Join the CMPA

Membership is the best way to make your voice heard and shape the future of the sector.

Contact

Lisa Moreau
Director, Member Services & Special Events
1-613-690-0900 /
1-800-656-7440 ext. 329
lisa.moreau@cmpa.ca

CMPA membership lets producers take full advantage of our benefits and services, from reduced labour costs to professional development opportunities.

The CMPA works to secure a bright future for the Canadian media production industry. We understand the challenges facing media producers, and we have the collective strength and expertise to meet these challenges head-on. All of our advocacy work, programs, activities and events serve one goal: the success of our members.

Hundreds of Canadian media production companies count themselves among our ranks, and already take advantage of the excellent benefits we offer. Learn more about the benefits of being a CMPA member, and information about membership categories and pricing.

Each CMPA member company also commits to fostering a workplace free from discrimination, harassment and bullying, including the promotion of and adherence to a code of conduct with the company’s employees and agents.

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a CMPA member.

What members are saying

“I am a CMPA member because I believe in the organization. Producers need a voice in the industry that is united, and I believe that the CMPA is that voice as it advocates on producers’ behalf to industry and government. I’m passionate about the industry and believe in being engaged in my profession on every level.”

– Trish Dolman, founder and president of Screen Siren Pictures Inc. (Vancouver, BC)

“There are many advantages to being a member of a professional organization. Most importantly, it is to be part of a strong community that represents your interests and gives you a voice.”

– Barbara Doran, founder of Morag Loves Company (St. John’s, NL)

“The CMPA is absolutely essential to the production industry in Canada. It has incredibly dedicated and talented staff who are completely committed to helping producers succeed in this very challenging industry, and board members who dedicate thousands of volunteer hours to the organization.”

– Jamie Brown, CEO and executive producer of Frantic Films (Winnipeg, MB)

Member benefits

By joining the leagues of talented professionals who make up the CMPA, you’ll ensure that your voice is heard.

You’ll be heard by government, at the negotiating table with the unions and guilds that represent your workers, by influential industry stakeholders and by other producers. The diverse makeup of our board of directors means that no matter your company’s size, your region or your genre, the CMPA is always going to bat for you. You’ll also have the chance to work directly on specific industry issues and challenges through our committees.

Here’s a breakdown of what CMPA membership has to offer:

Collective agreements

We negotiate collective agreements with labour organizations representing the workers you need to hire. As a member, you’ll receive significant discounts on mandatory administration fees.

Mentorship programs

The CMPA’s mentorship programs connect our members with enthusiastic trainees, and nurture the careers of the next crop of producers and filmmakers. Salaries are partially subsidized by the CMPA.

Staff expertise

The CMPA staff is made up of leading experts with an in-depth understanding of copyright, collective agreements, tax credits, financing, co-production, government policy and regulatory affairs. Contact them whenever you need support—they’re here to help.

Professional development

The CMPA works with its members to determine their priorities for professional development, and then produces workshops, panels, webcasts, pitch sessions and other networking events in order to help create business opportunities and build capacity for member companies across the country. CMPA members also receive discounts for business-boosting professional development courses, workshops and industry events.

News you need

As a member, you’ll receive essential email updates to keep you in the loop:

Daily News Flash, a daily service of need-to-know industry information, curated from thousands of publications and news sites.
Member Matters, a twice-monthly digest of events, member discounts, executive moves and other useful information.
Notes to Members, frequent updates (on an as-needed basis) on CMPA happenings and industry developments.
The GR Quarterly, a quarterly update on the CMPA’s advocacy activities.

Members can also save up to 30% on vital industry publications such as C21, The Hollywood Reporter, Playback Online, Screen International and more.

Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) membership

CMPA members receive free membership to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), and can enjoy all CFIB benefits at no additional cost, including access to business counsellors, online courses, templates and HR support, along with exclusive discount on banking, payroll, shipping costs, and much more.

CMPA member directory

Our searchable member directory is a great way to market your company for domestic and international partnerships. Members and non-members alike can search the directory for CMPA member partners based on location, genre and more. Not only does it promote your company to producers around the world, it’s also a great way for you to find the CMPA member partner you may be looking for.

Conferences and events

Members receive a reduced rate to our annual conference, Prime Time in Ottawa. You can also get discounted registration rates for the Banff World Media Festival, Just for Laughs Festival, Hot Docs and more.

Exclusive member discounts

Group health, drug, dental, and travel plans with Health Plus
Save up to 40% on group home and auto insurance plans with The Co-operators
35% discount on FedEx services

CMPA member categories and fees

Who can become a CMPA member?

Canadian producers come in different shapes and sizes. The CMPA has four membership categories to suit each, plus a permittee membership available on a per-project basis.

If you have a provincially or federally incorporated company that’s engaged in the production of film, television or digital media, you can apply for a Start-up membership, Producer membership or Interactive media membership. The membership of a parent company covers all of its subsidiary companies.

If you are not a producer but offer necessary services to producers (e.g., financial, legal, facilities), you may hold an associate membership, which applies to individuals as well as to companies. You can apply for yourself if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or for your company if it is majority Canadian-owned and controlled. You’ll enjoy all the benefits of membership (excluding access to collective agreements.

If you are not eligible for membership but are producing in Canada, you may apply for a permittee membership. This allows non-members (production companies not based in Canada, for example) to access collective agreements on a per-project basis.

