INFORMATION FOR BACKGROUND PERFORMERS

BACKGROUND VOUCHERS

A Quick Reference Guide

Green Voucher – replaced other coloured vouchers which were phased out in 2021.  ACTRA has a minimum count for background on set each day (varies between 10 and 13 depending on production) who are paid according to the rates in the agreement including a minimum 8 hour day, overtime, etc.  Full ACTRA members receive these vouchers first, then Apprentice, than AABP.  A non member would only receive a green voucher if there are less ACTRA members on set than the BG count for that production. 

White (cash) Voucher  – When the number of background exceed the ACTRA minimum count the producer can move to white vouchers and pay either the minimum amount in the agreement or the provincial minimum wage (whichever is higher).   All minimums with white vouchers are provincial labour standards (i.e. minimum call, Overtime, etc.) ACTRA full and Apprentice Members cannot be booked to work on white vouchers unless they have been informed at the time of booking that the count is full and then it is their choice if wish to work and accept a white voucher.

It is important for the accounting department that the information on the vouchers is filled in CLEARLY so that they can read it.  If the name, address or SIN isn’t clear, they can’t issue or mail out the cheque. It’s a good idea for performers to always include the phone number and e-mail address as well.

Full member numbers look like this: 05-12345 Apprentice numbers look like this: AM-12345

ACTRA Additional Background Performers (AABP) complete a GREEN voucher if Preference of engagement has been met, otherwise a WHITE voucher.   AABP member numbers look like this: EX-054321.  Production are not required to inform AABP members if they are being booked on a white or green voucher at time of booking. 

NEW: The big change on the green voucher is the the top left box where you mark the appropriate checkbox to indicate your ACTRA membership category (Full Member, Apprentice, AABP) or Permittee status. White vouchers remain unchanged.

The IPA requires that ACTRA members are given “preference of engagement”.  In other words, members of ACTRA must be offered work before non-members of ACTRA. 

ACTRA Members, followed by Apprentices and then AABP must be given preference of engagement and a voucher.  The first 13 in Ottawa (fewer on low-budget/CIPIP) people hired as general background performers and SSE background performers must work on voucher regardless of whether they are members or not.  All photo doubles and stand-ins must work on voucher.

ACTRA members and apprentice members must be given a Green voucher.  The first set number of people hired as general background performers and special skills background performers must work on voucher regardless of whether they are members or not.  All photo doubles and stand-ins must work on voucher.

What’s on The Voucher?

“Date”   The day the performer is actually working.

“Call Time”  The time production has asked the performer to show up.

“Travel To” Where you would fill in how long a performer traveled, if you are either transporting them to a distant location or having them travel to a distant location.  A distant location is one that is more than 40 km outside of city centre.

“Make-up/Wardrobe Call” The time the performer spends in hair, make-up and wardrobe.  We need this information because it can change how the performer gets paid. 

“Set Call” The time that the performers actually get called to come to the set.  This information will not affect the payment, but please fill it in regardless.

“Meal”  What time did the performer have lunch?  There are two boxes for meals– in case there is a second one.

“Wrap Time” The time the performer is actually ready to walk off the set.  All performers should be out of make-up and costume before they sign out.

“Travel From” The time spent travelling from the location back to the city.

“Mileage” Filled in if the performer has taken their own car to a distant location.

“Agree” or “Disagree”.  The performer must check off and initial either “agree” or “disagree”.  This allows us to know immediately if the performer’s day, as recorded on the voucher, is correct or not.

“Date of Wardrobe Fitting” is where you indicate that a performer had a fitting on a previous day.

“Category” is where you indicate if someone was a Background Performer, Special Skills Background Performer, Stand-in or Photo Double.  Since the rates are different for these categories, this must be filled in correctly.

“Wardrobe – Specialty/Regular” The type and number of changes determines if additional payment is required.

“Specialty Item/Car” The provision of a specialty item (musical instrument, sports equipment etc.) or a car, requires additional payment.

“Upgrade” is where you indicate if a performer was upgraded to a different category of performance.  If a performer is upgraded to an Actor role, then they must also sign a long-form contract.

For complete terms, conditions, rates and fees, refer to the Independent Production Agreement (IPA) or contact: ACTRA NL newfoundland@actra.ca