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.
“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)
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
Log in to the members-only section of our website to access more information and all discount codes.
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.
Producer
- 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
- Membership fee
- $300
Interactive media
- Membership fee
- $500
Associate
- Number of full-time employees
- 0–1
- 2–3
- 4+
- Membership fee
- $750
- $1,300
- $2,200
Permittee
- Series
- Mini-series
- Feature, MOW, pilot
- Series Top-Up
- $5,200
- $4,600
- $4,000*
- $1,200
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.
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
All membership categories except Associate apply to federally or provincially incorporated companies only. Associate membership is for Canadian individuals and/or companies.
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.
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How long have you known the applicant?
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How long has the applicant been a producer (if applicable)?
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What types of projects does the applicant produce?
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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.
No, the choice to use unions and guilds is completely up to you.
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.
The CMPA accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex and cheques. Secure credit card payments can be made online.
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.
Generally no longer than one month.
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.