Note that broadcaster-affiliated companies with less than 30% ownership from a private broadcaster or broadcast distribution undertaking are eligible for CMPA membership.

Click here for more information about our administration fees.

How much does membership cost?

The list of membership categories and membership fees are indicated below.

Annual membership runs from April 1 to March 31. Please note that fees are not prorated if you join midway through the year.

We do, however, offer a fourth-quarter discount for applications received between January 1 and March 31. Please contact us directly for more information about the fourth-quarter discount.

Which category is for you?

Producer

This category applies to companies producing film, television or digital media (this includes service production) that are provincially or federally incorporated, and majority owned by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Number of full-time employees
0–1
2
3–5
6–9
10–19
20+

Membership fee
$750
$1,300
$1,950
$2,750
$5,500
$8,250

Start-up

This category is for producers engaged in the creation of film, television or interactive media production, including service production, who are new to membership with the CMPA. This would exclude companies with three or more full-time employees. If you have been a director or principal for a company that is, or has been, a CMPA member company within the last 10 years, you are ineligible for this membership category. This limitation applies even if the previous member company no longer exists, or your relationship to that company no longer exists. Two years would be permitted under this membership category.

Membership fee
$300

Interactive media

For companies whose primary business is producing interactive media. Eligibility is limited to companies, including owned or affiliated subsidiary companies, having more than 75% of their combined annual gross revenues originating from the creation or exploitation (e.g., distribution or marketing) of interactive media. Must be provincially or federally incorporated and majority owned by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Membership fee
$500

Associate

This category applies to individuals or companies who are not producers, but offer necessary services to the media industry (e.g., financial, legal, facilities). Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or, if applying as a company, must be a majority Canadian-owned and controlled corporation or partnership.

Number of full-time employees
0–1
2–3
4+

Membership fee
$750
$1,300
$2,200

Permittee

This category applies to companies that are ineligible for full CMPA membership. The permittee membership allows the production company to access the discounted administration fees payable through the labour agreements. Additionally, you may access the expertise of the industrial relations team. Permittee members are not eligible to vote or to access any other membership benefits. The fees for permittee membership are established annually. *If a pilot results in a series, the producer will pay a top-up fee for the series’ first season. Subsequent seasons are subject to the full series fee.

Series
Mini-series
Feature, MOW, pilot
Series Top-Up

$5,200
$4,600
$4,000*
$1,200

Join the CMPA or renew your membership

Applying for CMPA membership is simple—it shouldn’t take you longer than 10 minutes to complete the online form.

If you are applying for the first time

You must provide a copy of your Certificate of Incorporation and one reference letter from the principal or officer of a current CMPA member company (use our directory to find a member), or one reference letter from a Canadian accredited educational institution. Once your reference letter and application have been received and reviewed by the board, we will notify you of the board’s decision.

Complete a membership application.

Please complete a renewal application.

If you are renewing your membership

Why renew your CMPA membership?

Learn more below.

Please complete a renewal application.

If you are applying for a permittee membership

Please fill out this form and send your completed application to:

National
1 Toronto Street, Suite 702
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 2V6
Attention: Gillian Manchee
T: 647-789-2592
TF: 1-800-267-8208 (Canada only)
C: 437-213-3361

British Columbia (please make cheques payable to CMPA-BC)
600–736 Granville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6Z 1G3
Attention: Ryan MacArthur
T: 604-682-8619 ext. 223
TF: 866-390-7639 (Canada only)
F: 604-684-9294

FAQ

Does membership apply to a company or a person?

All membership categories except Associate apply to federally or provincially incorporated companies only. Associate membership is for Canadian individuals and/or companies.

What is required from my reference?

To apply for CMPA membership, you must provide a letter of reference from a current voting CMPA member.

The letter of reference must be submitted on company letterhead, include responses to the following questions, and be signed by a principal or an officer of the company.

How long have you known the applicant?
How long has the applicant been a producer (if applicable)?
What types of projects does the applicant produce?
Do you recommend that the CMPA board of directors approve the applicant as a member of the CMPA?

We also accept a letter of reference from a Canadian accredited educational institution confirming the successful completion of your degree or diploma. The degree or diploma must be in film, television, or related industry curriculum and received within the past five years. The letter of reference must be on the institution’s letterhead and be signed by the head of your faculty.

If I’m a member, do I have to use the unions and guilds on my production?

No, the choice to use unions and guilds is completely up to you.

When do I get my membership number?

If you are renewing your membership, your member number will be provided after your fees have been paid. If you are a new member, the board of directors must first approve your application. Once approved, your payment will be requested. After your payment has been processed, you will receive your membership number.

How do I pay my fees?

The CMPA accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex and cheques. Secure credit card payments can be made online.

Are the fees prorated if I join midway through the year?

No, fees are not prorated. We do, however, offer a fourth-quarter discount for applications received between January 1 and March 31; please contact Lisa Moreau (lisa.moreau@cmpa.ca) for more information.

How long will it take a new membership application to be approved?

Generally no longer than one month.

I’m working on a Toronto Indie Production (TIP) project, but the general Producer membership is too expensive for me. What are my options?

If your company has been provincially or federally registered for two years or less, you can join under our Start-up category, which is just $300 per year.