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Spring 2002

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists

Clockwise from centre: Thor Bishopric (National President, ACTRA), Kent McCord (National Treasurer, SAG), Arne Gundersen (Eastern Region Vice-President, Actors Equity – U.S.), Sandy Winsby (Vice-President External, Going global: Canadian Actors’ Equity Association), Freddie Pyne (National President, Equity – U.K.), John Connolly (National President, AFTRA), Allison Enright (National Organiser, ACTRA hosts Global Protection of Performers New Zealand Actors’ Equity), Susan Lyons (National President, Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance – Australia). international meeting P 6

A new home for ACTRA’s Women in the Director’s Chair ACTRA organizer turns another John Drainie Award at the Workshop: three actors share non-union commercial into a Banff Television Festival p 5 their experiences p 12 union shoot p 17 26803 ACTRA1048 spring02final 4/10/02 9:49 AM Page 2

Going global to protect performers Thor Bishopric

Dear Fellow Members, Online as some of the best tools we’ve put This issue of InterACTRA focuses on into the hands of our members in many these topics. Read about our successes, In January, your newly elected National years. such as ACTRA Performers’ Rights Council met to review ACTRA’s Our unity, focus and discipline have Society and ACTRA’s John Drainie accomplishments and plan the direction made us the most powerful organization in Award. Find out more about our ACTRA for our union in 2002. Reviewing what the film and television industry in Canada. community: Face to Face Online, the we’ve done is not an unpleasant task, as In my opinion, we are the most dynamic Women in the Director’s Chair Workshop, our organization has accomplished a great and forward-thinking performers’ union in and the inspiring diversity initiatives deal recently. A year-and-a-half ago, the world. happening in our branches. ACTRA’s National Council took a bold And we’ll need to be dynamic and You’ll also find out more about step and adopted the ACTRA Plan, a five- forward-thinking. There are decisions ACTRA’s role in public policy. We know year plan that commits us to stay focused being made that will affect our that our industry has become a global on our three key areas of activity – organization, and more importantly, affect industry, and in response to that reality bargaining, organizing and member the ability of our members to make a and the continued hyperbole around so- services. We’ve stuck to our plan and living in the entertainment industry: called ‘runaway production,’ ACTRA achieved some great results. threats of countervailing tariffs, SAG’s initiated an international meeting of In the area of bargaining, we successfully Global Rule One, Revenue Canada’s performers’ unions to discuss our rights on renegotiated the IPA despite difficult consideration of changing the status of the the global stage – GPOP – the Global economic times, achieving reasonable self-employed artist, Canadian content Protection of Performers. Read about general increases and expanded rules, co-production treaties, and GPOP in this issue. recognition in the important area of digital immigration guidelines governing the It’s clear that there are many challenges media. In organizing, our National entry of foreign workers. and opportunities ahead. ACTRA looks organizers are defending our turf and To face these challenges, we’ll need to forward to facing them – your union is actively seeking new jurisdiction for consolidate our gains, continue to build on better prepared than ever before. ACTRA, creating work opportunities for the pride and solidarity of our community our membership. In the area of services, and engage as never before in the public we count our new website and Face to Face policy areas that affect performers.

ACTRA National Council 2002 (British Columbia), Seán Mulcahy (Toronto), Austin Schatz (National President), Maria Bircher (Montreal), Jennifer (Names in bold are members of ACTRA National Executive) (Toronto), Kate Robbins (alt. for John Juliani, British Wigmore (Toronto), Michael Miranda (Toronto), Brian Back row: Christie MacFadyen (Toronto), Barry Blake Columbia), Jefferson Mappin (National Vice-President), Gromoff (Calgary), Aidan Devine (Toronto), Howard Storey (Ottawa), Ferne Downey (Toronto), Mike Burns Bob Collins (alt. for John Evans, Toronto), Mack Furlong (alt. (British Columbia). Front row: Jamie Bradley (National (Saskatchewan), David Macniven (Toronto), Jon Baggaley for Glenn Downey, Newfoundland and Labrador). Treasurer), Richard Hardacre (Toronto) Absent: Wayne (alternate for Colin MacLean, Edmonton), Peter Partridge Middle Row: Susie Almgren (Montreal), Thor Bishopric Nicklas (Manitoba), Anne Marie Scheffler (Toronto).

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In this issue of InterACTRA... AFTRA thanks ACTRA for Bargaining Commercial Agreement Negotiations; IPA and CBC agreements ratified; support during Network ACTRA Performer Rate Card for IPA 2002-2003 ...... 4 Television Code negotiations ACTRA’s John Drainie Award Dear Stephen, moves to the Banff Television Festival in 2002. Past recipients were honoured We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for at a reception announcing the move.... 5 taking time out of your schedule to observe our recent Network Television Code negotiations. Our efforts, along with your and President Bishopric’s participation, proved a Cover story: ACTRA hosts GPOP, great success, and ACTRA’s presence at these talks was an a meeting of performers’ unions from extraordinary show of solidarity. around the world: a kickstart to ‘bigger- picture’ thinking on the international On behalf of the 75,000 members of AFTRA, thank you rights of performers again for being a part of this important process. by Jamie Bradley...... 6

Fraternally, Branch News ...... 9 John P. Connolly Shelby Scott National President Co-Chair, Negotiating Committee Women in the Director’s Chair Workshop 2002 Greg Hessinger Tom Wiggin from the actor perspective National Executive Director Co-Chair, Negotiating Committee by Kerry Segal and Shaker Paleja with photos by Gail Maurice ...... 12

ACTRA member profiles Vik Sahay and Jennifer Overton...... 15 Write to InterACTRA Who’s Who at ACTRA ...... 16 Have a story idea? Want to get involved? Send us an email at [email protected] or write to us c/o ACTRA’s National Office, Organizing 625 Church Street, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G1 Updates from ACTRA’s national and digital media organizers...... 17

Applause ACTRA Members named to Order of Canada; Kiefer Sutherland wins Golden Globe; Genie Awards ...... 19 Spring 2002 Volume 8, Issue 1 Farewell Goodbye to Frank Shuster and Peter Gzowski...... 20 InterACTRA is an official quarterly Editorial Advisory Committee: publication of ACTRA (Alliance of Thor Bishopric, Stephen Waddell, Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Brian Gromoff, David Macniven, Artists), a Canadian union of performers Kim Hume Policy Issues Canadian content production in decline ...... 21 affiliated to the Canadian Labour Contributors Congress and the International Lorraine Ansell, Maria Bircher, Barry Federation of Actors. Behind-the-scenes Blake, Jamie Bradley, Mike Burns, ACTRA’s role in selecting Canadian InterACTRA is free of charge to all Marlene Cahill, Laurie Cook, Sharon ACTRA Members. Davidson, Don Dudar, Mack Furlong, films for the foreign-language All contents are copyright © 2002 ACTRA. Richard Hardacre, Matt Holland, Tom Oscar race ...... 22 All rights are reserved and contents, in Jackson, John Juliani, Sharon Killey, whole or in part, may not be reprinted Terrence La Brosse Ross, Christie without permission. The points of view MacFadyen, Dan Mackenzie, Rob ACTRA PRS expressed do not necessarily represent Macklin, Gail Maurice, Garry Neil, The ‘collection agency’ that works for performers...... 23 those of ACTRA. Wayne Nicklas, Shaker Paleja, Gary Saxe, Anne Marie Scheffler, Kerry Please return any undelivered mail to: Segal, Bill Siggins, Howard Swinson, ACTRA Thom Tapley, Gary Vermeir, Mercedes 625 Church Street, Suite 300, Watson, Carol Whiteman A starry night at Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2G1 Cover photo: Carol Racicot PHONE 1-800-387-3516 or (416) 489-1311 the Genie Awards Design: Joss Maclennan Design, Toronto FAX (416) 489-8076 Printed in Canada by: Thistle Printing by Anne Marie Scheffler ..... 24 www.actra.ca [email protected] Publications Mail Agreement #40069134 C

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Commercials Negotiations a Challenge Stephen Waddell National Executive Director

n mid-January 2002, ACTRA formally commenced re-negotiation of the INational Commercials Agreement with ACTRA Members ratify IPA and management represented by the Institute of Communications and Advertising (ICA) and CBC Agreements by over 97% the Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA). Following an extensive membership In December 2001, ACTRA members ratified a renewed Independent Production consultation process, your ACTRA National Agreement (IPA) by an overwhelming majority of 97%. The renewed IPA will ensure Negotiating Committee developed a stability in the Canadian film and television marketplace and enhance employment streamlined package of proposals that the opportunities for Canadian performers. ACTRA Committee proudly presented to The new IPA took effect on January 1, 2002 – the first time that a new IPA became the representatives of the two management effective immediately following the expiration date of the prior Agreement. The new associations. ACTRA’s principal objectives IPA will expire two years later on December 31, 2003. in these negotiations are to correct certain inequities in working conditions and Use Again in December, ACTRA members eligible to vote on ratification payments that presently exist in the of the CBC Agreements approved the Terms of Settlement negotiated agreement and secure an equitable rise in between ACTRA and the CBC by a 97.8% majority concluding a minimum fees. At the outset of lengthy but ultimately successful negotiation process! negotiations, management’s representatives The term of the new Agreements is 36 months expiring on July 3rd, 2002. stated that the Canadian advertising To view the Terms of Settlement for these agreements, visit www.actra.ca and click industry is in serious trouble, and that on the Bargaining section from the homepage. ACTRA has to provide concessions to help the Canadian industry survive in the global advertising market. After over 2 months of negotiations, ACTRA and the ad industry reps reached ACTRA NATIONAL PERFORMERS IPA RATE CARD a deal on March 13th. The new agreement January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2002 / January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2003 includes a 5% increase over 2 years for Category Included Minimum Fee Hourly Fee O/T Rate Weekly (5 days) performers, substantially improved Work Time 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 language to protect children in Principal 8 hrs $525.25 $541.00 $65.75 $67.75 $98.50 $101.50 $2,232.50 $2,299.50 commercials, and incentives to produce (6 lines or more) commercials in Canada for global Article B101 Rehearsal-Principal 2 hrs min. $131.50 $135.50 $65.75 $67.75 $98.50 $101.50 audiences and the internet. Article A2308 (after 8 hours) n/a n/a 31, 2003 Once ratified, the new Actor 8 hrs min. $354.50 $365.25 $44.25 $45.75 $66.50 $68.50 $1,507.00 $1,552.25 National Commercials erformers IPA Rate– December Card (5 lines or less) Performers1, 2002IPA Rate Card Article B101 Agreement will be in January Rehearsal-Actor 2 hrs min. $88.50 $91.50 $44.25 $45.75 $66.50 $68.50 effect until June 30, 2004. Article A2308 (after 8 hours) n/a n/a A ratification package Wardrobe Call: (Day of Production) Article A1501 Travel Time: Article A1702/1703 For work beyond the including terms of settle- A maximum 15 minutes at the Performer’s hourly rate 40 km radius travel time will be paid at the hourly rate in ment will be mailed to all when not part of 8-hour work day. Time in excess of 15 1/4 hour units when not part of the 8-hour work day. minutes is considered part of the regular 8-hour day. ACTRA Members eligible Advance Use Payment/Prepaid Use: to vote in early April. Wardrobe Call: (Prior to Production Day) Article A1502 Prepayment options or Advance Minimum 2-hour call at: $65.75 per hour (2002) and payments may vary. Refer to $67.75 per hour (2003) or the Performer’s contracted Article B501 of the Independent hourly rate, whichever is greater. Production Agreement (IPA).

