BC Producers Branch

CMPA-BC represents over 150 independent production companies based in British Columbia.

Learn more

For information about CMPA-BC governance, read about our by-laws or please contact:

Tracey Friesen
Managing Vice-President, BC Producers Branch
778-654-5951
tracey.friesen@cmpa.ca

The BC Producers Branch (CMPA-BC) is a provincial chapter of the CMPA, working on behalf of British Columbia production companies.

The branch has four key operational priorities: government relations, industrial relations, export and industry development. CMPA-BC has its own eight-member branch council and operating by-laws, which adhere to the regulations and direction of the CMPA national organization.

Like the national organization, CMPA-BC promotes its members interests. Here’s how:

  • We negotiate labour agreements with BC guilds and unions to establish rates of pay, hours of work and other conditions of employment.
  • We advocate for BC’s film, television and digital media sector with all levels of government.
  • We hold conferences, seminars and workshops that help build the capacity of BC-based companies.
  • We organize export development initiatives that take member producers to global markets to meet production and financing partners.
  • We liaise, recommend and consult to and with the CMPA national organization on all issues that affect our members.

New and noteworthy

Bulletin regarding working alone or in isolation

The CMPA-BC and the Canadian Affiliates of the AMPTP have issued a bulletin to ensure that employers are aware of their obligations under the BC Occupational Health & Safety Regulations which require employers to develop and implement check-in procedures for the protection of employees, such as security employees, that may be assigned to work alone or in isolation.

 

Please ensure your production personnel are in receipt of the bulletin, which can be found and downloaded here.

Bulletin regarding provision of hair and makeup services

In response to concerns raised by UBCP/ACTRA regarding the equitable provision of hair and makeup services, specifically those provided to Black and Indigenous performers and performers of colour, UBCP/ACTRA, the Canadian Affiliates of the AMPTP and CMPA-BC have issued a joint bulletin, which can be found below. The purpose of the bulletin is to reinforce our commitment to safe and respectful worksites and to an industry free of discrimination, and to outline best practices for the provision of hair and makeup services.

 

Please ensure your production personnel are in receipt of the bulletin, which can be found and downloaded here.

Bulletin regarding performers with disabilities

In response to concerns raised by UBCP/ACTRA regarding the need for producers to make reasonable accommodations for performers with disabilities while at work and during the casting/audition process, the Canadian Affiliates of the AMPTP and CMPA-BC have issued a joint bulletin, which can be found below. The purpose of the bulleting is to remind producers that the BC Master Production Agreement now contains a new article, A406, which requires producers to use casting or production facilities that are accessible when such facilities exist and are available. Producers also have an obligation to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with and to the extent required by legislation, including the BC Human Rights Code.

 

Please ensure your production and casting personnel are in receipt of the bulletin, which can be found and downloaded here.

*UPDATED* B.C. Motion Picture Industry Hours of Service rules for carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles

 

In April 2019, the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) branch of British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure launched a two-year Hours of Service Pilot Project for the Motion Picture Industry in BC, introducing modified Hours of Service (HOS) rules applicable to drivers of commercial vehicles in the Motion Picture Industry (MPI). This pilot project, which was originally set to expire on April 1, 2021, has now been extended until September 30, 2022.

 

To assist members in better understanding MPI Hours of Service rules under the Pilot Project, the CMPA has created a guide to explain key concepts including off-duty and break requirements, maximum on-duty limitations, logbooks and cycle resets. The guide, which can be downloaded below, has been updated to include “bundling” information per the latest circular.

 

Download CMPA Hours of Service guide→


BC labour agreements and fees

Contact

Jason Lee
Vice-President, BC Industrial Relations
1-604-694-2712 /
1-866-390-7639 ext. 124
jason.lee@cmpa.ca

Tereza Olivero
Director, BC Industrial Relations
604-694-2713
tereza.olivero@cmpa.ca

The CMPA-BC Industrial Relations team negotiates and administers collective agreements on behalf of our members.

These agreements govern the engagement of actors, directors, writers, technicians and other production personnel in British Columbia’s screen-based production industry. Our goal is to shape and maintain a favourable labour environment for BC’s film, television and digital media producers. This includes fielding inquiries from our members about labour-related concerns, and offering guidance and support where needed.

