The Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement 2012: What It Means and Why It Matters

As an actor, being part of a collective agreement can mean the difference between a fair wage and being taken advantage of. The Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement 2012 (AFFCA) is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for actors working on feature films in Canada. It is negotiated every three years by the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA).

So why is this agreement important? Let`s take a closer look at what it covers.

Wages and Benefits

The AFFCA sets minimum rates for actors according to their role and experience level. This ensures that actors are paid fairly for their work and that producers cannot offer lower rates than what is specified in the agreement. The agreement also provides other benefits, such as contributions to the performers’ pension plan and health care plan.

Working Conditions

The AFFCA outlines working conditions for actors, including hours of work, meal breaks, and rest periods. It also stipulates provisions for overtime pay, travel time, and accommodation for actors who are required to work away from their home base.

Workplace Safety

The AFFCA requires producers to provide a safe working environment for actors. This includes compliance with all safety regulations and insurance coverage for accidents or illness that may occur during filming.

Copyright and Residuals

The agreement stipulates that actors retain the right to their performance and image. It also establishes a system for residuals, which ensures that actors receive payments for further use of their work, such as when a film is broadcast on television or released on DVD.

Dispute Resolution

The AFFCA includes provisions for resolving disputes between actors and producers. ACTRA and the CFTPA have a joint dispute resolution process, which includes mediation and arbitration.

In summary, the Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement 2012 is a crucial document for actors working in the Canadian film industry. It outlines the minimum rates, working conditions, workplace safety, copyright and residual rights, and dispute resolution procedures that actors are entitled to. By ensuring fairness and protection for actors, the AFFCA helps to maintain a healthy and sustainable film industry in Canada.