ACTRA National 625 Church Street, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G1 P (416) 489-1311 or toll free 1-800-387-3516 F (416) 489-8076 email [email protected] www.actra.ca

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n February ACTRA held a reception honouring the past recipients of ACTRA’s IJohn Drainie Award, and announcing that the award will be presented at the Banff Television Festival in June, 2002. Orson Welles once called John Drainie “the greatest radio actor in the world.” Drainie passed away in 1966, at just 50 years of age. In his memory ACTRA established the John Drainie Award for distinguished contribution to broadcasting in 1968. Drainie Award recipients Pierre Berton, Ruth Springford, Robert Weaver, Norman Campbell, Len Peterson and Gordon Pinsent joined ACTRA’s National Executive Director Stephen Waddell and Banff Television Foundation President and CEO Pat Ferns in celebrating the award’s Past recipients: Pierre Berton, Ruth Springford, Len Peterson, Dora de Pédery-Hunt new home. (medallist), Gordon Pinsent, Norman Campbell and Robert Weaver. ACTRA’s John Drainie Award medal, created by Dora de Pédery-Hunt. ACTRA’s John Drainie Award to be presented at Banff Rockie Awards

“The Banff Television Festival’s Rockie Awards show is one of Canada’s prestigious industry events. ACTRA is very pleased that the Rockies will be the internationally recognized venue for celebrating the outstanding career of ACTRA’s John Drainie Award recipient,” said Waddell. Ferns said that the Banff Television Foundation was pleased to join with ACTRA in celebrating the award, and in continuing the tradition of paying special tribute to John Drainie. The award plaque is a bronze medal portrait of John Drainie by renowned Canadian medallist Dora de Pédery-Hunt. The 23rd Banff Rockie Awards show will be telecast by the CBC. The award is unlike any other in that ACTRA National Councillor Seán Mulcahy with John Drainie Award recipients Gordon Pinsent and Pierre Berton. the final judging is performed by a jury of previous recipients. ACTRA Members’ nomination suggestions are forwarded to the jury for their consideration. The nomination period closed March 8, 2002. For more information on ACTRA’s John Drainie Award and a list of past recipients, All photos by David Leyes visit www.actra.ca. Orson Welles once called John Drainie “the greatest

Stephen Waddell, ACTRA’s National Executive Director with Pat Ferns, John Drainie’s widow Claire Drainie-Taylor with Pierre radio actor in the world.” President and CEO of the Banff Television Foundation. Berton, who received the award in 1999.

SPRING 2002 InterACTRA 5 26803 ACTRA1048 spring02final 4/10/02 9:50 AM Page 6 GOING GLOBAL: Photo: Carol Racicot The GPOP gang, including elected leaders and staff from eight unions, FIA and observers from UBCP, ACTRA Maritimes, ACTRA Montreal and ACTRA Toronto Performers.

National unions ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Equity (U.K.) www.equity.org.uk Television and Radio Artists) www.actra.ca participating MEAA (Media, Entertainment and Arts AEA (Actors Equity Association – U.S.) Alliance – Australia) www.alliance.org.au at GPOP www.actorsequity.org New Zealand Actors’ Equity AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) www.aftra.org SAG (Screen Actors Guild – U.S.) www.sag.org CAEA (Canadian Actors’ Equity Association) www.caea.com

6 InterACTRA SPRING 2002 26803 ACTRA1048 spring02final 4/10/02 9:50 AM Page 7 ACTRA HOSTS GPOP Global protection of performers (GPOP) Photo: Carol Racicot a kickstart to ‘bigger-picture’ thinking on Dominick Luquer (FIA) and Thor Bishopric (ACTRA) international rights of performers getting the GPOP meeting underway. by Jamie Bradley

o, I’m cooking some semi-nutritious organizations: ACTRA, AEA, AFTRA, CAEA, blame so-called ‘runaway productions.’ dinner for my family when I get a call MEAA, SAG; some unions that use words: Now, I don’t have the space to really get Sfrom Thor. “As the new National Equity U.K., and New Zealand Actors’ Equity; into the whole ‘runaway production’ morass Treasurer, I think it’d be a good idea if you and some observing members from ACTRA but let’s just say that this isn’t a new came to the GPOP Meeting in two weeks.” Montreal, Toronto and B.C. branches (I thing… after all, Mary Poppins and Star GPOP… GPOP… I need a glossary for also represented the Maritimes). Wars could be considered ‘runaway all the acronyms that abound in our ACTRA’s calm and collected NED productions.’ Even the term ‘runaway business. Stephen Waddell rapped the gavel and we production’ is in dispute – there are many I check my calendar, no auditions, no were out of the gate. definitions. ACTRA’s official position work (not usually a good thing). “I serve at Okay, the first topic of discussion was holds that in a global film and television the pleasure of the President,” I say, and ‘what defines a domestic or international industry, productions that locate in Canada then begin the thinking process. production.’ This is fairly important aren’t ‘runaway’ from anywhere… they’re GPOP… Global Protection Of Performers – because it deals with government funding, Canadian productions. ACTRA’s progressive National President’s international co-production treaties SAG now sees the rise in so-called initiative within FIA (the International (Canada has fifty-five!) and union runaway productions as a serious situation Federation of Actors. Yes, we use the jurisdiction. Canada and Australia look at and SAG members are frustrated. What has French acronym but the English the nationality of all the key creative developed is the famous ‘us versus them’ translation. Sigh.) GPOP was a meeting of people; Equity U.K. doesn’t make that attitude and Canadian flags being burned at the English-speaking unions of FIA “to distinction, while SAG considers the Hollywood and Vine. One of the purposes assess the current levels of global protection nationality of whichever entity owns the of this GPOP meeting was to clarify some offered to performers in the fields of theatre copyright over the final work. This last one cross-border rhetoric. So, let’s get into it. and audio-visual production.” Phew. is a bit murky when you remember that To make sure the SAG members are On Saturday, Feb. 16th I suddenly found Universal Studios was owned by Seagrams covered by the SAG contract no matter myself in the boardroom of ACTRA and is now owned by a French winemaker. where they go in the world to work, SAG is National, noshing and settling in my chair Item two opened the floodgates. SAG enforcing Global Rule One. for two days of international chatting. On and its Global Rule One Campaign. All eyes and mouths aimed at the SAG the table in front of me lay my info- SAG has a lot of members – about reps – you see, once a performer crosses a package, a pad of paper, three pens and too 98,000, (ACTRA has about 18,000) – and border it’s usually into some other union’s many small plates of breakfast items. At the not a lot of their middle class actors are jurisdiction. table around me milled about actor and staff working. As we’ve seen in the news over We were told that SAG members are representatives from quite a few acronymic the past couple of years, many of them concerned with the loss of Pension & Health

GPOP glossary body representing the unions of actors, up of artists from all continents, ranging singers, dancers and other performers from new media artists to traditional GPOP – Global Protection of Performers. throughout the world. www.fia-actors.com artisans, organizations from more than 50 The name of the FIA meeting of English- INCD – International Network for Cultural countries belong to the network. ACTRA speaking unions hosted by ACTRA on Diversity. The INCD is a worldwide is an active member of the INCD, and a February 16, 17, 2002. network of artists and cultural groups founding member of the Canadian FIA – International Federation of Actors. dedicated to countering the homogenizing Coalition for Cultural Diversity. ACTRA is affiliated to this international effects of globalization on culture. Made www.incd.net and www.cdc-ccd.org

