WINTER 2009

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists ACTRA’s TV drama campaign Fighting for a happy ending Pages 4 and 7

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 1 1/26/09 10:31:09 AM message from the president No giving up now

Alice laughed, “There’s no use trying,” she said, “one can’t believe impossible things.” The Queen replied, “I daresay you haven’t had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

From Through The Looking-Glass: And What Alice Found There, by Lewis Carroll

One “impossible” hundreds of millions of dollars worth of thing I believe in is U.S. programming, they are glossing over a real Canadian film and their other bad investments in buying up television industry that can smaller entities and are looking for more Artists from all disciplines protested grow to be one that our concessions from the public. Harper’s cuts to the arts. At the Toronto government, the regula- These reviews are going to touch rally opera singer John Mac Master and tors, the bureaucrats and almost every aspect of Canada’s broadcast- ACTRA’s National President Richard Hardacre the broadcasting and distribution entities ing regulations and the CRTC now has reminded Canadians that since the work of encourage and promote. a number of very new Commissioners. Canada’s professional artists has bizarrely We got one step toward that goal with We will be briefing them on the critical come under attack, it’s essential to make our successful negotiation of the National role the CRTC must play in supporting our votes count for culture. Commercial Agreement, with terms Canadian drama over the airwaves and designed to encourage greater commercial in new media. production, especially production designed And then we turn to the political front. our economy and our cultural wealth if our for new media. We applaud the determina- In an economy struggling to climb out of government opens their collective mind tion and creativity of the NCA Committee recession (admitted to or not) there is much to a more nuanced understanding that and the confidence that our members coast to be said for incentives that lead to thou- “the arts” represent everything we live and to coast gave to our negotiating team. This sands of jobs and working days in Canadian breathe: the television and films we watch, union builds on that confidence. production for performers, writers, produ- the books we read, the theatre, dance Regulatory hearings at the CRTC for cers, technicians and directors. and opera we might attend, the music we production distributed on new media are We learned from experience during play and listen to. A healthy recovery of scheduled to begin in late February. ACTRA the fall federal election that the govern- our economy and a nurturing environ- has made a solidly researched submission. ment then was gleeful to skewer programs ment for Canada’s cultural industries are Our key position is that the CRTC must that were outside the Conservative Party’s interdependent. regulate broadcasting in new media to set ideological box. The lesson is there that A vibrant Canadian culture, with our minimum content for Canadian stories and administering while wearing blinkers of industry as a stable and growing component to ensure that consumers have access to ideology solves no problems. Our protests is one goal of which we, this union of per- Canadian choices. And we are defending over the ill-conceived $45 million in arts formers, must never lose sight… or hope. the proposal that a modest levy has to flow funding cuts joined with many others to It is the start of a new year, a time for from the Internet service providers to create deny the Conservatives a majority govern- optimism and determination. I wish you a fund to stimulate Canadian production ment. We then openly offered ourselves as all a happy and successful one. In the in new media, similar to the Canadian a focus group to provide feedback for any meanwhile, along with the Red Queen and Television Fund seed money for conven- future steps that government might envis- maybe Alice herself, we will continue to tional television. The profits from Internet age in our industry. Maybe we’ve missed the believe impossible things. distribution of audio-visual works will grow phone calls. exponentially, and rapidly. They must not This is an industry that must be In solidarity and unity, remain exempt. This is truly the future. encouraged. As it grows, the dramatic Licence renewal hearings for conven- and comedic stories of Canadians find tional broadcasters are expected in the audiences within and outside our borders. late spring or early summer. Predictably, It can be an industry that exists with a the broadcasters are already crying healthy level of co-production that locates Richard Hardacre poor. As they fill Canadian airwaves with to Canada. Without question it benefits ACTRA National President

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 2 1/22/09 2:32:54 PM letters to the editor WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR UNION MAGAZINE...

Dear Editor, InterACTRA: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 2 PAGE 19 by Richard Hardacre Congrats on your admirable cover story ACTRA’s drama campaign 4 on Passchendaele. What Paul Gross has enters its third act accomplished is of considerable import- by Joanne Deer ance on a number of levels. He has made TV Drama: Why performers 7 an amazing feature film about us; telling need to act our own story, in our own language – by Heather Allin a real, Canadian film! He has aroused in Canadians underutilized emotions of Tajja Isen & Andrea Menard 8 pride, gratitude and wonder at the impos- swap stories on-line by Joanna Bennett sible deeds our compatriots have been called upon to perform when others could Change begins with participation 12 not, and the stubborn determination, bred by Raoul Bhaneja from our soil, with which they succeeded. FEDERAL ELECTION ACTION 12 He somehow convinced many people to coast-to-coast participation invest, and he has wrapped the whole ACCIDENTS ON SET 16 thing in a moving, emotional story of love, Actra Fraternal’s new program duty and determination that, while the by Bob Underwood film may satisfactorily appeal to others on that level alone, is particularly demonstra- Work Histories On-Line: Q&A 17 e tive of how we like to think of ourselves BRANCH NEWS 18 in Canada. The surreptitious daubing of PAGE 21 Updates from Alberta, eyes and shy, shared smiles of recogni- Ottawa and UBCP tion from patrons exiting the theatre are UBCP’s resolution to 19 experiences for which I thank Paul Gross the B.C. Federation and his whole gang. by Alvin Sanders Finally – and on a personal level – Saving for our working kids’ futures 20 Paul’s film has taught me a little more about ACTRA PRS Minors’ Trust my own father who was one of the 16,000 by Theresa Tova casualties at Passchendaele. The very few stories he told me were about other things. APPLAUSE 21 I know why now. I thank Paul for that too. Sandra Oh receives LA Award, Peter Keleghan to recieve ACTRA PAGE 23 Dan MacDonald Toronto’s Award of Excellence, Canadian Comedy Awards for Michael Cera, Gavin Crawford and Ellen Page, Geminie award winners, INTERACTRA Winter 2009, Volume 15, Issue 3 Sandi Ross honoured by WIFT InterACTRA is the official publication of ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), a Canadian union of performers affiliated to the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the International FAREWELL 23 Federation of Actors (FIA). InterACTRA is free of charge to all ACTRA members. Frederick M. Diehl EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Heather Allin, Joanne Deer, Ferne Downey, Brian Gromoff, Richard Women of Steel inspire 24 Hardacre, Carol Taverner and Stephen Waddell. Women of ACTRA CONTRIBUTORS: Tina Alford, Heather Allin, DJ Anderson, Wendy Anderson, Charlotte Arnold, Joanna Bennett, Raoul Bhaneja, Chris Cornish, Joanne Deer, Bruce Dinsmore, Ferne Downey, Chris Faulkner, Raymond BARGAINING UPDATE 26 Guardia, Richard Hadley, Richard Hardacre, Tajja Isen, Brad Keenan, Judy Land, Duval Lang, Ruth Lawrence, by Marit Stiles Maureen MacDonald, Mary Malone, Claire Martel, Patricia McCutcheon, Andrea Menard, Steve Mumford, Dan O’Brien, Alvin Sanders, Gary Saxe, Alison Stewart, Marit Stiles, Howard Storey, Ben Switzer, Theresa Tova, Bob Contract Q&A 27 Underwood, Stephen Waddell and Christine Webber. In Business For Performers 28 COVER PHOTOS: Eric Peterson (large photo) and Robb Wells (top inset) at the 2007 Ottawa CAB demo, photos by Chris Faulkner; Sonja Smits (middle inset) confronting then Liberal Finance Minister John Manley Creative Arts Savings & Credit Union at 2003 Toronto protest of $25 million cut to CTF, photo by Thom Tapley; Tabby Johnson (bottom inset) at by Stephen Waddell the October 2008 Toronto election rally beside the CBC, photo by Peter Baker. Member Discounts 29 LAYOUT: Joss Maclennan Design www.joss.to Printed in Canada by union labour at Thistle Printing. All contents are copyright ©2009 ACTRA. All rights are reserved and contents, in whole or in part, may not Faces you’d love to slap 30 be reprinted without permission. The points of view expressed do not necessarily represent those of ACTRA. My TAC.tv adventure Please return any undelivered mail to: ACTRA, 300 – 625 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2G1 by Bruce Dinsmore PHONE 1-800-387-3516 or (416)489-1311 FAX (416)489-8076 EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.actra.ca BACK COVER 32 Publications Mail Agreement #40069134 ISSN 1705-9496 Air Farce wraps it up

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 3 1/22/09 2:33:01 PM policy issues

ACTRA’S DRAMA CAMPAIGN ENTERS ITS THIRD ACT It’s time to fight for that happy ending

by Joanne Deer, Director of Public Policy and Communications

For those of you who have been let’s quickly review what’s happened in the and entertainment magazine TV shows. following the plot of ACTRA’s drama cam- first two acts of ACTRA’s drama campaign. The result? Canadian Idol and ET Canada paign for the past seven years, you’ll know In 1999, the CRTC released new rules have replaced dramatic series such as that Canadian TV drama has been dying for private broadcasters to follow. Sadly, Traders and DaVinci’s Inquest. a dramatic death as a result of the CRTC’s these rules were a pale, broadcaster- The Commission also changed the disastrous 1999 Television Policy. friendly version of the earlier rules. The definition of ‘prime time’. Before 1999, For those of you just tuning in, break big changes included eliminating the it meant 8-11 pm Monday to Friday, out the snacks and get comfy. You’re join- drama expenditure requirements and now it means 7-11 pm every night. The ing our program at the start of the third expanding the definition of ‘priority pro- significance of that is broadcasters can and most exciting act. gramming’ to now include cheap reality air Canadian programming at 7 pm on Decisions that the CRTC will make in the first half of ‘09 will shape the future of our broadcasting system.