Contact us

Contact the BC Industrial Relations team for:

  • Interpretation of collective agreements
  • Advice on industry practice
  • Assistance in dispute resolution, to avoid costly arbitration
  • Support and, where appropriate, representation

Labour agreements

British Columbia & Yukon Council of Film Unions Master Agreement

The British Columbia & Yukon Council of Film Unions Master Agreement establishes the terms, conditions and rates for labour technicians from IATSE 891 (technical crew including grip, props, construction, transportation, set decorating, hair, makeup and wardrobe), IATSE 669 (camera and publicity crew) and Teamsters 155 (including transportation and catering). This agreement is jointly negotiated by the CMPA and the Canadian Affiliates of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Download 2021-2024 wage rates

Download COVID-19 Letter of Understanding (revised November 15, 2022)

Download memorandum of agreement

Download Agreement

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Agreements

BC agreements

Yukon agreements

UBCP BC Master Animation Agreement

The Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP) BC Master Animation Agreement establishes the terms, conditions and rates for performers engaged in animation production on English-language production in British Columbia. UBCP is an autonomous branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA).

Download memorandum of agreement

BCMAA Rate Sheet 2023-2026

Download Agreement

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Agreements

BC agreements

Yukon agreements

UBCP BC Master Production Agreement

The Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP) BC Master Production Agreement establishes the terms, conditions and rates for on-camera and off-camera performers engaged on English-language production in British Columbia and the Yukon. UBCP is an autonomous branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA). The UBCP BC Master Production Agreement is jointly negotiated by the CMPA and the Canadian Affiliates of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Download 2021-2024 wage rates

Download Sideletter No. 17 re: COVID-19 (revised November 15, 2022)

Download Agreement

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Agreements

BC agreements

Yukon agreements

DGC BC Collective Agreement

The Directors Guild of Canada, British Columbia District Council (DGC BC) Collective Agreement establishes the terms, conditions and rates for directors, production managers, assistant directors, location department personnel and other professionals engaged on productions in BC and the Yukon. This agreement is jointly negotiated by the CMPA and the Canadian Affiliates of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Download memorandum of agreement

Download 2021-2024 wage rates

Download Sideletter No. 11 re: COVID-19 (revised November 15, 2022)

Download Agreement

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Agreements

BC agreements

Yukon agreements

ACFC West Local 2020 UNIFOR Collective Agreement

The Association of Canadian Film Craftspeople Local 2020 UNIFOR (ACFC West) Collective Agreement establishes the terms, conditions and rates for a number of technical crew—including grip, props, construction, transportation, set, hair, makeup and wardrobe—engaged on productions in BC.

Download summary rate sheet

Download Agreement

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Agreements

BC agreements

WGC Independent Production Agreement

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) IPA establishes the terms, conditions and rates for writers, story editors and story consultants engaged on English-language productions in Canada.

Download the current wage rates

Download memorandum of agreement

Download Agreement

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Agreements

Alberta agreements

BC agreements

Saskatchewan agreements

Manitoba agreements

Ontario agreements

Quebec agreements

Yukon agreements

National agreements

Maritimes agreements

Newfoundland and Labrador agreements

Fee summary

Union/guild
Production type
CMPA member (max rate)
Non-member (no max rate)
ACFC West
All (includes per episode)
1.0% no maximum
1.0%
BC & Yukon Council of Film Unions
Series
Feature, MOW, pilot
High-budget feature (labour costs over $4 million), mini-series
1.0% or $1,500/episode
1.0% or $2,000/production
1.0% or $4,500/part
2.0%
2.0%
2.0%
DGC-BC
All (includes per episode)
1.0% no maximum
2.0%
WGC
(Also applicable to national productions)
Series
Feature, MOW, pilot
Mini-series
2.75% or $2,000/episode
2.75% or $3,000/production
2.75% or $3,000/part
3.5%
3.5%
3.5%
UBCP
(Gross performer payroll under $2 million)
Series, mini-series
Feature, MOW
1.0% or $3,000/episode
1.0% or $3,000/production
2.0%
2.0%
UBCP
(Gross performer payroll over $2 million)
All (excludes series)
1.0% or $5,000/episode
2.0%
UBCP Animation
All
0.5% no maximum
1.0%

BC policy and advocacy

CMPA-BC actively represents the priorities of the independent production sector to government and related organizations.