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The INCD is a ‘worldwide network of SAG’s Rule One Photo: Carol Racicot artists and cultural groups dedicated to ULE ONE in SAG’s National countering the homogenizing effects of RConstitution states that SAG globalization on culture’… or ‘hey, give members agree not to work for producers who have not signed a SAG us a chance to tell our stories too.’ contract. SAG’s Global Rule One R.H. Thomson addresses the meeting. campaign is about enforcing this rule on a global stage. SAG is seeking the extension of their jurisdiction by (we call it Insurance & Retirement). It would ‘hey, give us a chance to tell our stories declaring that the SAG contract will take a bilateral agreement for the host too.’ Thomson calls it an “individual follow SAG members wherever they go union to transfer the collected monies expression of consciousness.” in the world to work. down to SAG. This is called ‘pass through’ Here’s one of the problems in our The rule is not that different from and ACTRA and SAG already have a limited country: 0.2% of English-Canada’s film the commitment of ACTRA members form of a ‘pass through’ understanding. screens show Canadian movies. Our when they join ACTRA – the (Similar bilateral agreements with the other filmmakers can’t get their projects out there commitment not to work non-union. unions would seem to solve this problem.) and our performers can’t get our faces out Presently, when SAG members are Dues payments would be affected also, there. The rest of the English-speaking engaged in the U.S. and come north to especially with our dual members. If you countries share our plight. It is difficult Canada, they may sign contracts where have to work under a SAG contract breaking the hold Hollywood has on our they are promised ‘SAG working everywhere, then would the dues from dual eyeballs. conditions,’ but the producers aren’t members be deducted and sent across the The SAG members were concerned that necessarily signatories to a SAG border every time you work in Canada? INCD might be a tool for America-bashing agreement. The global extension of This might have a pretty big effect on your and Thomson assured them that INCD was SAG’s Rule One puts the onus on the ACTRA membership and I & R. an all-inclusive organization. But really, no performer to make sure they are working It was mentioned by many of the unions matter how you slice it, there is the on a SAG contract whenever they work that if a SAG actor negotiates SAG rates problem of global mass culture, which is a outside the U.S. and working conditions with the producer, diplomatic way of saying global American Where Global Rule One gets these can be incorporated into the host culture. complicated is with performers who are union’s contract. At the end of the GPOP weekend, what dual members. What about a Canadian How Global Rule One is going to help was accomplished? Although the general who is both a SAG and an ACTRA the middle class or second-tier SAG consensus around the table was that SAG member? When home in Canada, does performer, I’m not sure. Which is cheaper had a right to protect its members, the way the actor have to work on a SAG for a producer shooting in Canada: a ‘non- they’re going about Global Rule One could contract because she’s a SAG member? recognizable’ American performer for SAG have been better thought out. John McGuire What about when she wants to work rates in American money or an equally of SAG said that the concerns of the under the ACTRA contract when at ‘non-recognizable’ Canadian actor for GPOP meeting would be taken back and home, to receive the protection the ACTRA rates with our 62¢ dollar and tax considered while the GR1 document was ACTRA contract provides, and to credits? being written. support ACTRA with her union dues? It was clear that SAG hasn’t to date There was talk of a global collective While ACTRA supports SAG’s right considered all of the possible international agreement, but we’ve got eight unions from to enforce Global Rule One, we seek ramifications of GR1. They’re going to five countries all with very different laws SAG’s clarification on how they will launch it on May 1st and before that date and a whole bunch of countries that don’t handle the situation of dual members – will attempt to work out implementation have collective bargaining unions at all. It an issue that we discussed at the GPOP details. At the end of the day, one hopes would take a very long time and an oil meeting. that they’re not going to end up with a tanker full of international lawyers to figure In order to protect and assert 700-page tome of Global Rule One with that one out. Still, this group was ACTRA’s jurisdiction, we are working 130 amendments and a lot of international undaunted and decided that a legal sub- with SAG to resolve how Global Rule hard feelings. committee would be set up to discuss a way One will be applied to performers As you can probably tell, GR1 took up a to enforce protections. working in Canada prior to the chunk o’ time. Here’s the big action of the GPOP implementation date of May 1, 2002. ACTRA member and cultural activist Meeting – each union will list their top R.H. Thomson spoke to the meeting about five concerns in three categories: Residual the International Network for Cultural Structures, Rights and Working Conditions. FIA reconvenes in the summer. If all goes Diversity. The INCD is a ‘worldwide Along with those, they’ll send the well, we could end up with a template each network of artists and cultural groups applicable sections of their agreements to union could use when collective bargaining – dedicated to countering the homogenizing the FIA office where all will be compiled a Declaration of Basic Actor’s Rights. And effects of globalization on culture’… or into a document that’ll be reviewed when that’s pretty good for only two days’ work.

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NEWFOUNDLAND

ACTRA Members Glen Michael Bradley and Tara Baxter 2001 an extraordinary year at the Move into the Reel World forum.

n Newfoundland, we’re coming off an Laurie Cook Iextraordinary year. Our members have worked on international productions such as Random Passage, Rare Birds, The Red Door, and The Shipping News. Local produc- tion has included Messiah from Montreal, Bread- maker, and Ashore. Branch Rep Gary Vermeir with keynote speaker and ACTRA member Anthony Sherwood CBC Television continues its dance Molly Parker and William Hurt in Rare Birds. Entitled Move into the Reel World, the around a couple of pilot shows that could forum took place on January 23rd. The film signal a six- or 13-episode series to be unions, government film agencies, the produced in St. John’s. Otherwise, things are Atlantic Film Festival, Moving Images Group, pretty slow in our region. the Atlantic Filmmakers Co-op, the Nova But while production has backed off, that Scotia Community College, Filmworks Casting doesn’t mean that the industry has slowed and the Nova Scotia Producers Association all down. With only a limited number of local took part. The turnout from the public was producers, they’re all busy in post- burgeoning commercial industry. great, the atmosphere was relaxed and we production and marketing, while We continue to organize and unionize answered a lot of good questions and development of new projects has just the workforce, and look forward to Eastern handed out a lot of information. begun. This lull affords us the opportunity Region Organizer Gary Saxe’s visit in the The star of the evening was ACTRA to work on industry-wide initiatives with coming year. member and social activist Anthony the other members of the film community. Sherwood. A Halifax native, Anthony A new legal entity has been established MARITIMES spoke of the history of the Canadian black for professional development – the Film community in film and television and of Professional Development Inc. Funding has the first black actors’ association’s successes been secured from HRDC. A director and Move into the Reel World in forcing advertisers to better reflect program officer have been hired and initial forum builds bridges Canada’s ethnic diversity in commercials. meetings with the stakeholders have begun. He spoke of his audition for the role of The professional development needs of espite the tremendous growth of the Crown Attorney Dillon Beck on Street performers are brought forward by Ruth Dfilm industry in Nova Scotia, the Legal. There had never been a black co-star Lawrence, a member of our Branch Council African Nova Scotian community has on a Canadian series before, so he didn’t who is participating on the board. remained, for the most part, on the outside hold out much hope. But he of course won With the Safety Guidelines for looking in. the role and a Gemini nomination to boot. Newfoundland and Labrador completed, all So in late 2001, a committee which Things have gotten better, he admitted, producers producing in Newfoundland are included ACTRA Maritimes member but there is still a long way to go. The required to operate under the guidelines. Tamara Patkau and Branch Rep Gary Vermeir – industry is more inclusive, but still does not Mack Furlong sits on the advisory board to along with representatives from the accurately reflect the richness of Canada’s the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Atlantic IATSE and DGC locals, the Moving fabulously diverse society. He emphasized Development Corporation, and Glenn Downey Images Group, the Black Business Initiative that it is the responsibility of those is our representative on the Executive Board and other interested parties – began currently working in the industry to point of the Association of Cultural Industries. planning an event which would bring the the way for those coming after. Anthony’s We’re very excited to report the African Nova Scotian community and the talk and his encouragement was an completion of a proposal for film community together. Our plan was to inspiration for everyone there. Newfoundland’s first soundstage. bring together reps from all aspects of the Building on the momentum of this event, Applications for funding are underway. The industry in an informal question and we are happy to report that our Branch is facility will better serve our own answer session for interested members of establishing its own Diversity Committee. community and should be a boon to our the black community. Stay tuned! (continued on page 10)

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MONTREAL quite a few of our colleagues from Toronto. A mix of local and Toronto performers also Record attendance at found work in the low-budget film Posers Montreal AGM by Katie Tallo, which stars Ottawa resident Adam Beach. Animation remains a strong ontreal held its AGM in November, industry in town with two continuing series M with a record turnout of some 350 Hoze Hounds and Kevin Spencer keeping members. Any divisiveness over the Ottawa performers working. We’re Daredevil debacle seemed to have continuing to encourage the development evaporated. Members were clearly happy of local filmmakers and actors who are with the new IPA. Kudos to the negotiating making local products through the use of team, and thanks to Stephen Waddell for our Local Development Agreement. walking our membership through the Our training subcommittee has been highlights of the agreement at our AGM. researching and arranging developmental One of the postcards from Members were wowed by the live online programs for our members. We’ve hosted ACTRA Toronto Performers’ diversity campaign demonstration of www.actra.ca and Face to some very successful workshops this year Face Online, and the party that followed and continue to offer weekly Apprentice of professional panels, an Executive went on into the wee hours. Member workshops to help develop our Council plenary session, and an evening In keeping with the emphasis on improved newer members. We hope to receive ‘Train celebration with more than 500 members. communication, the branch has created our the Trainer’ courses in the near future and The strength and unity of the membership own website and upscaled our newsletter. introduce the Apprentice Training Program was evident with the massive turnout. Our office is expanding to accommodate as soon as possible. We hosted industry panels with guests organizer Gary Saxe, computer wizard Randy The jurisdiction remains strong. There including members Alberta Watson, Chris Duniz, and to generally allow our staff to are a few producers who do not use Owens, Don McKellar, James Allodi and function more efficiently. We now have ACTRA talent, but these are getting fewer Michael Healey, in discussion with room for a proper studio facility for taping and farther between. Our Branch Rep. prominent producers, directors, and casting voice and on-camera auditions for Nanci Morrison continues to work with directors. members. As well, the Professional producers to ensure that they pay promptly. A rousing address was given by ATP Development Committee will have expanded President Richard Hardacre, who then space for workshops. Meanwhile, the staff is introduced John Connolly, National TORONTO tweaking the Montreal version of the President of AFTRA, one of the American Apprentice Training Program. Casting task force Performers’ unions. Connolly’s inspiring The only less-than-happy news is that keynote speech brought a standing ovation Montreal Branch did run a deficit last year. prompts dialogue for his views on unity and the harmful We will be gingerly dipping into our surplus ‘runaway production’ rhetoric. ACTRA CTRA Toronto Performers had a busy for now, attempting to strike that balance National President Thor Bishopric also gave fall and winter. between maintaining the services our A a tremendous solidarity speech. A Task Force opened a dialogue with members expect, and saving for a rainy day. Toronto thanks the Montreal Council casting directors toward an understanding Production for this year is picking up, and members for the temporary ‘loan’ of of what ‘good industry standards’ mean in with about a dozen projects in the pipe. Raymond Guardia as interim Director. We the practice of auditions and casting. We While we are happy for the work, the welcome our new Executive Director, Brian met with key film and TV casting directors conspicuous lack of indigenous production Topp, who with his new team is off to an around Toronto in a good first dialogue. is of great concern. Montreal Branch excellent start. We are re-developing the co-op production wonders what actions ACTRA might take guidelines, and revising a low-budget to help the Canadian industry. successor to the experimental CLIPP. We MANITOBA are also participating in discussions with OTTAWA the other unions and stakeholders around 2002 already a busy year the city’s plan for a $150-million world- ike most branches, 2001 was a slower class film production facility. in Manitoba L year for Ottawa ACTRA members. The From perhaps the most diverse city in the anitoba, for the first time in recent downturn in the economy, the threat of a western hemisphere, we launched a diversity Mmemory, has experienced production in SAG strike, and the events of September casting campaign that received wide media almost every month of the year 2001. The 11th all combined to create a difficult coverage including Citytv, CTV’s Canada AM, number of productions was unprecedented. climate for low-budget producers in our and The Toronto Sun. Our ‘Cast Reality’ Many members worked on more than one small jurisdiction. posters were sent to all ACTRA branches, production throughout the year. Nevertheless, the news wasn’t all bad. and the artwork is available to share. Canadian indigenous production was The series, The Endless Grind, which airs on On Feb. 15th we initiated our Members’ more than half of total production in terms the Comedy Network, was shot in Ottawa Conference entitled, ‘Making Connections – of work days, but there was strong foreign over the summer and a number of local With Your Art and Your Industry.’ This production as well. Both the number of our actors found work in the series along with year ATP evolved our AGM into a full day Full Members and Apprentice Members are