What’s the exciting plot point, a Saturday night and tick you ask? In the next few months the off their Canadian content CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and requirements, whereas before Telecommunications Commission) has two they had to air it during big decisions to make. Now I know the the times when Canadians combination of the letters ‘C-R-T-C’ make are watching TV in larger many of you instinctively reach for the numbers. remote – but I’m not exaggerating when I The combined result say that the decisions that the CRTC will of these changes is that make in the first half of ‘09 will shape the Canadian TV drama has future of our broadcasting system and all but disappeared as have major repercussions on our culture broadcasters have been able and your jobs. With a wide-ranging review to fill their schedules with of its policies covering broadcasting in cheap Hollywood drama new media and the renewal of the over- instead of Canadian drama the-air private broadcasters’ licences, the and still satisfy the CRTC’s CRTC has the chance to give Canadians Canadian content require- the happy ending we’ve been demanding. ments with cheap reality and The CRTC is a big chunk of why we magazine programming. have Canadian TV production – and why In 1999, broadcasters ACTRA members have work. Without aired 12 one-hour fully the CRTC and its regulations we’d see Canadian dramas on TV, even fewer Canadian programs on our totalling 186 hours of pro- TVs. Indeed, we see a direct correlation gramming. Fast-forward to Chris Faulkner between the strength of the CRTC’s regu- fall 2007 when there was lations and the strength of our industry; not one new one-hour fully- when regulations are weakened – our Canadian drama on either industry is weakened. CTV or Global. Look for Before we move on to what’s coming, Wilbert Headley at the Ottawa CAB demo. your Canadian shows on the

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 4 1/22/09 2:33:06 PM The bottom line: if the CRTC doesn’t take measures now to ensure a place for Canadian programming in new media, there won’t be any. Tomorrow will be too late.

schedule – they’re now banished to Friday of their licences. Private broadcasters need anyone who would listen. And then we’ve and Saturday nights and in the summer licences to use public airwaves to ship talked to them again. All of our actions – when fewer Canadians are watching. their product. Since these airwaves belong until now has been leading to this point. We are presently seeing a slight up-tick to Canadians, it’s only fair that they give First up in February is the CRTC’s in Canadian drama production as private something back in exchange for the privil- wide-ranging review of broadcasting in new broadcasters shore up their case for their ege of exploiting them for profits. media to determine whether broadcasting licence renewal hearings in Spring 2009 So while private broadcasters have been over the internet should be subject to fed- (more later!). racing to the bottom, ACTRA has emerged eral regulations. In some ways, this is even Since 1999, overall program spending as the leading voice for restoring Canadian more important than our fight for more by private broadcasters has increased, TV drama. Since 2001 we‘ve rallied, we’ve Canadian drama on conventional TV since but spending on Canadian drama has demonstrated, we’ve sent hundreds of before we know it, most, if not all, broad- decreased. In 2007, private broadcasters letters, made countless submissions to casting will be delivered on the internet. spent $718 million on foreign program- the CRTC, issued reports, taken dozens ACTRA’s key position is essentially ming, but only $74 million on Canadian of meetings with politicians and CRTC the same as it was in 1999 when the drama. That’s a lot of money and a lot of Commissioners – basically we’ve talked to CRTC last considered the issue – that the jobs being shipped out of Canada. Commission must The reason this has happened is quite regulate broadcasting simple – it’s a heck of a lot cheaper for in new media and Canadian private broadcasters to run Canadian TV is dying ensure that consum- down to L.A. and buy up buckets full of ers have access to pre-made programs with built-in pro- a dramatic death Canadian choices. motional machines at bargain basement Unfortunately, in 1999 the CRTC prices than to buy Canadian. Broadcasters 700 aren’t about to air Canadian TV drama out decided to take a of the goodness of their hearts. $718 M hands-off approach It’s quite telling that 42% of Canadians 600 U.S. and and ‘exempt’ new believe the CRTC has the primary respon- foreign media from regulation. sibility to preserve Canadian content on At the time, it felt TV and only 16% trust private broadcasters 500 programming that new media wasn’t to do it. They will only do it when they are being used enough instructed to by the CRTC as a condition to transmit video and 400 other programming to warrant its attention. Broadcasters 300 Times have aren’t about $74 M changed 200 Ten years ago, most to air Canadian Canadian folks used the internet drama* for email and read- 100 ing text. Today, it’s TV drama out a whole different story. It’s estimated 0 2007 2007 that more than 50% of the goodness of the traffic on the internet falls under *Source: CRTC Statistical and Financial Summaries of their hearts. (continued on next page)

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 5 1/22/09 2:33:14 PM policy issues

ACTRA’S DRAMA CAMPAIGN ENTERS ITS THIRD ACT – continued from previous page

the definition of ‘broadcasting’. So what is out of 28 hours. Oh and while we’re at broadcasting? The Broadcasting Act defines a it, let’s help out our audiences by letting program as any combination of “sounds and them know Canadian shows are there to be visual images, that are intended to inform, enjoyed. These shows need to be properly enlighten or entertain.” It also says that promoted and kept in decent time slots when one of these programs is transmitted instead of being shuffled around willy “for reception by the public by means of nilly at the whim of U.S. schedules so folks broadcast receiving apparatus,” there is a know when to tune in. broadcast. So whether you are watching Let there be no doubt – it’s going to an episode of Corner Gas on your TV or at be quite a showdown. The risk is that the CTV.ca, you are enjoying a ‘broadcast’. And CRTC buys the sob stories from private since it’s the CRTC’s job to regulate broad- broadcasters’ CEOs and relaxes their casting – ACTRA says it’s time the CRTC requirements to air Canadian TV drama paid attention to the internet. even further. Private broadcasters are In the near future, the internet and already laying the ground work in the mobile receiving devices will become the business pages of our daily newspapers main way Canadians watch films and TV with layoffs and tales of financial woe and listen to music. Broadcasters will no Canadian drama is all blamed on the CRTC’s regulations. longer transmit ‘over-the-air’ and major Obviously this is a tough time for movies will move to the internet shortly fighting for its life. everyone. But let’s be clear – private after they’re released in theatres. broadcasters are still making billions As ACTRA predicted back in 1999, in profits. Perhaps certain ambitious the CRTC’s decision to exempt new media CRTC renew their licences to use public Canadian private media companies have from regulation has already created a airwaves to broadcast television (aka over-reached a little, putting a dint in situation in which broadcasters and cable licences to print money). ACTRA is calling their bottom lines. Blame that on bad busi- companies are now ‘competing’ with their for the CRTC to take this opportunity to ness decisions – not Canadian content. unregulated selves. We’ve seen what hap- put its 1999 Television Policy in the shred- So after seven years of campaigning, pens when conventional broadcasters are der and impose some strict spending and we enter the final act with a war on two

ACTRA is calling for the CRTC to take this opportunity to put its 1999 Television Policy in the shredder and impose some strict spending and content requirements on private Canadian broadcasters.

let off the hook – Canadian TV drama content requirements on private Canadian fronts. We need to be loud. We need to be disappears. New media will be no different. broadcasters. No more writing off real- clear. We need to stand in solidarity with The bottom line: if the CRTC doesn’t ity programming as ‘priority’ Canadian our fellow unions and coalition partners. take measures now to ensure a place for programming. No more airing Due South We need to talk to whoever will listen. We Canadian programming in this increas- reruns on a Saturday night in July to meet need to convince the media and the public ingly dominant medium, there won’t be CanCon obligations. of our case. any. Tomorrow will be too late. Private broadcasters should be Canadian drama is fighting for its life. After the new media hearings, we move required to air at least two hours of While Canadian television has given us on to the conventional ‘over-the-air’ broad- original Canadian drama a week during many memorable death scenes, let’s hope casters. In the spring, CTV, Global and prime time – when audiences are watch- this isn’t one of them. This time, we need other conventional private broadcasters ing. Think of that – all we’re asking for is to be shameless in demanding a happy will march up to Gatineau and ask that the to be able to see our own stories for two ending. ■

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 6 1/22/09 2:33:29 PM policy issues

TV Drama: Why performers need to act We’ve made politicians wake up, Canadians care and our regulatory bodies listen by Heather Allin

For the past seven years ACTRA has around the country and meeting with the led the campaign to get more Canadian commissioners of the CRTC over and over It’s time to ramp drama on our airwaves. Our persistence and over again. While ACTRA lobbies one has paid off. We’ve made the politicians side, the broadcasters lobby the other, up our campaign. wake up, Canadians care and our regula- backed by their multi-million dollar cor- tory bodies listen. Canadian TV drama porations. We return again and again and has been in free-fall since the CRTC’s again with new statistics, fresh research watch and tell our Canadian stories to disastrous 1999 decision to cave in to and the same battle cry, because it does ourselves. the broadcasters’ pleas for flexibility and work. We are being heard and changes are So when ACTRA calls upon you to write relaxed regulations. Private broadcast- being made. letters, to show up at rallies, to get on the ers have since filled our airwaves with We also know Canadians are hearing bus to Ottawa, I hope you will join in the hundreds of millions of dollars worth of us – and agreeing with us. It was just a work and the opportunity to show that U.S. TV programs and reduced the number short time ago that we heard Stephen Canadians know the value of our culture of one-hour Canadian dramas on their Harper call artists ‘elitists’. Canadians and care enough to stand up for it. ■ schedules from 12 to three. spoke with their votes and it cost him a majority government. We are speaking for The bait and switch… millions of Canadians when we voice the This past year we’ve seen a resurgence need and value of continuing to create a in Canadian drama – great storytelling, thriving culture of our own. increased work opportunities across the country and shows that we can be proud of as performers and as Canadians. This Our union is proves that it can be done – that broad- casters can make Canadian drama that Canadians will watch in the millions. our safety net.

