Guidelines

 

You can also download a pdf version of these TIP guidelines.

Production Qualifications and Procedures

• At least one month prior to start date, contact the ACTRA Toronto office.
• The TIP Coordinator will review the application package.
• Casting and principal photography may not begin until TIP approval is granted.
• Face-to-Face Online will be made available to Producers for casting purposes upon approval.
• Upon becoming a signatory, all terms of the IPA apply except as amended by the TIP guidelines.
• Since every project is unique we suggest that you review the ACTRA Performers' Rights Society's procedures sheet and contact them (416.489.1311) should you require information on the specifics of your distribution arrangements.
• Your project must be budgeted to secure liability and accident insurance covering cast and crew for the shoot and show proof of coverage prior to shooting.
• You must complete all requirements listed on the checklist.
  

The Producer is expected to review the IPA agreement and have a thorough understanding of its terms and conditions.

Qualifications

• Films of any length, genre or format qualify for TIP, subject to exclusions listed as ineligible productions below.
• All projects must shoot within ACTRA Toronto’s jurisdiction. Producers, directors, writers, performers and key crew must all be Canadian or landed immigrant, and resident in Canada.
• The production must cast all its performers entirely from ACTRA membership – ACTRA apprentices and ACTRA Extras are eligible. Producers must be members of the CFTPA before approval.
• The producer will select a Mentor prior to applying. The Mentor will work exclusively with the Producer.
• Producers of feature films must commit to having at least 2 theatrical screenings prior to any television or other media exposure. Short films require at least one public or festival screening.
• All Distribution and Broadcast agreements must allow for an initial theatrical window.The project must be eligible as a 10 out of 10 Canadian content project under the CAVCO rules and thereby also be eligible for federal tax credits.
• Short and Experimental films are excluded from having to apply to CAVCO, but must otherwise qualify under CAVCO.
• As per CAVCO any Canadian feature film Distribution Agreement must include an obligation to exhibit the production in Canada within two years of completion. The Feature Film property must be owned and produced through a company incorporated in Canada under the laws of Canada or of a Canadian province or territory.
• All projects must adhere to standard legal, business, and accounting procedures. All feature films must have a final audit performed. Experimental and short Films need only submit a final cost report.
• A standard executed Security Agreement as per Appendix 7 a and b of the IPA is required.
  

Discretion

• TIP is an initiative offered by ACTRA Toronto to eligible filmmakers.
• The TIP Coordinator will approve projects on the basis of feasibility, professional reputation and financial soundness.
 
• All productions of varying artistic and commercial merit may qualify. The Coordinator shall not evaluate a project on the basis of its artistic merit, subject or content.
 
• ACTRA Toronto reserves the right to contact all other industry partners and/or grant organizations   to corroborate details of the production package.
 
• The Producer's   applications must be approved by the TIP Coordinator before casting   may begin.
 
• ACTRA Toronto recognizes   that TIP is vulnerable to abuse by producers who chose to manipulate   budgets and other financial documents. Continued success depends   on all participants complying with the guidelines of TIP, and its spirit: generosity creating opportunity.
 
• Guidelines may change at the discretion of ACTRA Toronto.

Ineligible Productions:

• Industrials, corporate videos, documentaries, dubbing, animation, pilot programs, television movies of the week, commercials and music videos are not eligible. 
• Projects that depend on the extensive involvement of minors will be carefully examined for viability and will be excluded unless the resources and planning for the proper care and treatment of the young performers can be demonstrated.
• TIP projects which in the course of production or completion increase the scope of their budget or alter the nature of their production (e.g. TV movie) must disclose such changes to ACTRA Toronto. The TIP status of such a production may be amended or withdrawn at the discretion of ACTRA Toronto. 
• A production which is found to be taking unfair advantage of TIP rates through misrepresentation or falsification of budget will become immediately subject to the rates and conditions of the IPA.
• The Producer(s) and its principals and their related companies cannot apply to TIP if they are: (a) currently in default with ACTRA, (b) have been declared an Unfair Engager, or (c) have been previously found to be undermining TIP.