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The NDP government will bring in was nominated for 7 Genies including Best enabling legislation in March and form a Motion Picture. high-powered committee of culture sector 100 Days in the Jungle, a recent MOW that types that will be charged with putting was filmed in Costa Rica for 3 weeks, had meat on the bones of the law over the next been variously affected by the September couple of years. Our branch is expected to 11th attack, hurricane Michelle, a participate in a big way as ACTRA not monsoon and a minor earthquake. The only has a lot to gain it has a lot to offer branch anticipates sending some other artist organizations. recommendations to ACTRA Fraternal Alice Poyser, William Carl Backman and Ida Reichardt Backman at ACTRA Manitoba’s Open House in December. Renovations of our new ACTRA Benefit Society on behalf of members Saskatchewan Audition and Resource Centres working out of the country. We salute the growing faster than ever before. And we are are complete. We’ve had several bookings indomitable Canadian cast and crew of 100 expecting a financial surplus for 2001. 2001 from members and expect all Regina Days and we are confident that they will has indeed been a good year for ACTRA auditions will be held in the new spiffy ultimately be very proud of this Manitoba. space. undertaking. 2002 is starting off even better. Three Construction of the $12 million, 82,000- The branch continues to focus on the productions started in February and a square-foot soundstage is due to be pursuit of work opportunities and training fourth is getting ready. And there are more completed this spring. It’s expected to initiatives for ACTRA members. in the wings. change everyone’s life here. Now we’re Our website was transferred to Last July we moved into a new office in worried about a shortage of crew and a www.actraedmonton.com in December, and Winnipeg’s Exchange district – right in the number of them will need to be enticed is already attracting enthusiastic enquiries. middle of the film and arts community. We home after they left last year for greener With the assistance of the Calgary regional are establishing a studio within our office pastures. office, we have managed to turn around for acting workshops. Our council and Branch President Chris Scott has agreed some non-union activity. membership are very excited with these to sit on the Saskatchewan Labour Force In December, we held our first-ever improvements. Development Board, representing ACTRA combined Equity-ACTRA holiday celebration We held an Open House in our new office and all cultural industries. This prestigious at the Varscona Theatre. It was a successful in December. All members and many film appointment by the Sask Fed of Labour will event which brought together the entire industry workers were invited. We had a help raise ACTRA’s profile in both the Edmonton acting community in good turnout and a very enjoyable time was cultural sector and labour movement. celebration. It is the beginning of a new had by all. In a little ceremony we We’re also working with the other prairie tradition in Edmonton. recognized Alice Poyser for her past branches and ACTRA’s National office to In closing, we wish to thank the Western twenty-five years of service to ACTRA formalize regional administration out of the Regional Office for maintaining the Manitoba and presented her with a gift – a Calgary office, to free up our one-person Edmonton Branch during our Branch Rep.’s very charming memory box. staff from the over-burdening clerical absence last summer: John Rooney, Dan Life is good in Manitoba and if the duties. Goy, Donna Burwood, and Jennifer Blaney. weather would improve it would be Kudos from all of us at the Edmonton downright excellent. Branch to the National staff for their EDMONTON continued hard work and recent achievements. SASKATCHEWAN CTRA Edmonton is Apleased to announce Status of the Artist Colin MacLean has been CALGARY legislation in the works acclaimed as our National Councillor. Colin is a We need a National presence askatchewan is veteran CBC broadcaster in every region Sproving once again and writer and one of the that it’s the centre of the Colin MacLean, founding members of the t was a so-so year for Calgary, certainly universe as the provincial ACTRA Edmonton’s Edmonton Branch. His not one of the blockbusters (no National Councillor I government is set to extensive knowledge of advertising intended). We had five feature introduce Status of the the entertainment industry, and his history films, of which three were deferrals, and Artist legislation this with ACTRA will be a great benefit. two unit shoots for feature films. Five

Chris Scott, President, spring. We’ll be only the We’re not as busy as we would like – but MOWs, two TV series, one mini series, one ACTRA Saskatchewan second province (after we are steady. Productions include co-treaty and some odds and ends. Quebec) to have such a documentaries (Great North/Alliance Preliminary figures for Canadian talent law. The feds brought their law down in the Atlantis) and other local independents; show: background days at approximately early 1990s. This is extremely important for Mentors (the series); and the occasional 3,500 of which more than 2,000 were non- artists of all ilk as it will provide for feature film, MOW, commercial, and CBC members. Working days were approximately collective bargaining rights for freelance Radio pickup. We are pleased that The War 2,000, of which 850 were for members in artists and commits our government to Bride, an official co-treaty production shot other branches and approximately 300 for honouring existing scale agreements. in Edmonton and England during 2000, (continued on page 14)

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Eight women directors. 10 actors. 14 days. The Women in the Director’s Chair Workshop

from the actor perspective Mentor director Nanci Rossov (former ACTRA member). by Kerry Segal Photos by Gail Maurice an intense journey of growth and exploration

On January 19, ten ACTRA on learning created an environment truthful reflection of the general populace’s members flew into the Banff National Park conducive to the analysis of the emotional experience of life. With more female to partake in the Women in the Director’s processes that one usually engages in. This storytellers, we would have a diverse influx Chair (WIDC) Workshop. The workshop was allowed actors to become aware of personal of stories where women portray the set appropriately in The Banff Centre situated blocks in a safe environment. protagonists and a more honest depiction of above the tectonic plates, a place for WIDC created a place where actors women’s existence. This would not just be dream/vision quest among natives. The could learn from each other not only about to the benefit of women (and female energy here is so strong that many native craft, but also about what’s going on in the performers!) but also to the benefit of people won’t live here. In this energetically industry throughout the country, and meet humanity. and creatively charged setting, all involved up-and-coming female directors. The workshop brought people from all embarked on an intense journey of growth Several of the performers expressed over the country, specialized in all aspects and exploration amid eight female directors gratitude for the opportunity to work in a of the industry, together. It created a (Annie Bradley, Maureen Bradley, Shirley learning-focused environment, commenting meeting place for women working within Cheechoo, Susan Duligal, Patti Henderson, that it reminded them why they became a the industry, one that encourages a Andrea Mann, Shandi Mitchell, Jacqueline performer in the first place. Through supportive cross-regional network for Samuda), mentor director Nanci Rossov, working toward the creation and women of diverse professional backgrounds. mentor actor Patti Allan, mentor DOP realization of the directors’ vision, all It gives hope that some day the industry Richard Leiterman, mentor editor Paul participants were able to be part of a will be permeated with women working on Mortimer, mentor story editor Peg Campbell; collaborative experience. The participants creating a more truthful reflection of under the tutelage of the ever-capable Carol discussed the unfortunately unique the reality of not just women, but of Whiteman and her right hand Amanda opportunity of working with so many the world in general. O’Leary. female directors on set. The WIDC Workshop is an incredible As a performer, having roles written by Kerry Segal is a Toronto-based opportunity to understand the process of women, about women and directed by performer. She is a creator, mover, filmmaking. The workshop allowed the women, I was given the opportunity to singer, writer, actor, and artist. actors to drop the false sense of centrality explore meaty stories with female one often feels as a performer, and provided characters of substance. One can only hope Photography by Gail Maurice – space for analyzing and articulating the role that the workshop and its graduates will a Toronto-based actress and writer, that we play in creating film and television. permeate the industry, creating a more soon to be seen in Street Time, a The discussions with fellow actors and new ShowTime series. She’s also directors created a supportive environment unique synergy through heading to Alaska and the Yukon for participants to discuss their needs. This for a shoot with the simulated professional environment focused collaborative experience BBC/Discovery.