But… I myself would love to just be an actor. Don’t let this fool you. The broadcaster It would be so easy to have others do all licence renewal hearings are coming up the work and allow me to reap the benefits. and they’re playing nice. They are still But I want to work, and part of getting that filling our screens with hundreds of mil- work is in the effort to have work happen lions of dollars worth of U.S. programs here and now. Besides negotiating our while spending only a fraction of that on contracts, protecting our earnings and Canadian drama. And in November last rights as performers, our union fosters an year, our broadcasters started another environment where culture counts. We’ve

phase of their drama campaign: staff created our own safety net. We make sure Christine Webber layoffs, troubled financial statements, and that film and television is supported and telling the press that CRTC regulations funded and that we have opportunities to are restricting their business. work. ACTRA has led the campaign to fix the This Spring, the private broadcasters’ drama disaster because we are articulate licences are finally up for review and Heather Allin was elected the President and persistent. We speak of the value of renewal. We’ve laid the groundwork – of ACTRA Toronto on January 6, 2009. our stories defining who we are, we speak now is the time to make our move. This is An ACTRA member for 15 years, she has of the economic impact that this $84 bil- the year to ensure that minimum spend- proudly served her union as a Councillor lion industry provides. ing and broadcasting requirements are and Vice-President. Heather has a long Make no mistake – this is painstaking designed to protect our industry. It’s history of advocacy on behalf of Canadian work for all of us. It’s visit after visit to time to ramp up our campaign. This is culture and performers’ rights and has Ottawa, press release after press release, our future as performers, our chance to served on ACTRA’s bargaining committee lobbying the federal government, the MPs rebuild our industry, our chance to hear, for both the IPA and NCA.

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 7 1/22/09 2:33:31 PM Two successful actors. Two cities. Two diverse careers. Actors Tajja Isen and Andrea Menard swap stories on-line

Hosted by Joanna Bennett J: You are both accomplished singers! How J: So he is very supportive then. many years have you been doing that? A: Oh yeah! Such a huge fan. Mom and dad T: Singing has been a love of mine from a live in Winnipeg, and when my first album Joanna: Hello Tajja and Andrea! Thank you very young age, and I started writing and came out, he had taken the CD to a radio for typing with me today! Congratulations singing music of my own about three years station without even telling me. I got a call on your careers so far – you both are award ago. from the guy, not having a clue what he winners, multiple times over! Way to go! A: I’ve been singing all my life, but didn’t was talking about! Ha ha. Andrea: Thanks. start singing professionally until about 15 T: Ha ha! That is amazing! years ago. When you grow up with a father Tajja: Thank you very much! J: How about you Tajja? Artists in your who is the King of the Kitchen Party, you family? are not sure how to take the personal love T: There are a few – my great grandfather J: Okay, for context, please tell our readers of singing to the world stage. It took me a while to figure that out. was in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, your age (range). and my grandfather is a music teacher. T: T: I’m seventeen. King of the Kitchen Party? Neither of my parents are musicians, but J: A: I’m in my sexy mid-thirties! Yes, what does that mean? they gave me my love for music. A: J: T: Woo-hoo. My dad is my favourite singer. We would You play piano – was that their have parties at our house growing up, and instrument? J: I’m with ya’ on that! he’d pull out the guitar and start singing A: That must be how you are such a great for our company. My mom would harmon- piano player too. ize, we’d all join in and everyone clapped J: Where is “home” for you? and loved the King! T: My great grandfather was actually a T: I live in Thornhill. trumpet player! My grandfather does play T: That’s so wonderful! the piano though. A: I live in Saskatoon in a beautiful home J: Something to live up to?? right on the South Saskatchewan River. A: No. I think I learned from the best. J: What was your I think he may have first professional J: Where is your agent located? learned from me too. I performing gig? Is A: Vancouver. have taken the step that Tajja: I always knew there a particular he never took – to the that I wanted to have a performance that T: Toronto. world stage. future in performance… you are proud of? A: It was both J: How long have you been singing and acting. acting? I was hired to per- T: I’ve been acting profes- form in a summer sionally since I was 10. repertoire theatre. One production was A: For about 13 years now. a musical, and the I can’t remember! I need to other was a cabaret- say, I can’t imagine being as style show. focused as you are Tajja at such a young age! Well done. T: My first profes- sional acting gig T: Thank you so much, was the voice of Andrea! ‘Sister Bear’ on the animated series

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 8 1/22/09 2:33:33 PM The Berenstain Bears. It was my intro to T: I definitely felt a bit of both. I always the decision in the first place was the hard- animation, a world which I now love! It was knew that I wanted to have a future in per- est part. a wonderful first experience. As for music, formance, but I was also aware that there T: I agree, Andrea – I believe that persis- I distinctly remember the first time I per- are no guarantees. tence is a must. formed my own material. It was a couple of J: How did you know that, at that age, that years ago at what was formerly the NOW J: I understand. In my heart, it really isn’t there are no guarantees in the biz? Lounge in Toronto… And it was an incred- a possibility to quit. To express creatively ibly liberating experience, to share my own T: Most definitely from my parents’ hon- is paramount. That is why we continue. music. I had never felt anything like it, and esty and support. T: Exactly. Once you’ve got the love for it, I was hooked. A: I definitely took the long way in find- if the love is honest… you’re in for life. J: Yes, to see our own creative ideas come ing my way to my present career. Like I A: Exactly. to fruition is exciting! said earlier, I didn’t know that I could do this for a living. I had no role models who J: Andrea, your favourite? Most proud? actually were in the business, so when I J: Let’s type about post-secondary edu- A: I have to say my career highlight has finally discovered this world, I was vor- cation: Andrea, did you go to theatre to be the creation and performance of my acious about everything. I was a quick but school? (Or study something different?) one-woman show, The Velvet Devil. Mind slow study, if that makes sense. Tajja, do you plan on attending college or you, it was such a long journey, that each J: So we can all “grow” into success if we university? Are either of you interested in step of the way was even more satisfying keep at it? another career(s)? than the last. For instance, the play led T: I’m glad you asked that question – to the CD, led to the national tour, led A: When I finally made the decision to fol- that’s a very prominent thing in my life to the film version. low this path, there was nothing that could change my mind. right now. I’m in grade 12, so the past few T: That is so amaz- The “no guarantee” months have been all about university/ ing. Congratulations Andrea: When I finally made concept was not a college fairs and information nights and on that – putting deterrent at all. The the like. I’ve come to the decision that I’d together a one-woman the decision to follow this courage to make like to attend the University of Toronto to show is an amazing path, there was nothing study English. accomplishment! that could change my mind. J: English? A: Ahhh, shucks. T: Yes, I have such a love for J: And to you Tajja, to literature – I spend most of get into animation right my spare time reading. And away… that is not common. perhaps law school after- A: Yes, what a wild introduction wards, as a ‘backup’. to the biz! J: Well why not medical T: I was very fortunate to have that school while you are at it? ;-0 entry. It was just as it was becom- T: Ha ha. ing more common to use kid’s A: I went to school to voices, and I was 10 at the time. become an acting teacher. J: Did you always know that you At the time, I still had no wanted to act and sing and those idea there was music or act- first jobs just confirmed your plans ing programs in university. for a performing future, or did you What a bush girl! Once fully think “enjoy it now because I’m entrenched in the drama sure it won’t keep coming.” (continued on next page)

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 9 1/22/09 2:33:49 PM Tajja Isen and Andrea Menard

