Animation ULB

For Animation Productions with a total production cash budget up to $150,000
  • All cast must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. only under extraordinary circumstances, UBCP/ACTRA may allow up to one (1) star Performer who is neither a Canadian Citizen nor a 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 day rate, based on the running time and budget of the production, per the Animation ULB Agreement; nothing shall restrict the Performers from negotiating higher than the minimums.  Please see the minimum day rates below.
  • As Performers are required to be paid, under BC law you must have WorkSafeBC coverage.
  • The Animation ULB Program is available to strictly independent animation productions only.
  • Animation Dubbing and Performance Capture work is excluded from the Program.

Budget: $0-$40,000

Running Time Minimum Call Performer Fee
 >10 mins  2 hrs  $150.00
 10 mins or less  1 hr  $100.00

Budget: $40,000 – $150,000

Running Time Minimum Call Performer Fee
 >10 mins  2 hrs  $250.00
 10 mins or less  1 hr  $200.00

Simple Steps to working with Professional Talent:

Application

Insurance

Agreement

Return Forms

Application

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

  • Application form – click here. (To fill form in online please use Internet Explorer or Google Chrome)
  • Script
  • Budget: Please attach a copy of the budget which declares all cash payments and donations in separate columns
  • Cast list (click here for a template)

Insurance

Apply for the necessary insurance:

  • WorkSafe BC insurance: Under the Animation ULB Program, Production is required to pay all Performers the minimum applicable daily fee. Under BC law, you are required to contact WCB regarding required employee coverage. Please forward the registration to your designated UBCP/ACTRA representative.

Agreement

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

Return Forms

Once you have provided UBCP/ACTRA 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 sign the forms. Return these signed forms to UBCP 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 BCMAA.

FAQs

No.

UBCP/ACTRA reviews all project applications on a case-by-case basis.  The vast majority of accepted applications under the Animation Ultra-Low Budget Program have total cash costs of less than $150,000.  “Total Cash Costs” include but is not limited to all sums paid for goods and services including payment of cast and crew fees, equipment and recording studio, 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.

Yes, all Performers (both Union and non-Union), receive the applicable minimum daily fees outlined in the Agreement. Performers are able to negotiate a higher rate and deductions are not required to be made.

WorkSafe BC insurance is required by BC Law as Performers are receiving compensation.

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.

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.

No.  Working on an ultra-low budget production does not count as a credit toward Union membership.

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 be owed to Performers should your project generate revenue.

Under terms of the Animation Ultra-Low Budget Program, Producers agree to pay Performers 5% of the Distributor’s Gross Revenue.  If your production generates revenue, please contact our Distribution Department – 604-689-0727.