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(Left) All work and no play? Finally, we Day 2 Up at 6:45 a.m. Only two meetings got some time off – A WIDC diary and three rehearsals on the agenda for today. and went cross-country skiing in our beautiful by Shaker Paleja As I open the curtains in my room I begin to surroundings. Actors Lori Hallier, Genevieve realize just how beautiful it is here. Nestled Steele and Tammy I have my first meeting with Andrea in the heart of the Rockies, the views from Bentz. Day 1 Mann, one of the directors whose final scene here are spectacular. It feels like I’m in a I will be working on with fellow actor, magical place, which only exists in dreams. (Below) Director Maureen Bradley and Genevieve Steele. After Andrea bestows At the morning meeting, Carol Whiteman, the actor participant (and photographer) Gail background info about our characters, we program producer and co-creator, reminds us Maurice on a hike proceed to discuss psychological and that we are in the middle of a national park near the Banff Centre. emotional journeys our characters will (the oldest in Canada) and that we are in undertake. I am silently struck by her fact in a magical place. The First Nations strength and clarity of vision. After the people started coming here 10,000 years ago. hour-and-a-half-minute meeting I leave They believed it was indeed a magical place inspired. I have never had the opportunity to where dreams have the power to transform discuss many of the things we touched on in you. The meeting later adjourns with the the meeting with professional directors in announcement of a cougar warning in the the real world. I unwind and finish the day area. Someone makes a joke about it being a with a workout, a swim in the 25-metre middle-aged woman and we get up from our pool, followed by a visit to the steam room. seats laughing, but before stepping outside we all take a moment to see if it’s safe. “I’ve never been around so Day 3 The crew arrived last night. DOPs, ADs, hair and make-up, script supervisors, much estrogen in my life.” sound technicians, camera operators, gaffers, student assistants, and God knows who else. They have come from all over Canada. In total, there are over 100 of us. Day 4 Our first and only day off. The work so far has been challenging, the directors have been wonderful to work with, as have the actors and DOPs, and crew. After working so hard, we were rewarded last night with a screening of the dailies. At lunch I Discussing a scene: 1st AD Michele Williams with broke bread with artists from all over the director Shirley Cheechoo, and script superviser Author Kerry Segal with directors Patti Henderson and Jacqueline Samuda. Sabrina Birrell. world: a violinist from Australia, a viola player from Minnesota, a Canadian Quite the contingent: ACTRA members participating in the 2002 Women in the Director’s Chair workshop. Front: Kerry Segal (actor), composer who works in Europe, an author Amanda O'Leary (line producer). Middle: Shirley Cheechoo (director), Victoria Barkoff (actor), Genevieve Steele (actor), Andrea who is going to Holland to write her second Mann (director), Gail Maurice (actor), Carol Whiteman (producer), Tammy Bentz (actor), Nanci Rossov (mentor director), Lori Hallier (actor), Jacqueline Samuda (director), Patti Allan (mentor actor/instructor). Back: Russell Ferrier (actor), John MacLaren (actor), book, and an artistic director of a dance Jenn Griffin (actor), Shaker Paleja (actor). company from Winnipeg. It feels like I’ve snuck into an exclusive club while the bouncer or maitre d’ wasn’t looking. Day 14 The past few days have been hectic. Shooting the main scenes is challenging but also fun. It’s extraordinary that the directors I’ve worked with so far (Andrea Mann, Shirley Cheechoo, and Maureen Bradley) have been so busy and yet so together. Not only are they intelligent and talented, but also incredibly nice. I have never been around so much estrogen in my life, but I must admit that it is wonderful to work with a director who is sensitive to actors’ needs. I will always Don Lee treasure my experiences here. I wish the real world were like this. Shaker Paleja has acted in the U.K. and India. He currently resides and works in the beautiful city of Vancouver.

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Women in the Director’s Chair Workshop a unique experience

The Women in the Director’s Chair Workshop ACTRA member Carol Whiteman is is a specially designed intensive program co-founder and producer of the annual for mid-career Canadian women WIDC workshop. ince 1958, the Actors’ Fund of Canada has directors. From prep through production ACTRA member authors Kerry Segal Shelped thousands of performers and and post – all of the components of a and Shaker Paleja and photographer Gail other entertainment industry professionals in professional dramatic media production Maurice participated in the 2002 acting financial crisis to get back on their feet after a are explored, complete with professional ensemble. major setback. When artists in need have actors (ACTRA) and crews (DGC, nowhere else to turn, the Fund can intervene IATSE). Application deadlines for the WIDC at a critical moment with a rent cheque, grocery money, a subsidy for prescription The WIDC Workshop alumnae have 2003 Workshop are: drugs or other assistance. gone on to complete new original If you are ill, injured, or have suffered a projects, collaborate on fellow graduates’ Directors: September 30, 2002 financial catastrophe that puts your health, projects and many are hired to direct Actors: October 31, 2002 shelter or ability to work in jeopardy, contact series television. Graduates credit the Crew: November 30, 2002 the Fund for quick and confidential help. increased skills, greater confidence and The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered action plan developed at the workshop as Watch the website for more information: charity sustained by members of the a major force behind subsequent success. www.womeninthedirectorschair.com. entertainment industry professions. For more Among graduates’ successes, Veronica Note to 2002 applicants: demo tapes information or to make a tax-deductible Tennant received a star on Toronto’s Walk have been returned to your local ACTRA donation, contact the Fund at: of Fame, Gerry Rogers’ autobiographical branch office for pickup. 10 St. Mary Street, Suite 860, My Left Breast garnered accolades across Toronto, ON M4Y 1P9 Canada and around the world, while Katie ACTRA is a proud sponsor Tel.: (416) 975-0304 (Toll-free 1-877-399-8392) Tallo went to camera on a full-length of the Women in the Fax: (416) 975-0306 dramatic feature film. Director’s Chair Workshop. e-mail: [email protected] www.actorsfund.ca

CALGARY BRITISH COLUMBIA In early September, it came to our (continued from page 11) attention that CCRA (formerly Revenue Waiting for ‘business as usual’ Canada) was auditing the tax returns of an non-members. Calgary members cast were inordinate number of our members. We nearly 200. The interesting figure is the is a year of uncertainty and guarded pro-actively requested a meeting with the ‘other branches’ figure, which supports the 2002 optimism as we wait to see if and when the CCRA reps in an attempt to understand argument for a national presence in every ‘business as usual’ flag will be hoisted by the why we’ve become the object of their production region. entertainment industry. attention. After six meetings we managed Our members need and expect the local Our long-awaited financial statements to get CCRA to agree to put the audits for office of the area where they are working to were completed in November and several UBCP members on hold pending be supportive and provide service. The forwarded in a holiday bouquet to the the results of our meetings. We hope to local branch can only do that if we national office. We are delighted and send members a CCRA-UBCP statement continue to maintain a National relieved that this onerous and time- about new guidelines for allowable expenses Agreement, fair to all our members. consuming task has been completed and On to other matters. Calgary has a new for performers. we thank you for your patience as we council which is getting its feet wet, UBCP has negotiated a one-year wrestled the financial demon to the mat. coming to terms with itself and trying to be continuance of its collective agreement In perhaps the most hotly contested a cohesive group working for the member- through March 31st, 2003. This elections in UBCP’s eleven-year history, ship who elected them. A new workshop arrangement seemed to be the obvious and 27 candidates ran for 10 positions on the committee is committed to providing most prudent choice to make. We have also UBCP Executive Board. Elected on dynamic courses and enhancing the educat- met with the AMPTP and CFTPA in a December 3, 2001 for a two-year term ional opportunities for the membership. ‘consultation committee’ mechanism were: Calgary was pleased to hear that the City provided for in the BCMPA to discuss of Toronto is building a new soundstage Mark Holden, John Juliani, Stephen E. Miller, issues of mutual concern. We hope this and hopes that the work for members will Peter Partridge, Elfie Pavlakovic, Kate Robbins, process will facilitate bargaining when we expand exponentially. Alvin Sanders, Howard Storey, Gerry Vivash and sit down formally to renegotiate the Carpe diem. Byard Wood. BCMPA.

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VVikik SahaySahay

Vik Sahay knows the Canadian actor The Ride, and what he calls a “blip part” back and make the films I want to experience of public anonymity. in Good Will Hunting. Upcoming, he’ll be make,” he says. Though he’s surprised at how many kids treading the boards in Canadian Stage’s As for acting, Sahay says “there’s recognize him instantly – as Dalal, the co-pro with the National Arts Centre of pretty much nothing else I can imagine character he plays on CBC television’s Tom Stoppard’s Indian Ink. doing. It’s just it.” Our Hero. He’s also part of an experimental film Our Hero centres on 17-year-old Kale, project called Fine. who writes a zine to deal with the Still in development, ‘issues’ in her life. Sahay’s Dalal has the actors meet started a relationship with Kale’s best regularly with the friend Mary-E. Sahay says Dalal “is a writer and a director fiery, poetic soul who has acted as a sage to workshop a film to some of the other characters.” on-camera. Sahay The challenge with the part was to says developing a play someone younger than himself. character on film has “Dalal is 17. I’ve been hanging out with been one of his Photo courtesy CBC my younger brother to research the greatest experiences. part.” And the rewards? “The chance to Sahay has started work with a creative team of such a building bridges to high calibre.” L.A. “My long-term Other credits include the YTV series goal is to make it in Radioactive, a Showcase original feature L.A., and then come Vik Sahay as Dalal, and Jeanie Calleja as Mary-E in Our Hero.

JenniferJennifer OvertonOverton

Nova Scotia performer Jennifer Overton Sissy Spacek in the MOW Songs in by Elizabeth Hay. Upcoming, she’ll be earned a Masters in performance at Ordinary Time, and James Caan in the on stage at Neptune Theatre in York University, and went to teach at feature Glimpse of Hell. Jonathan Wilson’s Kilt. Dalhousie University in Halifax for a Most recently, Overton worked on She’s also working on a book for a year. “I fully expected to return to Agnieszka Holland’s film Julie Walking British publisher. “We have a high- Ontario, but you know the story – I Home. An emotional story about a functioning autistic son, Nicholas, and met someone, got married, and stayed. woman whose son has cancer, Overton I’m writing a book about our lives.” I love it here. The Maritimes is a great plays the grandmother. The challenges In her spare time, Overton sits on place to be a performer right now.” in this role weren’t just dramatic. ACTRA’s Maritimes Branch Council, An actor, director, writer and “10-hour days in heels and no make-up. and serves as Chair of the Board of educator, Overton most enjoys acting Not a stitch!” Directors of the Moving Images Group, a for the camera, though she struggles Other recent credits include Liocracy, non-profit co-operative venture of the with being considered for what she calls – a biography spoof for the Comedy Writers Guild, the Directors Guild, ‘more mature roles,’ after her hair went Network, and Between the Covers on ACTRA and IATSE. prematurely grey. She’s worked with CBC Radio reading A Student of Weather