– continued from page 9 A: Well, as a singer, it is all about see- A: Yeah, I’ve never had to balance ing the audience for me. Connection is school and work, that takes a tank paramount. In theatre, it depends on of a human, Tajja! department, I quit the education program the fourth wall. I am always aware of the T: Ha ha. Thank you. and my real education begun. audience. J: Acting teacher?? T: I absolutely do that! It’s something I did a lot when I was in the Toronto pro- J: Andrea, you have a website and you A: Ahhhh, screw the back-up plans! duction of The Lion King. It’s always very both have MySpace sites. As a performer, T: Ha ha. interesting to observe your audience, do you think having a presence on the web is important? J: Well, you certainly could teach now, and see how engaged they are. with your experiences… T: I think it’s a very important medium to have your material on, for a couple A: Ha ha! Yes, I have actually taught J: Both of you have extensive experience of reasons – it’s great to have a place acting at university! as series leads (Andrea in Rabbit Fall and that people can access your music for Moccasin Flats; Tajja in Weird Years, Atomic reference, and as well, with CD sales Betty and Jane & the Dragon.) How have you J: When you are about to perform, do you get nowadays, it’s necessary to take advantage balanced your other creative interests and nervous? If so, how do you deal with it? You of this freaky thing called cyberspace and personal lives at the same time? both work in pre-recorded and live situations. claim as much of it as we can. A: In terms of stress, is there a difference? I feel blessed that there is a wonderful A: Absolutely. So far, I haven’t been on a balance in my life. Maybe I am creating my T: There is definitely a difference – record- high-profile network that spends millions life that way or maybe the various areas of ing is a much more relaxed atmosphere, on advertising, so when someone sees me my career are dictating to me how my life but the performance rush is irreplaceable! on television or hears me on the radio, will go. When the acting gets quiet, the The anticipation before the performance their immediate interest propels them to singing seems to flow, and when the singing is what makes me nervous, but once I get look me up on the web. Thank goodness and acting get quiet, I know I am supposed behind the piano, the focus takes over and they can find me, or I may have lost them. to be writing. When you hold all of the the nerves recede. aspects in your heart with love, they love A: Opening nights are always hell. So you back. One thing that helps me keep J: Okay next question is a longish one... no matter what it is – opening night of balanced is walking in nature. Maybe that Ready? a play or my first concert of a tour, I get is why I’m still in Saskatchewan. Travelling T: Yep. jitters. First day of shooting always gives a lot sometimes takes a lot out of you and me the jitters too. But since it has always it sure is nice to just come home. J: Tajja, you are part Trinidadian; Andrea, been there, the jitters I mean, you sort of you are Métis… what are your thoughts J: But on heavy shooting days, did you miss just work them into your routine. Take a on the variety of characters we see on the your music, walking in the woods, finding moment off by yourself to breathe, ground, screen? Do they reflect Canadian soci- your family… was it ever tough? pray, and laugh at yourself! ety? From your auditioning experience, A: On heavy shooting days – which was J: Tajja, what about animation… when how inclusive do you think the casting every day in Rabbit Fall – I missed my quiet the mic is ‘on’? process is? Tajja, when you are cast for two-hour long walks. I never miss the other roles in animation, one would think that T: The cartoon characters come out to aspects of my career when I’m immersed ethnicity of the actor wouldn’t matter – play! There’s a great energy in animation in one. It completely fills me and focuses in your opinion, is that true? as well, which is one of the things I love my attention until it doesn’t anymore. about it. If you’re recording with other A: Although we could still go further, I T: I’ve also been very fortunate in terms people, when the mic is ‘on’, the craziness think it is changing to be more inclusive. of achieving that balance. With school, begins. Yet, there’s always another take, We must give thanks to broadcasters like things can get a bit crazy, but as long as which allows for the relaxed atmosphere. APTN, that have given time and space to I get the work beforehand, the academics indigenous voices, educating the viewers J: Something I have experienced… when per- work out. It takes extra time management as well as our own community in the pro- forming live (perhaps only after a few shows and some teacher support, but again, cess. As a Métis, mixed-blood woman, have gone by) the nerves have subsided and I’ve been very fortunate. I can pass for any character I choose I can take the time to survey the audience J: So you get into a groove? to be, but if a casting director gets the out of the corner of my eye… do you ever do ‘Native’ in his/her head, I’m in trouble. that? Take in the moment, to ‘see’ the con- T: Absolutely. I find that family is a built-in nection between us and the audience… balancing factor, too.

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 10 1/22/09 2:33:57 PM T: I am half Trinidadian – my mother was A: Yes, I am very self-reliant. But my born there. From what I’ve seen, I think time is so booked up now, that I can’t Tajja Isen is a sought-after that ethnicities are well-represented possibly do it all. I have completely animation voice-over actor, among characters, in Canada especially. re-jigged my life in the past year. having starred in more than However, many ethnicities seem to account I’ve invited in new management and 25 cartoons, with title roles for a lesser variety of roles – i.e. someone a new agent. New goals means new including Atomic Betty of a particular background may be cast teammates! and Jane in Jane & The only in certain roles. I can identify with Dragon. With additional on-camera, stage Andrea when a casting director gets a and extensive TV soundtrack experience, label in their head – I think that’s when J: You both have been nominated for this 17-year-old singer/songwriter/pianist is the casting process becomes affected. and won several awards. Is there one currently working on her solo debut album. in particular that you were most Her talents have been recognized by Yamaha A: I am determined to be cast because pleased to receive? Canada who generously support her perform- I am a watchable, magnetic person on ances and recording sessions. The upcoming screen, NOT because I’m Métis. A: I was thrilled to be nominated for my first Gemini for both the Velvet CD release of her original piano-based rock/ J: Tajja, in animation, what ‘colour’ are Devil and Moccasin Flats in one year. jazz music is a co-production with multi- your characters? Velvet was my baby and I so wanted Grammy winning producer/engineer Jimmy T: I’ve got a whole range – even a purple the world to notice her! Douglass in the U.S. and the well-known Jon one. It certainly doesn’t affect animation Kelly in London, England (Kate Bush, Tori J: Same year! I didn’t realize! Amos). For more information, visit as much, unless they are looking for an www. myspace.com/tajja. accent associated with a specific ethnicity. T: I’ve been honoured to win a Young It’s only been on-camera and stage where Artist award (in Los Angeles) for four consecutive years for various anima- being bi-racial has had an effect. Actor, writer and singer tion roles. I was also very honoured to Andrea Menard is back as be nominated for an ACTRA Toronto Tara Wheaton in the second J: A question to you, Tajja… Being under- Award two years ago! season of Rabbit Fall, which age, you must always have guardians airs on Space and APTN. working with you on your behalf. Who The film adaptation of manages all this for you and how? J: So any stray thoughts you want to add before we go? Andrea’s one-woman stage play, The Velvet T: My dad manages my musical affairs, Devil, debuted nationally on CBC. It swept which is incredible. Both of my parents are A: I love to be part of our national 13 awards at the 2008 Showcase Awards very much in support of my pursuing of community of actors. We can be lonely, and received a Gemini nomination for Best music, and their guidance is invaluable. solitary things, but together we form Performance by an Actress. Andrea also strong families. Thanks for joining my received Gemini nominations for her lead- J: Wow, you are very lucky, I think! Do they family today, ladies! ing role on Moccasin Flats and won for Best share the day-to-day business with you or Ensemble in an Animated Series for Wapos do they keep you focused on your work? J: Ah, thank you to you both! That is why I do my work here at ACTRA… Bay. Andrea is also a multi-award winning T: They definitely share the day-to-day I get to connect with so many wonder- recording artist who just released her third business with me – it’s part of the ful people! album, Sparkle. She is currently touring a re- excitement. mount of The Velvet Devil across the country. T: It’s been my pleasure. Thank you J: www.andreamenard.com. Wow, you will be plenty ready to take both very, very much! over one day! J: I wish there was more time! You both A: I’m always amazed at the different paths, are cool and savvy ladies! I encourage Joanna Bennett is an actor we are destined to lead. I think my biggest readers to check out your websites to and a sign language inter- lesson was to learn how to do it myself, and hear your great sounds and view some preter. Sometimes she has of course, I couldn’t have begged someone of your work. Thanks so much for chat- the opportunity to combine to help me back then. You seem to be ting with me! destined to find your career early, your the two by signing on stage challenges will be much different than mine. A: My deepest pleasure and thanks. and screen. Jo is enjoying her second term on ACTRA Toronto Council and T: I am very, very fortunate. J: THE END. ■ her first term on ACTRA National Council. For J: Andrea, you appear very self-reliant. more information, visit www.jobennett.com.

WINTER 2009 InterACTRA 11

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 11 1/22/09 2:34:01 PM Change begins with participation by Raoul Bhaneja

So… I’m sitting at home and I sacrificed hours of their personal time they had lost a few people due to work get a call from ACTRA that there is to either speak publicly about issues (What? Why didn’t I have an audition going to be a press conference during important to our profession or have for whatever they got? I can play a 90 the upcoming election and they are worked on council. I’m a guy who has year-old woman! Come on!) and that wondering if I would attend and show pretty much stood at the side, but when they really needed me there. It was a my support. Over the years I’d been asked to participate in a Membership Michelle Gibson Conference panel on Comedy, to observe during negotiations with producers When asked, I’ve agreed to participate (during our last round of the IPA) and later to address The Standing and help out in my own modest way… Committee on Canadian Heritage on Parliament Hill along with our president Richard Hardacre and fellow performer basically by showing up. Arlene Duncan. I never really saw myself as one of asked I’ve agreed to participate and borderline-desperate plea and despite “those guys”. You know the ones you help out in my own modest way… basic- fighting a cold I decided it was best to see quite often on the inside pages of ally by showing up. The night before head down to the Glenn Gould Studio as this magazine, those people who have the election press conference I got a they must be really, really hard up this “profile” but more importantly have reminder phone call also stressing that time. Maybe Karl Pruner and Richard

FEDERAL ELECTION ACTION 2008 ACTRA gets culture on the agenda B ernar d

R amos Janesse Leung Janesse Robert Single Robert

Over 600 enthusiastic artists took to the streets in Halifax. ACTRA Eric Peterson, as his Corner Gas alter ego Oscar Leroy, reads Maritimes Vice-President Sherry Smith spearheaded the Rally for his letter to Stephen Harper about the need for arts funding the Arts: “Art is as essential to our lives as breathing. It surrounds in Canada at the ACTRA/WGC Toronto rally beside the CBC each and every one of us and we all participate. Please VOTE ARTS!” Broadcast Centre in Toronto.

