimum rates and financial benefits. Find out how these agreements rely on the collective strength of the membership to ensure their terms are upheld. (7-minute read)

Residuals

Making a Fake Movie to Understand Hollywood’s Shady Accounting (Morning Brew)
For years there has been a deliberate practice among Hollywood studios to use tricky accounting and tax loopholes to make it seem like many movies they make end up as losses. Exempting them from paying taxes on production costs, and getting them out of profit sharing deals with actors and directors. But how do these tax loopholes and accounting tricks work? And should we try to close them? (9-minute watch)

**Up the down stream (payment)**
Multi-billion-dollar corporations have grown into the corporate behemoths we see today thanks to the hard work and vision of the global creative class. While these international conglomerates have profited off the work of creators, it’s the creative class that struggles to make ends meet. It’s time to recognize the contributions of the creative class by paying them what they’re worth. (*6-minute read*)

**The Use Case**
Residuals payments – or Use fees – have been part of our industry and union for almost 100 years so why is it so important to update IPA Use fees in the age of streaming? (*6-minute read*)

**IPA 101: Residuals**
You may have heard of terms such as buyouts, residuals or royalties. Let’s talk about what exactly a residual payment is and how things work in Canada. (*4-minute read*)

ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk

ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk is a new podcast and video series hosted by Kate Ziegler and Asante Tracey where real performers provide real perspectives on bargaining.

ACTRA Toronto Treasurer Paul Constable discusses his career, some of the issues facing performers today, the changing nature of auditions, the importance of diversity and accessibility, the impacts of AI, and more.

ACTRA Toronto VP and Councillor Amy Matysio shares her experiences preparing for union bargaining, discussing key issues such as the rise of AI in the industry, the challenges of self-taped auditions, and the economic pressures facing performers. She also emphasizes the need for updated protections, fair compensation, and greater respect and care for all performers.

ACTRA Toronto Councillor Gugun Deep Singh discusses his journey as an actor and advocate, as well as key issues facing the industry as we head into IPA bargaining. Gugun explains the “AIR” acronym, referring to Accessibility, Inclusion, and Respect, and highlights the critical issues of artificial intelligence, fair wages, and residuals for performers. Gugun and Asante also discuss the importance of creating supportive and safe environments on set, inclusive practices, and setting standards for performers in a rapidly evolving landscape.

ACTRA Award-winning voice performer and IPA bargaining team member Cory Doran discusses the challenges and opportunities facing performers today, including the importance of AI protections, fair compensation, and control over one’s likeness, especially in the evolving voice and animation sectors. Cory also touches on the value of union solidarity, particularly for voice performers and precarious workers, as they navigate an industry reshaped by technology, inflation, and streaming.

ACTRA Toronto Executive Councillor and IPA Bargaining team member George Alevizos talks about the challenges and aspirations of diverse performers in Canada. George shares his journey in the industry, his advocacy for accessibility and inclusion, and the critical issues facing diverse artists, such as AI’s impact and the need for genuine representation. He speaks passionately about the “AIR” priorities for bargaining—Accessibility, Inclusion, and Residuals—emphasizing the importance of authentic opportunities for all artists.

IPA bargaining team member and veteran stunt performer Steven “Shack” Shackleton about the unique challenges and contributions of the stunt community in the IPA Bargaining process. Shack highlights the critical priorities of “AIR”—Accessibility, Inclusion, Residuals, and Artificial Intelligence—focusing on AI-related concerns like deep fakes, data capture, and digital doubles, which could impact the livelihoods of performers. He also sheds light on the physical demands of stunt work and the importance of health and safety.

ACTRA Toronto Councillor & IPA bargaining team member Tonjha Richardson talks about her extensive career, her return to the industry after a 15-year hiatus, and her current role on the Bargaining team. Tonjha discusses the “AIR” priorities and their significance in improving working conditions for performers. She shares insights into today’s challenges facing performers, including unpaid work for self-tapes and the need for better wages, accessibility and residuals, while also highlighting the importance of fostering respect on set.

IPA bargaining team member Jennifer Wigmore discusses her experience as a performer and union representative, focusing on the challenges, priorities and what’s at stake in IPA negotiations. Jennifer reflects on her time on the council in the 1990s, highlighting groundbreaking moments like integrating internet protections into the IPA—a reminder of the evolving nature of agreements. She underscores the importance of addressing digital streaming and residuals, citing the lack of protections for performers as streaming services dominate the industry.

ACTRA Toronto Executive Councillor and AI Subcommittee Co-Chair John Cleland talks about the critical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. They discuss two key types of AI affecting performers: digital replicas and generative AI. John highlights concerns such as the lack of consent protections, control over biometric data, and inadequate compensation for AI use. John stresses the importance of ACTRA Members educating themselves, advocating for legislative protections, and actively participating in union efforts to address these challenges.