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Show your card and Maria Bircher save your Maria has been working as a professional performer for more than fifteen years with memberships in UdA, money: ame rmer N CAEA and ACTRA. She has performed in television, film Perfo ACTRA and theatrical productions across Canada and lent her Full Member MAP Valid until voice to numerous animation, radio and digital media projects. She is proud to be a member of this great organization and has served ACTRA as a Montreal Councillor for four years and as a National Councillor for two. Maria sits on Montreal’s Professional Development Committee. She finds the experience of bringing improved All ACTRA Members, along with members of the Directors services and profile to Montreal performers to be enjoyable and Guild of Canada, the Academy of Canadian Cinema and rewarding and encourages all members to get involved and share in the Television and the Writers Guild of Canada are entitled to a fun. Maria also sits on several National committees including the number of discounts, under what’s called the Members’ National ACTRA Women’s Committee. Advantage Program,or MAP. Just show your ACTRA member card. Use your ACTRA member password to log in to the members’ section of Barry Blake www.actra.ca for a full list of discounts. Barry is a bilingual actor, narrator and director who divides his time between Ottawa, Montreal and Australian Boot Company – $40 off Toronto, appearing in Canadian and international Toronto, Vancouver locations. productions. Balancing many film, documentary and 1-877-842-1126 television roles, Barry occasionally shares his www.australianbootcompany.com knowledge, experience and ironically jaded world view through courses offered by organizations such as ACTRA and the Canadian Screen Dubuc Fashion – 20% off Training Centre. He has represented Ottawa-area performers on Fashion for men and women. Toronto and Montreal locations. ACTRA’s National Council since 2000. Well known for his starring 1-888-826-1424 www.dubucstyle.com role in the Québecois cult classic Elvis Gratton II: Miracle à Memphis, Barry also has recently appeared in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Great rates on Hotels Asbestos (French mini-series), Wrong Number (starring Eric Roberts), Use your ACTRA member password to log in to the members’ The Endless Grind (Ocnus Productions) and the NFB miniseries, Chiefs. section of www.actra.ca for more details.

Rogers AT&T – discounts Christie MacFadyen on cell phones, air time Christie has a BA in Philosophy from U of T and is a ACTRA members have access to graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse. She lived in the MAP multi-subscriber discount plan. Quote your ACTRA NYC for many years, working in theatre, TV, and film member number there and here. She has been on Toronto Council for (416) 358-7644 three years, and has been a National Councillor for two. As the newly elected Vice-President of External Affairs at The Hollywood Reporter – $111 off ACTRA and MAP members can ACTRA Toronto she is working on improving ACTRA’s subscribe for US $175. All orders must be prepaid. Fax communication with other arts organizations on government policy circulation at (323) 525-2150 attn. R. Wilkes or email issues that affect us. Recent credits include appearances on The [email protected] Associates, Blue Murder, The Famous Jett Jackson and The War next Door, and the films Clean Right Cowboy, White Lies and Ararat. Playback – 25% off 1 year for $52.50, 2 years for $105. Wayne Nicklas Quote your ACTRA membership Winnipeg-born and raised, Wayne is a big person and number. Contact Angie Sawicki (416) 408-2300 sensitive to the issues of the large actor – bigger Europe Bound – 15% off costumes, bigger sets and bigger parts. But seriously, 15% off: all equipment rentals, he has been a working actor for more years than he regular-priced clothing and footwear, would care to admit and is therefore closely and camping gear over $100. Toronto and Vancouver acquainted with the difficulties that an acting career can present. He is locations. 1-800-363-3427 www.europebound.com committed to helping to improve the lives and livelihoods of the everyday actor. During his time on council, Wayne has seen tremendous No discounts in your area? Want to expand discounts for gains on behalf of all Canadian actors and Manitoba actors in ACTRA members? Ideas for other discounts? Contact us at particular. It has been Wayne’s privilege and pleasure to represent [email protected] or call Kim Hume at 1-800-387-3516 Manitoba actors on National Council since 1995, and he will continue on the 2002 council.

16 InterACTRA SPRING 2002 26803 ACTRA1048 spring02final 4/10/02 9:51 AM Page 17

recognize this union as it is considered to be employer-dominated. In Calgary, ACTRA is concerned about the relationship between Chinook Animation and CLAC in respect to the security of our jurisdiction. MONTREAL that we pay their costs for the arbitration. Established in 1999 by a producer The arbitrator ruled that ACTRA has signatory to an ACTRA contract in B.C., The Pillsbury Dough Boy both the right and the obligation to be Chinook Animation certified with CLAC and involved in such cases. While the arbitrator signed an agreement offering fees and Goes ACTRA decided that the IPA does not specifically conditions inferior to ACTRA standards. ban nudity for minors, he ruled on exactly This certification is significant as it marks n January 2002, Pillsbury attempted to how the scenes will and will not be filmed. the first time that CLAC has moved into film a non-union commercial in Montreal. I His decision stated that the two boys will ACTRA’s jurisdiction. It is imperative that The commercial, featuring performers as not be present when the young girl is filmed. we eliminate CLAC from our industry young as 6 years old, will be aired across the Further, the producer is not permitted to film before they do more harm or damage to the United States. Quebec has Status of the her pubic area, and her parents can insist fees, working conditions, benefits and Artist legislation which recognizes ACTRA that she wear something during the filming. residual rights that ACTRA has fought and obliges producers to negotiate with us. In the second scene, the arbitrator ruled that hard to establish for performers. National Organizer Gary Saxe contacted the boy will not be present when the adult is The organizing department has adopted the advertising agency in New York and the nude and will not have any objectionable an initial strategy of isolating Chinook local production company in Montreal to physical contact with her. Animation and CLAC by focusing on inform them of their legal obligation. After The arbitrator also rejected the demand drying up their talent pool. A supplemental several days of promised negotiations and of the producer that ACTRA pay for their strategy is being examined and developed. no results, Gary faxed a press release to the costs. He ruled that ACTRA was fully ACTRA and Equity members are not to work ad agency, Pillsbury and their parent within its rights to pursue the case because for Chinook Animation or any other company General Mills. The release was the producer did, in fact, violate the IPA. engager who does not adhere to the titled ‘Pillsbury Underpays Performers in The scenes were filmed on February 22 Independent Production Agreement (IPA) Canada.’ Gary informed them that the press and 24, 2002. Regardless of the arbitrator’s or the B.C. Master Production Agreement. release would be distributed to the media decision, the director filmed the scene with This includes engagers who have signed unless they use our collective agreement. the two boys present while the girl was agreements with CLAC. Equity members Shortly thereafter, Gary received a partially nude. As a result, ACTRA will be working in ACTRA’s jurisdiction are telephone call from a vice- president of pursuing the producer for damages for the governed by the ACTRA/Equity Reciprocal General Mills, who assured us that the children as well as punitive damages for Agreement, which means that they must commercial would be shot union. From that ignoring an arbitration only work on ACTRA-approved point, negotiations went much more decision. productions. ACTRA will report all smoothly. The commercial was filmed under violations by Equity members to their ACTRA contracts in January. Gary Saxe national office. ACTRA National Organizer ACTRA has worked with the Trade [email protected] ACTRA Continues to Fight to Union Coalition of Alberta to develop an information website on CLAC: Protect Children’s Rights WESTERN CANADA www.clacwatch.com. CTRA recently scored a victory in Don Dudar A protecting the rights of children Beware of CLAC! ACTRA National Organizer, working in our jurisdiction. The producer, Western Canada ho’s CLAC you ask? It is an Ciné Qua Non Films, backed by the Quebec [email protected] organization known as the Christian producers’ association, the APFTQ, wanted to W or (403) 616-3123 Labour Association of Canada. It is important use children in an unacceptable and to note that the labour movement and the inappropriate manner. One scene involved Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) do not (ORGANIZING continues on page 18) an 8-year-old girl performing in the nude in the presence of two boys. Another scene involved an 11-year-old boy performing with a nude 23-year-old woman in a scene that involves physical contact with sexual Got a computer? Want to receive InterACTRA by email? content. This difficult arbitration dragged out We have the technology! If you’d like to receive InterACTRA in your over five days of testimony. IPA Steward e-mailbox instead of your snail-mailbox, let us know. Email us at Molly Ann Rothschild and National Organizer [email protected] with your membership number. We’ll send you a pdf Gary Saxe coordinated ACTRA’s case. The producer claimed that ACTRA should have file of InterACTRA and you’ll help ACTRA save on postage and printing. no role in the matter. They even demanded

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NATIONAL reducing the number of performers who are film or video is not necessarily relevant. out there doing non-union work. Even if a project is produced on film, you can bet that it will be digitized once it is Warning: Non-union Dan Mackenzie completed. For example, one would be hard ACTRA National Organizer Commercials pressed to find a major theatrically released [email protected] his year ACTRA organizers will be Hollywood film over the past year that has Tfocusing even more effort toward making not been digitized and released on DVD sure that commercial work is done union. DIGITAL MEDIA (Digital Video Disk). DVDs include a Currently, too much work is going non- wealth of additional footage, however union. The following list is just a small New Media is dead! payment models for performers involved in sample of non-union commercial this work have not been established. breakdowns we received between the end of es, that’s right New Media is dead – the And on the television front, the press is October and the start of December 2001: Y term that is. quick to point out that the digital stations Little Caesars, TSN-Promo, Bell ExpressVu, Hot The use of ‘New Media’ to describe have gotten off to a rocky start – sure, what Pockets, National Geographic Channel, Crayola digital media was always problematic. would one expect? However shaky the start, Crayons, Snickers, Safeway, Heineken Beer, Projects developed with digital media let’s not forget that television broadcasts in Verizon Wireless, Target Stores, Ontario Ministry technologies continue to be categorized as the United States (and Canada will likely of Education, CCM, Pizza Pizza, Lindt Chocolates, ‘new’ even though these ‘new’ productions follow) must be digital by the proposed date Ocean Spray, Fidelity Mutual, Kodiak Boots, Lord are now commonplace in the industry and of 2006. After that time all programming of the Rings and Spiderman ‘Toy Biz’, Mattel, have been for years. Although this may not on the tube will be digital. and Hasbro. seem to be significant, it is and here is why: The NATPE (National Association of What’s alarming is that these well- using the term ‘new media’ connotes the Television Program Executives) known companies and the agencies they idea that these productions are somehow Convention in the United States is one of hire, don’t feel the need to use ‘the best separate, and perhaps make up only a small the world’s most important television talent available’ – ACTRA members. part of the entertainment industry and this markets, and this year’s market revealed Instead, it appears that agencies feel that is simply not the reality. ‘New Media,’ or some interesting developments. A they can find talented non-ACTRA better said ‘Digital Media,’ is not only part significant number of the Canadian titles performers to do the work at lower rates of of the entire industry it is quickly becoming sold (hundreds of episodes) were short- compensation. the industry. length programs (90-second to 11-minute). ACTRA organizers will communicate From the perspective of feature films, it is This is consistent with our predictions last with agencies, producers and advertisers to often pointed out that digital features do year that short-length programming will try and convince them to use our members, not look as good as features produced on continue to find markets (and revenues) in but we will also need to look at new ways of film. Whether a production is captured on the internet and 500-channel universe.