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 12 1/22/09 2:34:05 PM Raoul Bhaneja captures the media’s attention at the ACTRA election press conference.

turned the corner my jaw dropped. If you took the time to announce the total number of Gemini and Genie nomina- tions in that room combined it would well exceed the time permitted at our annual awards orgy we’ve come to know as the Four Night Gemini. Michelle Gibson I was in shock to be in a room with so many artists that were not only “famous” but also who I greatly admired. For a minute I thought it was a mistake, Hardacre couldn’t make it so they would index cards. Okay… wait a minute, Chris I wasn’t supposed to be standing beside just have a video message playing and I is here and he’s looking prepared… oh the likes of Gordon Pinsent, Wendy would stand on either side of the screen ohhh… I was not very prepared at all. Crewson, Colm Feore, Maury Chaykin, along with another not particularly rec- What if it was the just two of us! I would Art Hindle, Martha Burns, Maurice Dean ognizable ACTRA member like myself. look dumb as well as not as handsome! Wint, Leah Pinsent, Tabby Johnson, As I wandered back towards the green As I got closer I heard a wonderful Jayne Eastwood (okay maybe it was a room I first saw Chris Bolton pacing sound… the dull but warm rumble of Train 48 reunion) and on and on and intently in the hallway rehearsing what more voices… wow, I thought… maybe on? As I caught my breath and wished appeared to be a statement… on small it’s a Train 48 reunion. Instead as I (continued on next page)

ACTRA teamed up with artists across Canada to play an active role in the October federal election campaign. In solidarity, we protested the cuts to arts programs, we got C-10 (the censorship bill) reversed and we put culture on the election agenda. Bernard Ramos Lois Siegel Janesse Leung Janesse Mark McKinney spoke on behalf of Canadian artists at the ACTRA/ Toronto member Jani Lauzon: “You’d WGC rally in Toronto. On the Conservative government’s removal think the Conservatives would learn of Bill C-10, legislation that would have denied tax credits for film from history. The Canadian govern- the government didn’t like, Mark said, “This is fantastic news but ment tried to censor Aboriginal arts Chris Faulkner I don’t think it’s anything that we should be grateful for. This is and culture a century ago. Perhaps like a man who steals your wallet, kicks you in the face and then they haven’t noticed that we are still says ‘sorry about kicking you in the face’.” here, as creative as ever?”

WINTER 2009 Inter ACTRACTRA 13

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 13 1/22/09 2:34:14 PM Change begins with participation

– continued from previous page

Good Mornings all round I was told that was a player in the election costing the Buildings making the case for Culture. every member at the conference would government precious seats in Quebec. What a trip… the last time I was there have a chance to speak from the heart A few minutes later we were all was probably on a tour in grade 3. It about the issues that were on the table crammed on a small stage in the lobby was clear that some of the MPs, were during the election: recent arts funding and as I heard my fellow members frustrated that they got stuck with a cuts, lack of drama on television and speak I was struck by their poignant, committee that was talking “culture” Bill C-10. The night before the event articulate and passionate words. It and not “defence” or “economy” but I we were given an unusual gift from reminded me of being back in Ottawa at was glad that there were also MPs who Prime Minister Harper who had made the Standing Committee on Canadian were listening and trying to come up his rather infamous comment about Culture (which, by the way, did end up with solutions. Later that evening we “Ordinary Canadians” and their lack of recommending sustained funding for where joined at dinner by one of our interest in “niche issues” like the arts. the CBC). There I was, Ottawa boy, the country’s fiercest cultural defenders Those comments not only energized son of two immigrants, my dad a retired R.H. Thomson and, for my money, a room of ACTRA members about to Canadian Diplomat and a Peace Activist, a “True Patriot”. When I spoke with speak to the media but clearly culture standing in the heart of our Parliament “Robert” I was reminded of the years

FEDERAL ELECTION ACTION 2008 – continued from page 13 Mi c h e ll e Gib son Lois Siegel

ACTRA Ottawa member Pierre Brault tells the Ottawa Citizen: “All of the parties have paid too little attention to what we are and the stories that we tell. Whose

Lois Siegel stories are we telling? If we are robbed by that right to do it then we lose something critical, we lose ourselves.”

14 InterACTRA WINTER 2009

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 14 1/22/09 2:34:26 PM I realized it was more than lucky Raoul Bhaneja is a Toronto-based award-winning

to have been asked to participate, Grosso Rene actor, musician, producer, writer it was an honour. and a graduate of The National Theatre School of Canada. Most of hard work and lobbying he has done lucky to have even been asked to par- recently he starred in Bashir to get cultural issues on the political ticipate by my association. In fact, Lazhar at The Tarragon Theatre and map in this country. In the days that I realized it was more than lucky, it produced the Gemini nominated followed I couldn’t help but think that was an honour. BRAVO! project Hamlet (solo) a if an actor of his great talent, stature So next time ACTRA calls and needs documentary by Jeff Stephenson. and experience had committed so much your help, you should consider it… He has been an ACTRA member energy, on behalf of all of us, I was very I assure you, you’re in fine company. ■ since 1996.

Actors, artists and producers – stand up and take a bow. Your recent protests over $45 million in arts funding cuts during the national election campaign helped deny Stephen Harper a long-desired majority government. – The Hollywood Reporter Mike Burns

Michelle Gibson ACTRA Saskatchewan members Michelle Sereda and Jack Semple take to the stage at the ‘This is not a Conservative Party’ event.

ACTRA National President Richard Hardacre Single Robert

Lois Siegel with several Canadian stars, addressed national media at a press conference in Toronto: “The economic value of culture and the worth of creative artists is under attack. We’re asking Canadians to find Maritimes Councillor out which of their candidates are the Kelly Peck and strongest supporters of culture, who Maritimes Councillor will reverse the cuts to cultural programs, Bill Carr chanting and who will stand up for Canada’s cre- “Vote culture. Vote ative and economic well-being.” culture. Vote culture.”

WINTER 2009 Inter ACTRACTRA 15

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 15 1/22/09 2:34:38 PM Injured on set – are you protected? Actra Fraternal’s new Accident on Set program provides performers with the best protection by Bob Underwood, AFBS President and CEO

ACTRA has negotiated new – working in partnership with ACTRA website www.accidentonset.com provides provisions to protect performers working and producers – is the proud insurer of detailed information about the program in recorded production in Canada. Both a new program called Accident on Set and the performer benefits available. the Independent Production Agreement (AoS). All performers insured under the (IPA) and the National Commercial AFBS Accident on Set program now have What do I need to do if I am Agreement (NCA) now require producers comprehensive protection while working injured on set? of film, television, new media, and com- on, travelling to or travelling from studio The immediate and primary focus must mercials to provide accident insurance or location. The AoS program is endorsed be to ensure that appropriate medical or to performers. Similar understandings by ACTRA as being equivalent to provin- first aid care is provided to you. Accident have also been reached with the National cial workers’ compensation and has been reports must be filed promptly by the Film Board (NFB), and the Canadian designed to meet the specific and unique production, the responsible ACTRA Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). needs of performers. In addition, the full steward notified, and the Accident on While every province in Canada has premium cost for the Accident on Set pro- “workers’ compensation” legislation which gram is paid by producers as required by is intended to protect many of its residents the ACTRA collective agreements. AFBS deadlines when an occupational injury occurs, per- formers may not be eligible for provincial How do I know I’m insured? by Ferne Downey, AFBS Governor workers’ compensation coverage in a num- ACTRA Stewards are responsible for ber of provinces. ensuring that producers adhere to the • Late April 2009 is the deadline terms of the ACTRA collective agreements. to maintain last year’s insurance Performers injured while working on pro- coverage (bronze, silver or gold). All performers insured ductions signatory to ACTRA’s agreements Usually by St. Patrick’s Day, you are entitled to either provincial workers’ receive your annual Statement of under the AFBS Accident compensation (where applicable), or AFBS’ Insurance Benefits by snail mail. Accident on Set program. The statement tells you what your on Set program now have Unlike some workers’ compensation level of insurance will be for the programs, Accident on Set benefits protect upcoming year, based upon your comprehensive protection performers during ‘risk’ performances, or earnings. If you fell out of coverage when working on a Canadian production or have lower coverage, you are while working on, travelling outside your province of residence, or offered the opportunity to ‘maintain when travelling to or from the set. your previous benefit level.’ This to, or travelling from studio is must-read insurance literature What protection is available – your options are clearly laid out or location. when an on-set injury occurs? for you. As I say every year, dead- lines in the insurance world are real Provincial workers’ compensation pro- deadlines. If you are far, far away, Access to workers’ compensation grams all differ; and some may not cover phone toll-free in North America benefits varies from province to province. performers at all. But when provincial 1-800-387-8897 or email benefits@ In some provinces, performer coverage workers’ comp programs do cover perform- actrafrat.com and make arrange- is mandatory. In other provinces, cover- ers, the benefits provided are intended to ments before the deadline expires. age may be voluntary or not available at compensate for lost income and reimburse all, particularly to those performers who paramedical expenses incurred as a direct • May 31, 2009 is the final deadline undertake ‘risk’ performances, such as result of the injury. Additional benefits may for submission of claims for benefit stunt performers. Further, there are usu- be provided when severe injury occurs. year covering the period March 1, ally provincial residency requirements, The AFBS Accident on Set program 2008 to February 28, 2009. which exclude non-resident performers is comparable to, and in some cases Check in at www.actrafrat.com for from coverage if the engagement is less provides better benefits to injured more details and updates on RSP than two weeks in duration. performers than provincial workers’ activity. Actra Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) compensation. The Accident on Set

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 16 1/22/09 2:34:48 PM member feedback