On behalf of our members, we advocate in critical policy areas such as business development, funding, tax policy and export with municipal, provincial and federal governments. Where a provincial issue needs to be raised, CMPA-BC also appears before parliamentary and legislative committees to give insight into the development of policy, regulation and legislation.

CMPA-BC often collaborates with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC (MPPIA) in joint government relations efforts. At the agency level, the CMPA regularly consults with the Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada and Creative BC to ensure that those programs respond to the needs of independent producers.

 

 


Pictured (Top left to right) - Michelle Morris, Andrew Williamson, Kim Dent Wilder, Joy Haskell, Emily Alden, Tex Antonucci, Sabrina Roc (Bottom left to right) - Trevor Hodgson, Cathy Schoch (Absent) - Shyam Valera, Lori Massini

BC Producers Branch Council

The BC Producers Branch Council focuses on issues of concern to CMPA members in BC. And while the Branch has its own by-laws and Branch Council it abides by the rules, regulations and direction of the CMPA. The Branch Council meets on a monthly basis to discuss issues of importance to BC members.

 

Pictured (Top left to right) – Michelle Morris, Andrew Williamson, Kim Dent Wilder, Joy Haskell, Emily Alden, Tex Antonucci, Sabrina Roc (Bottom left to right) – Trevor Hodgson, Cathy Schoch (Absent) – Shyam Valera, Lori Massini

 

Emily Alden

Tex Antonucci

Kim Dent Wilder

Joy Haskell

Trevor Hodgson

Michelle Morris

Cathy Schoch

Shyam Valera

Andrew Williamson

CMPA-BC staff

Tracey Friesen

Managing Vice-President, BC Producers Branch

778-654-5951

As CMPA-BC’s managing VP, Tracey represents and supports BC-based independent production companies, plus oversees branch operations.

In her role she leads efforts to engage with government agencies and industry stakeholders across the province. In addition to her BC-focused responsibilities, Tracey also provides strategic input to the national organization and its members on a number of key files, including sustainability and climate action.

Tracey has over 30 years’ experience in Canada’s cultural sector. She spent more than a decade at the National Film Board, where she earned producer or executive credits on dozens of film, animation and interactive projects. Other contracts have included Rainmaker Digital Pictures in the ‘90s, the start-up phase of Roundhouse Radio, major research papers for DOC and Inspirit Foundation, and more recently the David Suzuki Foundation, as director of communications. Tracey is also an author and founder of Story Money Impact, the charitable organization advancing education around media impact. In 2013 she was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by WIFTV.

Tracey’s education includes a radio and television degree from TMU, and both an MA and MBA from SFU. She appreciates opportunities to mentor, moderate, adjudicate or convene groups, and was a regular co-facilitator at Hollyhock Leadership Institute’s annual Media That Matters conference. She currently sits on the board of the Whistler Film Festival and SCALE’s Mission Circle.

A Canadian big-screen highlight that still stands out in Tracey’s memory is the 2017 DOXA premiere of Marie Clements’ The Road Forward. What a powerful night!

 

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Raila Gutman

Director, Member Development, BC Producers Branch

604-694-2717

Raila is the Director of Member Development at the CMPA-BC where she supports BC independent producers. Working closely with members, Raila oversees professional development opportunities and international development. She also manages the event sponsorship portfolio and works with community partners on various committees to support industry-wide initiatives

Raila was the inaugural Program Director for the Pacific Screenwriting Program (PSP), a non-profit organization co-founded by CMPA-BC, Netflix and Creative BC in 2018. The PSP provides support and career-advancement opportunities to BC-based film and television writers. Under Raila’s leadership, the PSP made meaningful strides in building and nurturing BC’s screenwriter community. Before the PSP, Raila served as Marketing Director at Corus Entertainment.

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Jason Lee

Vice-President, BC Industrial Relations

604-694-2712

Jason oversees industrial relations for the BC Producers Branch of the CMPA, representing independent producers in collective labour matters and serving as a member resource for collective agreement interpretation and production practices.