all entertainment will be in digital format within 3-5 years

As Bill Gates stated at Digital Hollywood this year, he believes that all entertainment will be in digital format within the next three to five years. The reason that all entertainment will be digital or digitized, is that in order for entertainment companies to remain competitive and increase revenues, the entertainment that they produce will have to be used cross-platform (on a number of audio-video devices). Cross-platform uses will drive new revenues and cross-platform use can only be obtained The 2002 Canadian Comedy Awards thank all who nominated, in digital format. voted and bought tickets to the party! Stay tuned to the website for New Media is dead, but Digital Media is alive and very well. winners info, and bulletins on next year’s show. Thom Tapley www.canadiancomedyawards.com ACTRA National Organizer, Brought to you by ACTRA. Digital Media [email protected]

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applause Order of Canada honours 4 ACTRA Members

ACTRA members Judith Lawrence and Red Kelly have been named to the Order of Canada for the first time. Patrick Watson and former ACTRA member Brian Macdonald have been promoted to Companions of the Order of Canada. Judith Lawrence created Photo courtesy CBC and animated the much- loved puppets Casey and Finnegan on CBC’s Mr. Dressup until her (and

their) retirement in 1992. Mr. Dressup (Ernie Coombs) with Hockey legend Red Kelly Casey and Finnegan who were created by Judith Lawrence. played with the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs in a career spanning 20 years from 1947 to 1967. Patrick Watson is best known as a television journalist and producer. This year, CBC rebroadcast a number of episodes from This Hour Has Seven Days, the famous current affairs show Watson hosted in the 1960s. Watson was named Patrick Watson in the 1960s show This Hour Has Seven Days. to the Order of Canada in 1981. Kiefer Sutherland wins Brian Macdonald is an internationally acclaimed Golden Globe Award choreographer and director. Macdonald was an original ACTRA Member Kiefer Sutherland member of the National Ballet of took home a Golden Globe Award for Canada and is the director of the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Drama professional dance program at the Series) for his role in 24. Among the Banff Centre. Macdonald was nominees, Kiefer beat out Martin named to the Order of Canada in Sheen, nominated for his role in The 1967. Photo courtesy CBC West Wing. The Order of Canada recognizes The Hollywood Foreign Press people who have made a difference Association awards its Golden Globes to our country – Canada’s highest to honour achievements in film and honour for lifetime achievement. television during the calendar year. The Order is awarded by the The awards took place in January. Governor General of Canada.

ACTRA members Molly Parker, Vincent Gale and Brendan Fletcher each won Genies at the 22nd annual Genie

The Genie Award statuette was created by Sorel Etrog 2002 Genie Awards Awards on February 7, 2002. Winning best-supporting actress for her role in Last Wedding, Parker had also been nominated in the same category for her work in the film The War Bride. Gale won the best-supporting actor Genie for his work in Last Wedding. Fletcher, at 20 years old, is the youngest performer to win the best-actor Genie. He won for his Molly Parker portrayal of Henry in The Law of Enclosures. The film Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner) won five Genies including Best Motion Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. The Genie Awards honour outstanding achievement in the Canadian film industry. Inaugurated in 1980, the Genies are awarded annually by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. For more information, visit the Academy’s website at www.academy.ca.

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Farewell to FRANK SHUSTER

rank Shuster was a master comedic F craftsman who, along with co-writer and performer Johnny Wayne, brought

Photo courtesy CBC sophisticated schtick to our TV screens for decades. Wayne & Shuster had their own unofficial repertory company of character actors – a talent pool of perhaps 20-25 guys and dolls from which they’d cast their specials.

I was privileged to be one of those ‘faces’ in the 70s and Photo courtesy CBC 80s and it was great fun. I spent a lot of time working abroad in those days, but when possible, I would fly home to make myself available for their shows. Of course Johnny and Frank were the dominant actors in almost every sketch, but there would always be a few delicious cameos for us guys in the trenches and I looked forward to every new script selfishly hoping there’d be something juicy for me. Aside from the shoot week itself, each show involved a GOODBYE, PETER week of rehearsals and costume fittings at the CBC studios on Sumach Street, and it was here where all the fun took et me just say up front… I find it very difficult to write place, especially at coffee break time when jokes would fly, anything about Peter Gzowski. It’s hard to describe outrageous anecdotes would be exchanged, and laughter how much I miss him now, never mind how much I would fill the air. Johnny and Frank would always L will miss him down the road. I miss the comforting sound of contribute to the humorous banter and I admired them his voice in the morning; although there was always the both, but was especially intrigued by Frank who had a chance his ‘best of’ would calm the airwaves later in the day. gracious presence not often found in comedians – I am very sad that I didn’t have the chance to say good- considerate, articulate, and kindly. Hey, and he was funny bye before he ventured on a new journey. But then too. Blessed with perfect timing, he could be and often was something very strange happened… I heard wonderful as manic as Johnny and with that doleful, expressive face. voices singing… poetry recited… friends laughing… and No one could arch an eyebrow or do a double-take better finally, a conversation between Peter and W.O. Mitchell… I than he. felt myself smiling at the power of love and what Peter had Frank Shuster was a class act, a splendid fellow and a done for me and everyone else who was blessed to have true gentleman. Those who worked with him deeply known him. mourn his passing, but will always have the memories of the camaraderie and the good times we shared. Goodbye old friend… I’ll see you later. Howard Swinson Tom Jackson

We share our Maria Barrett John Heywood Gordon Ruttan Herbert Belyea Elsa Houba Carol Shamy sadness at the Peter Boretski Irene Kessler Tony Sheer passing of the Patrick Brennan John McKinney Dr. Gordon Signer Kay Caisley Gillian McNair Charles Templeton following members Terri Clark Marshall Perlmutar Vladimir Valenta and ACTRA Edward Greenhalgh Elsa Pickthorne Larry Zirkle Don Harper Ramiro Puerta colleagues Gwyneth Harvey Ken Rabat

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confronting the system, including interactive television and the internet, increasing competition and vertical integration. The committee appears also to Canadian content production in decline lack the resources necessary to complete a thorough review. “Members of the t an appearance before the House of analyze the concerns of ACTRA members committee were surprised to hear the latest A Commons Standing Committee on Canadian in detail and outline ACTRA’s proposed statistics that show that there was a greater Heritage on November 27, 2001, ACTRA alternatives, the division bells started amount of foreign service production in policy advisor Garry Neil pointed out that the ringing, calling members to the House of Canada in 2001 than there was English- fall in number of Canadian content Commons for an urgent vote. As a result, language Canadian content production. productions, particularly of television drama, the committee hearings dissolved They also hadn’t been told about the has reached crisis proportions. “We are chaotically. Delegates from the Canadian decision of Alliance Atlantis to get out of losing our ability to tell Canadian stories in Film and Television Production production.” In fiscal 2000, budgets of the the recorded media,” said Mr. Neil. Association, who traveled to the session foreign productions shot here totaled $1.5 He also told committee members the from across Canada and were scheduled to billion, while only $1.2 billion of English- situation is only made worse with the appear after ACTRA, were sent packing. language Canadian content was produced. decision of the World Trade Organization This debacle highlights the problems of The committee has not decided on a new (WTO) to launch a comprehensive new the Standing Committee’s review of the appearance date for ACTRA and seems to round of trade talks at its recent Ministerial Canadian broadcasting system. Launched be reconsidering its entire work plan. “This meeting in the Persian Gulf Kingdom of last June, the review was to cover all aspects might be the best thing,” concluded Mr. Qatar. “The WTO and other trade of Canadian broadcasting and propose new Neil, “since it will give ACTRA and others agreements already restrict Canada’s and contemporary solutions to the time to consider the implications for sovereignty to implement policies that challenges facing the industry. The Canadian public policies of the dramatic support Canadian cultural expression. The committee was given eighteen months to shift in production patterns.” WTO decision to expand the services complete the work. But, according to Neil, For more information on ACTRA’s agreement and to discuss investment and “the committee seems to have bitten off public policy positions, visit www.actra.ca. competition policy is further bad news for rather more than it can chew.” Look under News and Information, and find the television and film industry.” The committee appeared to be caught off the Policy Issues section under But before Mr. Neil could explain and guard by the extent of the challenges InterACTRA.

If ACTRA doesn’t Get yourself in the picture! Send us your latest headshot. have your photo, this icon is what casting directors If you don’t know what your password is... and producers will Send an email to [email protected] with your full name, member number see in Face to Face and your agency (if applicable) and ask to have your password re-sent, Online. OR call 1-800-387-3516 and ask for Face to Face.

Make sure you’re in Face to Face Online – ACTRA’s searchable talent catalogue – at www.actra.ca (It’s free.)