The AFBS Accident on Set ACTRA’s new Work program is comparable to, and in some cases provides Histories on-line better benefits to injured Will the ACTRA “work history” To sort dates and columns eventually be as good as the click on the column titles. performers than provincial Q: AFBS site? I’ve been having A: The format compatibility trouble downloading my issue raised above has been workers’ compensation. work history. Perhaps it’s fixed and will resolve the issues you a Mac/PC thing? were experiencing. – Jeff Pangman Set program, or workers’ compensation board contacted. ACTRA has updated the work Thanks to ACTRA members for your Under the Accident on Set program, history screen to ensure generous feedback! a first response triage nurse is avail- A: that all users have the same The last InterACTRA magazine able by phone 24 hours a day, seven experience, regardless of the announced the launch of your new days a week to provide professional computer operating system (Windows, online work history records on ACTRA’s guidance and early case management Mac, etc.) and browser (Internet Membership System (AMS). Your com- planning. Once the Accident on Set Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc.) they use. ments have been helpful. program receives an incident report, Every member is encouraged to view the first response nurse contacts the What a splendid idea this your work history, and not just at tax performer and monitors the performer’s Q: is – so much fuller than the time. If you find an error call ACTRA recovery. Both the first response nurse AFrat sheets, and not on and ACTRA staff will track it down for and an Accident on Set administrator their November to November you. It’s also a wonderful way to keep remain available to assist the injured schedule. current with your ACTRA PRS income. performer, including ensuring that the However there are some bugs it No matter where you are – AMS performer has access to program benefit seems. I can’t get this year’s report by is available to you. ■ information. defining dates, and when I go the way Performers may be interested to of choosing the year, I get an unsorted learn that on the first production random selection of my gigs. insured under the AFBS’ Accident on Not urgent, and doubtless the Set program, a Toronto stunt performer squirrels are squirreling away with was seriously injured and was covered folders full of this sort of comment. by AoS. This claim would have been Best of luck with the database. excluded under Ontario workers’ comp – Peter Messaline (WSIB) – since Ontario WSIB coverage is not available to stunt performers, nor to other performers who are deemed by WSIB after the fact to have undertaken a ‘risk performance’. How to view your work history: Toronto Stewards and Branch Representatives across the country have To access the ACTRA Membership System (AMS), you need a been very helpful in providing sup- password. (If you’re a Face To Face Online user, you already have port for this program, and UBCP now one). If you need a password, email: [email protected]. requires the AoS program for all union performers working on zero budget pro- 1 Go to www.actra.ca. ductions in B.C. 2 Choose a role: click on Member. Unlike provincial workers’ com- 3 Enter your username and password. pensation programs, the first and 4 Click on log in, select ACTRA Membership System. only objective for AFBS is to settle claims fairly, quickly, and to assist the 5 Select “view your work history” (you can view your performer to return to health and to work history info by date range or assessment year). work. ■ 6 To print your work history click on “print”.

WINTER 2009 InterACTRA 17

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 17 1/22/09 2:34:50 PM branch news

Ottawa CELEBRATING 50 YEARS ACTRA Ottawa rounded out its 50th Anniversary celebrations by honouring acclaimed members Holly Larocque and Wayne Rostad with ACTRA Life Memberships at their gala event on December 4 at the National Arts Centre. The event was a huge success with more than 130 members, industry guests, and media in attendance along with representatives from ACTRA National, the Canadian Labour Congress and the Actors’ Fund of Canada. MCs Bill Luxton and Katherine Hammond Tori Dines took the crowd for a walk down memory lane reminiscing about ACTRA Ottawa’s storied past while keeping them entertained with their Life Members Wayne Rostad and Holly Larocque with ACTRA Ottawa President Guy Buller. witty banter. Life Memberships were presented by National President Richard Hardacre following a short film highlighting ACTRA Ottawa’s 50-year history of outstanding performances Alberta and a live puppet performance by local The ACTRA Alberta Branch Council is Cast and crew from puppeteers Matt Ficner and Stephen pleased to welcome Tina Alford to the Brathwaite. team as the new ACTRA Alberta Branch Holly Larocque’s television credits Representative. She’s familiar with the CBC’s Heartland and include starring roles in three inter- film, television and digital industry in nationally acclaimed series: Under the Alberta, as she spent the last six years Wild Roses hit the ice Umbrella Tree, Homes by Design, and the with the Alberta Film Commission. Tina is animated series Teddy Ruxpin, as well as dedicated to the promotion, sustainability CBC music specials Holly Larocque: It’s and growth of the industry in Alberta. to collect donations About Time and Christmas Holly. In her role at the film commission, she Wayne Rostad is one of the most- chaired and sat on a number of committees for the Calgary recognized voices and faces on the including: the annual Film and Television Canadian landscape. His award-winning Wrap Party, ScreenWriters Initiative, Reel CBC television show, On the Road Adventures Movie Maps and more. Tina is Interfaith Food Bank. Again, has made him a Canadian icon. excited to start not only promoting Alberta, On stage, he has shared billings and but Albertans in her role with ACTRA. rubbed shoulders with many of the best Tina recently attended the Doug Blackie Morgan, Sarah Power, Kim Huffman, entertainers in the business. Memorial Charity Hockey Challenge at the Clare Stone, Gary Hudson and Landon The official portion of the evening Olympic Oval in Calgary. Cast and crew Liboiron were in attendance to cheer for culminated with a presentation of a from CBC’s Heartland and Wild Roses hit their colleagues. Hundreds of donations $500 donation to the Actors’ Fund on the ice to collect donations for the Calgary were collected for the food bank to help behalf of the branch and a matching Interfaith Food Bank. ACTRA Member families through the holiday season. donation form ACTRA National. The Shaun Johnston was the enthusiastic cap- celebration carried on into the evening tain for the Heartland Mustangs along with with live music, fine food, drink, and cast mate Jake Church. ACTRA Members good cheer. Steve Byers and Adam MacDonald played for the victorious Wild Roses team, The Chris Cornish Wild. Fellow ACTRA members Amber Duval Lang Branch Representative Marshall, Graham Wardle, Michelle ACTRA Alberta President

18 InterACTRA WINTER 2009

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 18 1/22/09 2:34:54 PM British Columbia UBCP’s resolution to the We performers face technological and market changes complicated by ubiquitous attempts to devalue B.C. Federation of Labour the contribution of our skills and talents at a time of global financial by Alvin Sanders meltdown. What to do? Make common cause with performers everywhere. Only performers We’re unionized will safe guard the well being of performers. contract workers who, Canadian performers are doing that and our agreements and understandings are better for the most part, don’t for it. We fully participated in the Tori Hammond Tori National Commercial Agreement make a lot of money. negotiations and the result was the best that could be hoped for and for the best. We recently ratified teacher night. We’re mothers and fathers our Animation agreement making and sisters and brothers… regular people. it as close to parity as we could We’re not necessarily looking to be make it. A level playing field will stars. Everyone who becomes a lawyer remain a first principle for the doesn’t expect to end up on the Supreme B.C. Branch. The recent UBCP/ Alvin Sanders, Treasurer-elect of the Court of Canada. Every delegate to the ACTRA election saw a blend of Union of British Columbia Performers, B.C. Fed Convention doesn’t think they’re present E-Board members and new made a passionate speech on behalf going to be Jim Sinclair some day. We’re members-elect who will govern our of performers at the B.C. Federation workers just like you. We’re unionized nd branch for the next three years. We of Labour’s 52 Annual Convention. contract workers who, for the most part, thank the outgoing and welcome Here is an excerpt from his address: don’t make a lot of money. Even when I’ve the incoming as we move from got a job, I know when it ends. I’m self- strength to strength. Good afternoon Sisters and Brothers, employed. No employment security for me. At the same time as we pre- I am an actor and I represent actors We actors, the over 90% of us that pare to face bargaining of our who perform primarily in feature films, aren’t celebrities or the leads on the TV Master Agreement and bring a TV series, and do voices for animation, shows, are getting bullied by our provin- new E-Board up to speed, we are radio, and video games. We need your cial government about how we’re allowed moving our address to a more cost help and this resolution speaks to what to negotiate our contracts. We are getting effective and efficient office solu- we’d like you to do and why we’d like you bullied by the federal government about tion and look to the future with to do it. We live in a time of celebrity when (or if) immigration officers choose optimism and determination. where most people hear the word actor to enforce the rules we’ve negotiated into We were pleased to host the and think of stars who are rich and our contracts about when people are ACTRA National Executive face famous. Less than 10% of the unionized allowed to be brought into my country to face meeting in November actors in the world fall into that cat- to take a job from me. Being a Canadian where we grew in our ability to egory. These are the people I represent… actor doesn’t mean I’m a second-class cit- understand each other and work the doctor that tells the star, “I’m sorry, izen in North America. Being a Canadian together. Here’s to a dynamic and but you’re going to die.” We’re all the actor doesn’t mean I can be treated performer-friendly 2009. used-car salesmen and the judges. We’re disrespectfully. Even if the provincial and the crowd of people standing at the bus federal governments don’t understand stop, and the 200 stunt people that get my job choice, I am a human being… beat up by Will Smith. We’re the babies a Canadian citizen… AND I DESERVE Howard Storey in the toy and diaper commercials and RESPECT!!! ■ President UBCP/ the wife and husband in the Future Shop ACTRA & National and Viagra ads. But we’re also the people To read the full submission Councillor standing behind you in the Safeway store, go to: www.ubcp.com/index. the kinda loud parent you met on parent/ asp?layid=33&csid1=481

WINTER 2009 InterACTRACTRA 19

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 19 1/22/09 2:34:59 PM ACTRA PRS Minors’ Trust SAVING FOR OUR WORKING KIDS’ FUTURES by Theresa Tova

