Independent Production

Become an IPA Producer in 2 steps

Step One: A little bit of paperwork

To start producing under the Independent Production Agreement, you must first agree to its terms, provide some basic information about your production. Here are the forms you’ll need:

1.   Voluntary Recognition Agreement, (What’s this? It’s the document where you agree to the basic terms of the IPA)
2.   Production Form
3.   Security Agreement. (What’s this? It’s a document, required before you start production, that protects the payment due to performers.)

Step Two: Send us the documents

Email the documents to  [email protected] or fax them to 416-928-2026. An IPA Steward will contact you to assist you further with your production.

General Signatories

The IPA covers all forms of recorded performance whether they are broadcast, exhibited, transmitted live, posted online or distributed or broadcast in any other way. TV series, mini-series, Movies of the Week, feature films, shorts, animation, reality programs, webisodes, mobisodes, dubbing – the IPA has it all. Basically, if it isn’t a commercial it’s IPA. (Exceptions include productions made by CBC, CTV, TVO, NFB, VisionTV, CFC, and CityTV.) If you’re making a Documentary jump to Documentary. If you’re making an Industrial jump to Industrial.

1. 2016-18 IPA Rates
2. Memorandum of Agreement
3. IPA 2013-2015 Agreement
4. Mileage Rate – .54 {IPA Article A1704 (b)}- Effective April 1, 2016
5. Signatory Document Package (everything in 1 complete package)
   • a) Voluntary Recognition Agreement
   • b) Production Form
   • c) Security Agreement
   • d) Alternate Letter of Guarantee for Production Obligations and Distribution Rights
   • d) Alternate Letter of Guarantee for Distribution Rights
   • f) Production Guarantee
   • g) IPA Permit Form
   • h) Engagement of Minors
   • i) Audition Sign-In Sheet
   • j) Casting Data Report
   • k) Declaration Re Option for Advance
   • l) Distributor’s Assumption Agreement
   • m) Non-approved Distributor’s Assumption Agreement
   • n) Purchaser’s Assumption Agreement
   • o) Distribution Guarantee
   • p) Performer Work Report
   • q) Stunts Breakdown
   • r) Policy on Riders and Long Form Performer Contracts

Documentary Signatories

The IPA defines a Documentary Program as “an information Production that is designed not to be purely entertainment and which may include drama or variety techniques in achieving its information goal.”  If you have a Documentary project, let’s talk. In the meantime, here are the documents and forms you’ll need:

• Voluntary Recognition Agreement
  (Sign and forward.)
• Pre-Production Form for Documentaries
• Security Agreement

Industrial Signatories

An IPA Industrial is “a Production that is not less than three (3) minutes in length and which is produced to promote directly or indirectly the image of an organization, to promote the use of its products or services, or to offer training in the use of its products or services, or to provide education or instruction, but is not intended for broadcast on television.”  Make your corporate videos professional by using professional actors! Here are the documents and forms you’ll need:

• Voluntary Recognition Agreement
  ( Sign and forward.)
• Pre-Production Information for Industrials

Other Documents and Forms (2013-2015)

Casting

• Statutory Declaration for Casting Directors to sign
• Audition Sheet (sign in sheet that tracks the people who auditioned)
• Casting Data Report (Parts A & B)
• Policy on Riders and Long-Form Performer Contract

Working with Minors

See section A27 of the Independent Production Agreement for more information.

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• Engagement of Minors: (a)  Chaperon and Medical Authorization b)  Minors Trust Deduction

Work Permit Applications, Work Reports & Vouchers

• Work Permit Application  (normally filled out and submitted by the actor)
  (Email completed Work Permit Applications to [email protected]. Please use the production’s title as the subject line.)
• Performer Work Report (timesheet for each day on set)
• Yellow Voucher Request Form (form to request a non-ACTRA member in background)

Distribution & Rights

These documents are all about Use Fees.

• Declaration Respecting Option for 25% Advance (if you qualify to make this election you’ll need this form)
• Distributor’s Assumption Agreement (Do you have a Distributor already? You’ll need this form)
• Distributor’s Assumption Agreement (Non-Approved)
• Distribution Guarantee
• Purchaser’s Assumption Agreement (Did another company purchase the rights? You’ll need to get them to sign this form)

Stunts

• Important Information Re: Stunts Breakdown

Need to find a Stunt Coordinator?

ACTRA Toronto maintains a list of Stunt Co-ordinators who:

• have been members of ACTRA or a comparable film and television union (for example SAG, AFTRA, UK Equity) for at least ten years;
• have worked at least 425 days as a stunt performer under an ACTRA or comparable union contract; and
• are at least 28 years of age.

To request a copy of the list, please send an email to:  [email protected]

Safety Standards

• Safety Guidelines for Film and Television

Workplace Accident/Injury Insurance Requirements

All Productions require Accident/Injury Insurance for all Performers. You can get this from any insurance provider. Here’s one: Accident on Set.

Canadian Independent Production Incentive Program (Low-Budget)

• CIPIP Agreement

TiP Guidelines (even lower budget)

Please visit the Toronto Indie Production Program (TiP) section for more information on TiP eligibility and requirements.

Student Production Agreements

Please visit the Student Production section to see if your school has an agreement with ACTRA and to obtain forms.