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Photos: MH Cousineau © Igloolik Isuma Productions Behind-the-scenes Selecting Canadian films for the foreign-language Oscar race

Atanarjuat (played by Natar Ungalaaq) Inset photo: Puja (played by Lucie Tulugarjuk) and Panikpak (played by Madeline Ivalu)

Atanarjuat’s Winner Co-Winner Winner Toronto- Winner Grand Prix Winner Special Jury CTV Best of Fest Best Film Winner Claude Best Motion Picture Caméra d’or Guardian Award for City Award for of the Flemish Prize and the Award 2001 Jutra Award 2002 Genie Awards Un Certain Regard First Directors Best Canadian Community for Prix du Public Next Fest 2001 – ImagineNATIVE (special – Toronto impressive list – Official Selection 2001 Edinburgh Feature Film Best Film Festival Digital Motion Media Art Festival achievement by a – Cannes 2001 International Film 2001 Toronto 28th Flanders International du Picture Festival first-time Canadian of awards Festival International Film International Film nouveau Cinéma et feature film Festival Festival – Ghent des nouveaux director) Médias de 2002 Genie Awards Montréal 2001 – Toronto

by Terrence La Brosse Ross exciting new films to come along in years,” a way of bringing back the lost tradition of “arguably the most impressive film,” and storytelling. While not a documentary, the Many ACTRA Members are probably not “destined to go down in Canadian film film does depict authentic historical details aware of Canada’s role in sending films to history,” to cite just a few of the accolades of Inuit life. Kunuk says “Atanarjuat is a the Academy Awards – the Oscars. For years, this film has received. universal story with emotions people all ACTRA has participated on Telefilm Sadly, despite these rave reviews, over the world can understand. It is also Canada’s pre-selection committee which Atanarjuat was not among the Oscar totally Inuit: a story we all heard as deliberates each year over a number of finalists announced by the Academy on children, told and acted by Inuit.” Canadian films that qualify in the ‘foreign- February 12th. ACTRA is proud to be part of Telefilm’s language’ category, and selects just one to Canada has never won an Oscar in the pre-selection committee. We are witness to send to the Oscars. foreign-language category. It’s a broad the high calibre films our country’s talent is As a bilingual nation, Canada always has a category, and every nation in the world is producing, and pleased to be part of film to submit due to production in Quebec, invited to submit an entry. ushering that talent to a larger audience. and French-language production outside of Atanarjuat was filmed entirely on We also look forward to the day not far Quebec. But this year, there was another location on the sea-ice and tundra around from now when Canada’s submission to the stunning entry on the short list – the Inuit- Igloolik. The film draws on the rich oral foreign-language category will earn a statue. language film Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner). tradition of the Inuit. Among its impressive Atanarjuat is an exciting entry on many list of awards, it won the Toronto Terrence La Brosse Ross is a levels. It is director Zacharias Kunuk’s first International Film Festival’s Toronto-City member of Union des Artistes venture into feature film directing, for Award for Best Feature Film, two awards at and is a life member of which he has already won the Canadian the Festival International du nouveau Cinéma ACTRA. It is his honour to Academy’s Claude Jutra award. The press et des nouveaux Médias de Montréal 2001, and have been ACTRA’s volunteer reviews are remarkable – “the dazzler,” five Genie Awards including Best Motion representative on the Telefilm “surprise movie of 2001,” “one of the most Picture and Best Director. Canada Canadian pre-selection committee for The story is based on an ancient Inuit 10 years. Each year, the committee selects one Some Canadian films sent to the Oscars in legend passed down the generations foreign-language Canadian film to represent the Best Foreign-Language Film category through an oral tradition. The Atanarjuat Canada at the Oscars in the Best Foreign- 2001 Maelström (Denis Villeneuve) fable teaches young Inuit the dangers of Language Film competition. 2000 Emporte-moi (Léa Pool) putting individual desires above the needs Related links www.telefilm.gc.ca 1999 Un 32 août sur Terre (Denis Villeneuve) of the group. Director Zacharias Kunuk www.atanarjuat.com 1998 Cosmos (seven directors) believes that translating the fable to film is www.oscars.org

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$ 8 million

$ 7 million PRS Collections and Disbursements $ 6 million Collected Disbursed ACTRA PRS puts millions $ 5 million

$ 4 million

into performers’ pockets 3 $ million

Demystifying the ACTRA “collection agency” $ 2 million

that works for performers $ 1 million

0 CTRA Performers’ Rights Society’s (ACTRA 1996- 1997- 1998- 1999- 2000- 2001- PRS) ability to collect residuals for 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 A (unaudited) performers has improved considerably over the last five years. We have increased our collections from $1.8 million in 1996 to 2 years in arbitration: Wayne and Shuster approximately $6.5 million in 2001, at no cost ACTRA member Sylvia Lennick was surprised to see herself on the to the members. That means that in 2001 Comedy Network while she was in Edmonton doing a play. She didn’t alone, ACTRA PRS distributed almost know CBC had sold the Wayne and Shuster shows to the Comedy $6 million to performers – a tremendous Network. So she mentioned it at an ACTRA Toronto Council meeting. Two achievement we can all be proud of. ACTRA years later through the efforts of ACTRA PRS, an arbitrator awarded PRS is committed to ensuring that residual $75,000 to the performers involved, and the cheques were divided up

payments make their way to performers. Courtesy CBC accordingly, arriving in their mailboxes just before the holidays in 2001. It’s still a challenge though, to collect on productions made prior to the 1990s. At “I was delighted to get a small cheque for my work in this program over that time, the Canadian film industry was 20 years ago. And I was particularly interested that ACTRA PRS enclosed just starting to mature. The deals made were the reasoning details in the matter of arbitration… Well done. I remain a convoluted. Many performer contracts were very proud member of ACTRA. You serve us well.” — John Swindells drafted by lawyers unaware of how the IPA worked. References were made to agree- “I know (PRS) can’t resolve it overnight, but I had no idea it would take ments that didn’t exist, and ACTRA lan- two years. I think they’ve done a great job.” — Tom Harvey guage was pasted into performer contracts referencing SAG agreements, without any- John Swindells Tom Harvey one taking into account the administrative Never Cry Wolf repercussions of what was being drafted. The result was performer contracts that ACTRA member John Wardlow knew that Disney’s ©

are difficult to decipher. Agreements that Never Cry Wolf had done well. Some time after its MCMLXXXII tied producers to the product were never release in 1983, it was repackaged as a Disney signed, and contracts varied throughout the Classic, and Wardlow knew it was selling on video, W

same production. Worst of all, producers had making the top ten. Following the initial pre-paid alt Disney Productions no infrastructure to calculate payments even period, Wardlow started receiving royalties cheques in John Wardlow if they wanted to and the PRS staff was too 1994, a few hundred here, a few hundred there. He had small to take on all the work. no idea he was owed much more than that. “The beauty of PRS,” he says, “is they made a breakthrough with Disney. Now the ‘use fee’ payments are millions of dollars, years coming through on a regular basis for work I did on a host of Disney films of use fees for performers – Stakeout, Shoot to Kill and others.” Which, Wardlow admits, is much John Wardlow, doubling for Charles While all this makes collecting a difficult better than getting a whopping cheque that makes up for years of Martin Smith in Never Cry Wolf. task for PRS, we have successfully collected payments owing – a cheque that is almost entirely taxed away. millions of dollars from pre-1990 productions and performers have been paid Earth: Final Conflict years of Use Fees owed to them. We have improved our systems and we have hired Leni Parker played Da’an, the only alien in the first year of the series Earth: Final exemplary staff, committed to getting more Conflict, filmed in the summer and fall of 1997. Working on the series was an amazing money in the door for our members. We experience, she says, though being in make-up for three hours a day can get gruelling. have gone to arbitration with our expert Parker knew the show had been doing well – it had been picked up by the Sci-Fi channel legal counsel, Paul Falzone, and won in the U.S. Then she heard that a couple of the other performers had received Use Fee significant claims for our members. And cheques, so she called PRS. “PRS did a great job. Just when you need it. I didn’t think I’d claim file by claim file, audit by audit, we see anything until 2002. Earth is the show that just keeps on giving.” have been increasingly successful. Leni Parker

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February 7th, 2002, Actress (and presenter) The Genie Awards at The Metro Leni Parker says she is a Toronto Convention Centre. left-handed Scorpio who likes long walks – 5:00 I slip out of the intended for David La cab onto the red carpet Haye. The cheekiness of the Metro Toronto continues with Patrick Convention Centre: out Best Actor nominee Chris Owens with Our intrepid author Anne Marie with Huard’s hilarious “I’m from the cold into the William B. Davis and Nicholas Campbell. Best Supporting Actor Vincent Gale. from Québec so I don’t already hot cocktail speak Henglish So party. I pass on the Good” routine. David complimentary Genie Usher performs and by Martini (I’m on the now I’m so inspired, I wagon) and exchange can barely stand it. kisses with the very Then Brendan Fletcher talented Chris Owens scoops the Best Actor who’s nominated for Best award and says “I’m Actor in The Uncles. Helen Du Toit, producer of Treed René Dowhaniuk, director of the Murray with Best Supporting Actor Genie Awards with ACTRA member young and I’m from the nominee Julian Richings. and Genie Host Brian Linehan at west and I’m feeling 5:30 After some sober the nominee reception in January. good!” God, could they schmoozing – not the get any cuter? easiest thing to pull off – Finally, our favourite we are encouraged to Canadian star, Gordon take our seats for the Pinsent steps on stage to pre-show. The bars close present a Genie. We and we head for the jump to our feet for a theatre. healthy standing Teri Hart does a lovely ovation, and Gordon job of hosting the pre- says “Half of that show, awards for the would’ve been more than behind-the-scenes enough. I’m Canadian – The youngest-ever (20 year-old) Genie pre-show host Teri Hart with ACTRA members Don McKellar, Arsinée Khanjian people. Quick break and Best Actor Brendan Fletcher. and director Atom Egoyan. I bruise easy.” we’re back for the main The awards are over, event. and Brian Linehan A STARRY NIGHT AT THE rightly proclaims that it 7:00 Brian Linehan, is up to us to make sure Genie Host for the 5th everyone knows the time, adeptly takes us name Atanarjuat (The Fast through the evening. He Runner). This Inuit movie repeatedly reminds us that cleaned up, winning five “four out of five Best GENIE AWARDS awards, including Best Picture nominees are first- by Anne Marie Scheffler Motion Picture and Best time directors.” Inspiring. Director for Zacharias Vincent Gale, accepts a “Molly is in London, working.” More Kunuk, who thanked “the Genie on behalf inspiring. Then he’s back on stage picking elders for passing the story on to us and the of Molly Parker (Best Supporting Actress up his own award – Best Supporting Actor. actors who didn’t need much directing.” for her role in Last Wedding.) She was The engaging David La Haye, Best Actor nominated twice in this category – also for nominee, tells us that he is nothing like the 9:00 Off to the dining room to dine and her work in The War Bride. Vincent tells us womanizer he plays in Un crabe dans la tête. dance with the cream of Canadian film.

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