As you’re likely aware, the provincial government and the Provincial Health Officer have deemed the restarting of the Motion Picture industry to be part of Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan.  The gradual re-starting of industries in this phase will take place between June and September.  

Over the last several weeks, UBCP/ACTRA, along with other industry unions, employers, WorkSafeBC and various stakeholders, has been heavily involved with developing industry-specific guidelines and protocols for a safe return to work.  Once completed, these guidelines will be subject to approval by the Provincial Health Officer before our industry is given the green light to resume.  While great strides have been made in the development of these guidelines, we are still working towards a timeframe for the completion of this process. 

In the meantime, UBCP/ACTRA is strongly encouraging all productions to wait until industry guidelines are in place and the provincial government has approved the resumption of filming.  All employers in BC will be required by law to develop and implement a COVID-19 Safety Plan prior to employees returning to work and to communicate that plan to all employees.  When completed, the industry guidelines will be a vital resource for productions in developing their own specific COVID-19 safety plans. 

If you are offered work on a production that plans to commence prior to provincial approval, please reach out to us through report.it@ubcpactra.ca.  We understand that many workers and producers are eager to return to work, but the health and safety of all Performers remains our highest priority. 

ULTRA LOW BUDGET PROGRAM UPDATE

In order to protect the health and safety of performers, UBCP/ACTRA has temporarily suspended the Ultra Low Budget (ULB) Program until the Motion Picture Industry has been given approval by the province to resume production.

The suspension will be in place until the resumption of film production has been approved by the province so there is no time frame for the program’s resumption. We recommend checking back here periodically.

If you have any questions, please contact our ULB Administrators at ULBprogram@ubcpactra.ca