ACTRA protects the unique interests rights, contractual, statutory or otherwise. of minors – a responsibility that your As a further example, when it became union has always taken seriously. Inspired obvious that actors were being ill-served by Coogan Law*, ACTRA PRS Minors’ Trust by the insurance industry, who did not ensures that the monies earned by the understand the particular needs of artists youth actor are held in trust up to age who are independent contractors, ACTRA 18. ACTRA’s Independent Production created the Actra Fraternal Benefit Society Agreement (IPA) and National Commercial (AFBS) – a resounding social and financial Agreement (NCA) are both designed to success. ACTRA is accountable to its mem- ensure that 25% of all of a minor’s earn- bers and understands their needs. ings will be available to the child when they reach the age of majority. Open your mail! Charlotte Arnold’s impression of the Like so many of her young friends, trust fund, “…has always been really posi- Charlotte wasn’t up on who, why or how tive. When I was a lot younger I remember the ACTRA PRS worked to protect her working with a kid who was looking money. But she remembers the day, not so forward to cashing his paycheck and going and she always knew ACTRA protected her long ago, when she opened up a regular Jag

Gundu out on a shopping spree with his parents. money in a minor’s trust and “that made window envelope from ACTRA PRS and I remember thinking it’s a good thing me feel safe.” found a cheque representing 25% of her they’re putting away some of your money Prior to the establishment of the fund, earnings from over the last 15 years, a because you never want to end up bank- ACTRA’s stewards and talent agents were staggering amount. rupt before you’re even 18.” hearing too many stories about parents Says Charlotte, “I’m pretty sure we got Charlotte began working in the biz at using their children’s earnings to pay a letter telling us it was coming but never- four years old. After starring in a myriad for mortgages or fun family holidays. theless the day it arrived was sort of out of of commercials she moved on to TV mov- In B.C. and California, the government the blue and now we have to sit down and ies and two hit TV series: Naturally Sadie, administers minors’ trust programs. In figure out how to best invest it.” and now Degrassi: The Next Generation. all provinces other than B.C., ACTRA ACTRA PRS provides detailed reports A second-year journalism student, she administers the PRS Minors’ Trust through and mails them out semi-annually. Once enrolled in university to “do something the IPA and NCA. The raison d’être of a minor’s earnings reach $5,000, 25% are different.” Charlotte was protected by her ACTRA is the representation of perform- remitted to ACTRA PRS. As of today, PRS parents from the business side of things ers and the promotion of performers’ administers 779 minors’ trusts, with a book value of almost $4,000,000. So ACTRA youth performers, and *COOGAN LAW parents of youth performers, should you have any questions about the Trust please The California ‘Coogan Law’ was contact Judy Land at 416-644-1516 or enacted in 1939 to protect child [email protected]. ACTRA PRS Minors’ Trust performers from financial abuse. ■ Coogan Law ensures that the is there for you. earnings of a minor are the legal Award winning actor, writer property of the minor and not his and singer, Theresa Tova’s or her parents. The law resulted career has gone from from the experience of silent pic- Film, TV projects, and the ture star Jackie Coogan who earned Broadway musical stage millions as a child, but was left to Concert and Jazz venues

Michelle Gibson broke at the age of 18 because his around the world. This parents had squandered his earn- year Tova toured to Amsterdam, Weimar ings. Coogan is best remembered Germany, Warsaw Poland, Houston Texas, for his role as Charlie Chaplin’s and New York while still serving the ACTRA sidekick in The Kid and for the title Degrassi cast member and title charac- membership as a National councillor, role in Oliver Twist. He was the first ter in Naturally, Sadie, Charlotte Arnold Toronto’s VP internal and ACTRA’s Children’s star to get heavily merchandized. speaks out on arts and culture issues. Advocate. www.theresatova.com

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 20 1/22/09 2:35:03 PM YOUR UNION APPLAUDS YOUR APPLAUSE PERFORMANCE

LA AWARD: Sandra Oh receives ACTRA’s Award of Excellence Grey’s Anatomy star Sandra Oh received ACTRA’s Award of Excellence for her con- tribution to Canada’s film and television industry on January 21 at a reception at the Canadian Consul General’s residence in Los Angeles. The Ottawa native has won two Genie awards, a Golden Globe and three Screen Actors Guild awards to go with four Emmy nominations. An advocate for Canadian culture, Sandra went off script as the host of the Genie Awards last year to criticize Bill C-10 which would Jag Gundu Jag have censored Canadian films. ■

Congrats to our 2008 Gemini Award winners Peter Keleghan to A celebration of excellence in Canada’s • Best Performance by an Actor in a receive ACTRA Toronto’s English-language television, the 2008 Leading Role in a Dramatic Program Gemini Award winners include: or Mini-Series: Nicholas Campbell, Award of Excellence • Best Ensemble Performance in a The Englishman’s Boy. Comedy Program or Series: • Best Performance by an Actress in a Inessa Annie Frantowski, Brooks Gray, Continuing Leading Dramatic Role: Peter Keleghan will walk away with Andy King, Rebecca McMahon, Leo Helene Joy, Durham County, Guys and Dolls. ACTRA Toronto’s Award of Excellence Scherman, Morgan Waters, Cock’d • Best Performance by an Actress in a at the annual ACTRA Awards in Gunns: A Taste of Success. Leading Role in a Dramatic Program Toronto on Friday, February 20, 2009 • Best Performance by an Actor in a or Mini-Series: Natasha Henstridge, at the Carlu. Continuing Leading Dramatic Role: Would Be Kings. With four Gemini awards under his Justin Louis, Durham County: What For a complete list of winners go to belt, Peter is a familiar face for his work Lies Beneath. www.geminiawards.ca. ■ on The Newsroom, Made in Canada, The Photos courtesy of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. and Cinema Canadian of Academy the of courtesy Photos Murdoch Mysteries and Slings and Arrows. Peter’s cultural activism includes lobby- ing Ottawa for more Canadian drama and speaking out in support of culture during three elections. Peter Keleghan conceived of and tirelessly advocated for ACTRA Toronto’s Creative Arts Savings & Credit Union. Three juried awards for outstand- ing performances by male, female and voice talents will also be presented at ACTRA Toronto’s gala event. This year’s awards will be hosted by Teresa Pavlinek. Winners will be posted at George Stoumboulopoulos wins the Natasha Henstridge wins the Gemini www.actratoronto.com. ■ Gemini for Best Host/Interviewer in for Best Performance by an Actress in a Talk Program: The Hour. a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series: Would be Kings.

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 21 1/22/09 2:35:08 PM YOUR UNION APPLAUDS YOUR APPLAUSE PERFORMANCE

VIGILE 1914-1918 VIGIL: Preserving our Canadian Heritage

ACTRA member R.H. Thomson and and Duke of Edinburgh helped the London Martin Conboy were co-creators of Vigile launch with public vigils taking place 1914-1918 Vigil. The electronic tribute nightly from sunset November 4 to sunrise to fallen soldiers displayed names of the on Remembrance Day, November 11, in 68,144 Canadian soldiers who died in Halifax, Fredericton, Ottawa, Toronto, battle in the First World War. The Queen Regina and Calgary. ■

Carol Off 2008 recipient of ACTRA’s John Drainie Award “Carol Off is one of our country’s finest and most prolific journalists. From her hard-hitting TV documentaries for CBC’s The National, which have won numerous Heartland joins TV awards, to the sharp wit and intellect she charity challenge brings to interviews on CBC radio’s As It Happens, Ms. Off’s journalistic style reveals The cast and crew of CBC-TV’s Heartland a deep humanity in the stories she tells have made their mark raising $11,700 for the about Canadians and people around the Actors’ Fund of Canada. The Actors’ Fund world. ACTRA is thrilled to honour Ms. Off recently set a new record for the amount of

Bernard Ramos Bernard with our John Drainie Award,” said Richard financial aid delivered to industry members Hardacre, ACTRA National President. in a single year, topping $500,000. The The Award has been presented since 1968 Fund has helped over 10,000 entertain- to a person who has made a distinguished ment industry workers recover from illness, Richard Hardacre and Carol Off. contribution to Canadian broadcasting. ■ injury or other circumstances causing severe economic and personal hardship since it was founded in 1958. The Fund marked its 50th anniversary in 2008. Beavers awarded to For TV Charity Challenge updates, outstanding comics visit www.actorsfund.ca. ■

9TH ANNUAL CANADIAN COMEDY Lori Lepp AWARDS & FESTIVAL The 2008 Canadian Comedy Awards were presented in Regina, Saskatchewan. More than 100 comedians performed in 14 shows. Ellen Page was declared Pretty Funny Female Actress of the Year for her performance in Juno and Superbad star Michael Cera won the Beaver for Pretty Courtesy of FOX Searchlight Pictures. Searchlight FOX of Courtesy Funny Male Actor of the Year. Gavin Crawford received two Beavers – one for Pretty Funny Writing for Special or Episode as part of This Hour Has 22 Minutes and another for Pretty Funny Male TV Performance. For a complete list of winners go to Amber Marshall and Graham Wardle Ellen Page and Michael Cera in Juno. www.ccavoting.com. ■ posing with Heartland fans.

