Have you ever wanted to work behind the camera as a member of the crew or as the director? Is there a different kind of role you’d like to play? Have you written a script or do you have an idea for one? The NL MIP Grant Program is designed to stimulate the desire of ACTRA members to come together and create original works of art without requiring the financial resources to pay established daily fees to performers. It is also intended to encourage ACTRA members to develop their skills as actors, and in other key creative areas.

Any member can do an MIP at any time outside of this Grant program.   Just contact the office for more information. 

Under this Program, the role of the ‘producer’ is played by the partnership that is created by the members who come together. ACTRA’s role – through ACTRA PRS – is to represent performers’ interests in the commercial exploitation of the project in the marketplace.

There would be one member appointed producer/administrator for the project who would sign all documents, accept payments, etc. 

Payment of grants

3 grants of $2000 each. 

Grants are paid out in 2 installments $1500 at start of project and final $500 when final cut and final receipts are submitted.    

Grants would be payable to the individual listed as the producer/administrator on the application.

Jury Process

All applications are submitted to the ACTRA office and are then decided by a jury of three people.  As applications are open to all members jury members will come from industry professionals outside of the membership.  They will review all submissions and rank the applications.  Submissions that rank highest will be awarded.  This process will ensure that all members, including council and committee members, can apply with no conflict of interest. 

Program timelines:

Announcement of program:  September 14, 2026

Zoom Info Session:  September 21, 2026. This session with feature information regarding the MIP program and its forms and requirements.  

1. Submission deadline: November 2, 2026
2. Submissions to Jury:  November 15, 2026
3. Jury Recommendations:  December 15, 2026
4. Grant recipients will be notified at AGM in January 2027
5. Funds available as of March 1, 2027 ($1500 first installment/$500 final cut)
6. Delivery of final cut of the film, along with eligible expenses with receipts for the final installment of the grant must be submitted by February 28, 2028.

An ACTRA sponsored Screening and Mixer will take place in 2028.  Exact date and venue TBA.   

FAQ’S

How do I know if I am eligible to apply?

ACTRA Members of any membership category may apply to the program.

How long does the film have to be?

The NL MIP grant is awarded for films of 15 minutes or less. 

How does the ownership work for the MIP finished project?

All participants, including stunt coordinators and stunt riggers, are part-owners in the production.  Due to this, there are no contracts for these productions. Each participant signs the MIP ownership agreement in lieu of a contract.  The percentages assigned to each individual is based on their participation and work on the project. 

ACTRA Members must own at least 55% of the production.

· Non-Members may own no more than 40% of the production.

· PRS (Performers Rights Society) automatically owns 5% of production.

Can you send out an audition call through ACTRA if selected?

Yes, if selected, ACTRA can send out an audition call indicating it is for an MIP project. Only ACTRA Members (of any membership category) may be a performer in a MIP.

Can non-members be used in the MIP’s?

Under special circumstances, MIP Makers may seek permission from the ACTRA Office to engage non-members as performers.  Special requests for non member performers should be discussed with office prior to application being filed if possible.  Non-members may be involved in all other categories. These non-members can be either passive investors or hands-on creators like writers, directors or DOPs. No individual non-member may own more than 40% of the copyright of the Project.

How do I know what to pay the performers?

The performers in the MIP programs are not paid or given an honorarium in order to be covered under the accident on set insurance program as they own a percentage of the film through the ownership form. If honorariums are paid to any performer you must have worker’s comp in place. 

Do I need to get insurance for the MIP if successful?

All MIP Productions will be required to purchase AOS (Accident on Set insurance) from ACTRA Fraternal or have worker’s comp in place.  Please note: AOS only covers performers on a production.  Crew are not covered by AOS.  AOS current costs are $10 a day per performer/$50 a day for stunt performers/stunt coordinators with a $50 minimum per application.

Once you have the completed film, can you sell your film or apply for festivals?

After your film is completed, you may apply for, and screen your film at festivals, competitions, etc., or sell your film through distribution methods.

Footage cannot be used in any other way or any other production without written consent of performers.  Any other usage would be governed by the Independent Production Agreement (IPA). 

What happens if there is revenue generated by the MIP Project?

Any and all revenue generated by the exploitation of the Project will be collected by ACTRA PRS, who will in turn disburse the funds amongst the Participants, as stipulated by the Agreement.

How should we credit ACTRA in the project?

All films must include:  This film was completed under the ACTRA NL MIP Grant Program and include the official ACTRA Logo.

Can you have stunts?

Stunts would only be allowed if there is an ACTRA Stunt Coordinator and AOS insurance will be impacted. 

Do you need to have an intimacy coordinator?

Intimate Scenes would only be allowed with an ACTRA Intimacy Coordinator.

Can minors be used in the MIPs?

If minors are required, a special statement regarding addressing minors needs as outlined in the IPA would be required.

Does participation in the MIPs count towards membership? 

Participation in MIP Productions do not count towards membership. 

Can you apply for other funding outside of this MIP grant?

All projects are free to apply for other funding outside of the ACTRA NL Grant but you do not need to apply for other funding in order to complete the MIP.  

Where should I send my application to?

Please emailed your complete applications to mcahill@actra.ca. Incomplete applications will not be assessed by the jury.

If you have any questions about the application process or the MIP Grant Program where should I direct them?

If you have any questions please reach out to the ACTRA NL Branch representative at mcahill@actra.ca or call the office at 709-722-0430.

If you are Applying the ACTRA NL MIP Grant Program all applications must include:

Completed MIP Application form

List of known participants at time of application

Synopsis of script

Copy of or outline of script

Copy of budget using sample

Copyright of the script

Links to forms –

MIP Application Form

Sample Budget

ACTRA NL MIP Grant Program Ownership Form (to be completed upon awarding of grant)