As the lead negotiator in collective bargaining on behalf of the BC Branch Council, Jason is responsible for the negotiation and management of the CMPA’s labour agreements with BC’s guilds and unions, which represent writers, directors, performers and technicians. He assists members in the preparation of grievances and arbitrations, and represents the independent production sector in matters of employment standards, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Jason was vice-president of business and legal affairs with SEVEN24 Films, managing business and financial matters for the Canadian series Heartland, Young Drunk Punk and Wynonna Earp. During this time, he was co-chair of the CMPA’s national IR committee and was a producer representative in collective bargaining with ACTRA, the DGC and the WGC. Previously, Jason worked as an independent corporate, commercial and feature-film producer.

Jason received an honours BA and MA in social anthropology from the University of Calgary, and attended the National Screen Institute’s Drama Prize Program Producers Lab.

Jason’s favourite Canadian TV series is The Kids in the Hall because it was irreverent and subversive, and remains funny 25 years later.

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Ryan MacArthur

Manager, BC Finance & Facilities

604-694-2710

Ryan oversees the general office management of the BC Producers Branch and is the corporate secretary to the Branch Council.

Ryan acts as a point of contact for BC members and assists with the coordination of BC sponsorship commitments and networking events. In addition, Ryan is responsible for the administration of the BC accounts.

Prior to the CMPA, Ryan worked at BC Hydro as a business analyst with the SAP PPM Application Support team, analyzing education materials for consolidation and redevelopment. Before BC Hydro, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a client account associate, acting as a liaison between clients and senior management and assisting with the facilitation of the audit process.

Ryan’s favourite Canadian movies include One Week, Room and C.R.A.Z.Y. Each film has the ability to evoke an emotional response with its story.

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Tereza Olivero

Director, BC Industrial Relations

604 694-2713

Tereza provides support and guidance to BC producers regarding the application and interpretation of the CMPA’s labour agreements, and is the primary contact for BC Industrial Relations inquiries.

As a member of the BC Industrial Relations team, Tereza supports in the preparation and management of collective labour negotiations and is responsible for the administration of the labour agreements that govern producers’ working relationships with the industry’s unions and guilds and their members in British Columbia.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Tereza had an extensive 20-year career with ACTRA Toronto, representing the organization in multiple capacities.  Tereza’s work included the administration of collective agreements on behalf of performers across all aspects of the screen-based production industry, as well as representing organization in outreach initiatives to promote and maximize the union’s impact within the entertainment industry.

When it comes to Canadian production, Tereza will happily binge watch any iteration of Degrassi and appreciates that they are not afraid to tackle the current challenges young people face in a relatable and inclusive manner.

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Julia Rayanne

Executive Assistant Equity Internship Program

Julia Rayanne (She/Her) is a writer and producer based in Vancouver, BC. Her studies in Motion Picture Arts focused on screenwriting and directing with an emphasis on leadership. During her time in Vancouver, Julia has produced, and production managed different types of films and projects.

Julia loves to connect with people in all different types of fields, such as music, broadcasting, fashion, animation and advertising. She cites authors, comedians, motivational speakers and cinematographers as her influences. Amongst her producing life, Julia likes to brush up on and study various topics that tie into her love of filmmaking.

For that ever-important work-life balance outside the film industry, Julia enjoys writing comedy, hitting the gym, and going on long walks to meet dogs.

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Liz Shorten

Chief Operating Officer

604-694-2711

Liz Shorten has been working to build capacity in the film, television and digital media sectors for the past 25 years. In her role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the CMPA, Liz leads staff and oversees organizational operations across the association’s offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, and works to implement the CMPA’s corporate strategic plan.  Liz previously held senior positions at the Ontario Film Development Corporation (Ontario Creates), British Columbia Film (Creative BC), and CBC Television.

Active in many organizations, Liz is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of REEL CANADA and Secretary/Treasurer of the Pacific Screenwriting Program. Liz was a founding Board member of the Crazy8’s Film Society, Co-founder of Women in View and Founding Chair of Story Money Impact.  She was recently named one of BC’s top 500 Business Leaders by Business in Vancouver, “Woman of the Year” by Women in Film and Television Vancouver and “Industry Champion” by the Whistler Film Festival in recognition of her leadership role in the film and television industry.

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Jeremy Sorensen

Coordinator, BC Industrial Relations

604-694-2715

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