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 22 1/22/09 2:35:18 PM APPLAUSE ACTRA celebrates Rudder’s recovery Sandi Ross receives Crystal Award WIFT’S AWARD OF DISTINCTION PRESENTED AT 20TH ANNUAL GALA IN TORONTO

Actor, director and activist Sandi Ross was presented Women In Film and Television – Toronto’s (WIFT-T) Award of Distinction as testament to her commitment to Canada’s entertainment industry. Sandi received a BFA at the University of Minnesota and has been a professional actor for 31 years. In 1994 she served as the President of ACTRA Cary Lawrence Toronto Performers – the first woman and the first person of colour to hold this elected position. She also sat on arts juries for the Canada Council, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council and the Racial Equity Committee of the Canada ACTRA is celebrating the home- able to travel home on December Council. Sandi has maintained a dynamic coming of Montreal member 18 where he was greeted by a career as an actor with many film and TV Michael Rudder who was shot jubilant crowd of cheering family, credits. She has performed in three sea- during November’s terror- friends and fellow performers sons at the Stratford Festival and appears ist attacks in Mumbai, India. at the Montreal airport. on most of Toronto’s stages. Michael had been in the restau- rant of the Oberoi Hotel when Established in 1988, the Crystal Awards Best wishes from everyone militants stormed in and shot at ACTRA, Michael. We’re celebrate the outstanding achievements of him three times. After several behind you as you continue women in Canadian screen-based media. weeks in hospital, Michael was your remarkable recovery! ■ For a complete list of past winners visit www.wift.com. ■

Lori Lepp FAREWELL Frederick M. Diehl Frederick M. Diehl, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on November 15, 2008. Frederick retired from the CBC after a colourful career in writing, acting and broadcasting. He was born in Cypress Hills, Manitoba. Frederick is survived by his brother Barrie, son Scott, daughter Patti, grandchildren Glenn, Kadin, Nick, Crista, Hayley, Courtney, Kevin and great grandchildren Jordan, Makani, Shantel, Tyler and Troy. Frederick is a recipient of Sandi Ross with producer, director and ACTRA’s John Drainie Award. ■ journalism professor Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell, presenter of the award.

WINTER 2009 InterACTRA 23

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 23 1/22/09 2:35:29 PM Women of Steel inspire Women of ACTRA

Two years ago the USW International Women’s Conference was held in Toronto and an invitation was extended to ACTRA Councillors to participate as observers. It was a generous gesture and many of us went with curiousity and open minds, not at all certain how this would directly relate to our world as actors in Canada. We were absolutely blown away by the passionate, articulate and stirring points of view that cut right to the heart of our lives. We came back to ACTRA all revved up with a deeper understanding of Jo Bates, Christine Willes and Merilynn Brodie open the conference with a national and international trends and how powerful welcome greeting, the first ‘ACTRA Sisters in Solidarity’ moment we could make a contribution as activists. (seated: Mary Lou Scott and Brenda Wagg). This past November, the Women of Steel: Sisters in Global Solidarity National Women’s Conference was held in Vancouver. Again, we were very fortun- place in the world around them – they ACTRA’s strategic alliance with USW ate to be invited, this time as participants. give us context, they champion our causes. is in our fourth year. On the surface, what We spoke on panels, helped facilitate Actors are subject to the same dep- could we and the USW possibly have in workshops and collectively invented the redations as workers in other industries common? Lots. ACTRA is bringing our ‘ACTRA Sisters in Solidarity’ performances. in this country, and like many others we campaigns on film and TV issues into the ACTRA’s Women’s Committee Chair Ruth are worried about our ability to continue labour movement and broadening our Lawrence was joined by Wendy Anderson, to work. We face specific challenges in coalition to protect Canada’s cultural Jo Bates, Merilynn Brodie, Ferne Downey our film and television industry and are sovereignty. The more partners we have and Christine Willes. We are grateful to under-represented in above-the-line pos- in this fight – the better. Steel is a proven the brilliant Woman of Steel Sue Milling itions – specifically writers and directors. leader in partnering with like-minded for including us so warmly. ACTRA’s Women’s Committee is aware of organizations and has a long, successful the need to support initiatives like the history of lobbying governments and Stories give us context Women in the Director’s Chair workshop campaigning on vital public policy issues. at Banff. We are working hard to get up to The first year Steel and ACTRA lobbied and champion our causes speed with the Women of Steel and they together on Parliament Hill, we caused certainly have been an inspiration to us. quite a stir – it is helpful that we can ACTRA women can get pretty jazzed We can help women in other industries too bring Canadian stars to the table to speak up, but this conference totally surpassed by working together in pursuit of our com- about the important issues. our expectations. We listened to the mon goals. Our alliance with Steel also enhances stories of the women workers, Gabriela our ability to negotiate the best terms Barrueta, Helena Taipo, Joni Fraser… our ACTRA is bringing our and working conditions for our members. heads hurt… our hearts hurt. This was Our industry has changed immensely the first time that we were hearing about campaigns on film and since ACTRA was founded more than 65 them. We also told our stories and shared years ago. Until recent decades our main our knowledge. Stories are powerful and TV issues into the labour employer had been the CBC. Now more cross borders. They change the way that movement than half of our members’ work comes nations think about themselves and their from multinational media-conglomerates,

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 24 1/22/09 2:35:37 PM Ferne Downey on the panel “Your Ken Neumann, USW National Director Aissatou Diajhate, Director of voice and your vote make a differ- for Canada, honours Carol Landry’s Programmes, Stephen Lewis Foundation, ence” (with Helena Taipo, Minister appointment as the first woman speaking out on behalf of the of Labour, Mozambique, MP Libby International VP of USW. Grandmothers Campaign. Davies and MLA Rachel Notley). All phots by Joe da Costa. da Joe by phots All

Ruth Lawrence leads cheers Wendy Anderson, Martha Villeda, M’Girl, a remarkable all aboriginal and chants created from the Connie Sorio speaking on the panel women’s ensemble from Vancouver, closed “Finding our Voice” workshop. “Defending Workers’ Rights” (not in the conference with their beautiful music. the photo, Cath Speight, UNITE).

many headquartered in the U.S. Steel stories. The infamous $45 million cut conditions and better wages. In our busi- has a solid record of standing up to in cultural spending that cost Harper ness, we clearly see the weakening of our multinational corporations and is way out Quebec. Silly cuts to the programs that national fabric. From the front row, we are in front in terms of understanding the promoted Canadian cultural work abroad! witnessing the decimation of Canadian globalization of the economy. It was seed money. No seeds, no crop. film and television production and Most importantly, ACTRA and the USW Canadian stories. share the same values: dignity and respect From the front row we Political service is part of the rhythm for all workers and the right to fair pay and of life. We can all stand up, speak up, vote safe working conditions. We have built a are witnessing the and get politically involved. When we join strong bond of co-operation. together to take important stands on the For our part, ACTRA is viewed as one decimation of Canadian most important issues facing our countries of the leading experts in negotiating production and Canadian and our unions, individuals, who normally agreements on behalf of self-employed, have little political power, gain. That is why independent contractors. We also bring stories. Culture is how we we join unions. Why we join committees in our understanding of the value of culture those unions. Why unions join with other and identity, and how it plays an ever- communicate – it carries unions, why we join others across borders increasing role in our economy. that most precious to create international movements. We gain We explained the importance of the opportunity to combine our contribu- Canadian culture and how it plays into commodity – our voice tions with others to gain a greater voice in all of our lives as Canadians. That it the political process and bring about social generates more than 1.1 million jobs and For all of us Canadian workers, the change. We reap what we sow. ■ contributes more than $85 billion to the deregulation of our markets has resulted economy – 7.4% of Canada’s real gross in the flurry of mergers leading to a To learn more about ACTRA’s Women’s domestic product. How the federal govern- concentration of businesses in fewer and Committee, please contact committee ments have attacked Canada’s cultural ever more powerful hands. Powerful hands chair Ruth Lawrence at [email protected] foundations, slashed budgets and gutted are shaking other powerful hands. It is and visit www.actra.ca. For more confer- regulations that ensure space for Canadian harder for us to bargain for better working ence info, please visit www.usw.ca.

WINTER 2009 InterACTRA 25

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 25 1/22/09 2:35:41 PM bargaining

Bargaining update by Marit Stiles, Director of Research

Today we have veritable agreement for more overtime earnings, new accident- available on a local or regional basis, and ratification frenzy at ACTRA. In November on-set insurance for all performers, and broadcast on a local and regional basis and December, many ACTRA members – strong curbs on non-union production. only. those eligible to vote – received ratifica- tion ballots for the National Commercial With the overwhelming support of the membership we Agreement (NCA), the CBC Agreement and the Local and Regional Addendum have a ratified a Commercial Agreement that provides to the NCA. Times change. When I last reported on a significant rate increase, an 8-hour work day for more the status of bargaining, ACTRA’s commer- cial bargaining team was buried deep in overtime earnings, new accident on-set insurance for all negotiations, steeped in costing exercises, and without a deal. Meanwhile, on the performers, and strong curbs on non-union production. CBC front, management continued with their endless delays and postponements, The new terms also include provisions In addition to the general increases, after three long years of bargaining. that are designed to encourage more large- new media opportunities and new cast productions, repatriate commercial accident-on-set insurance received in the Commercial terms shoots, close loopholes that currently keep NCA, the addendum settlement includes 1 Today, with the overwhelming support jobs out of union hands, and result in a reduction from 1 /2 minutes to 1 minute of the membership (96.6% of members more union new media work. of finished commercials that may be eligible to vote supported ratification) we Terms of settlement were also reached produced in a basic work session, and have a ratified Commercial Agreement that for Addendum No. 1, the Local and improved wording for a performer engaged provides a significant rate increase of 7.5% Regional Addendum. This addendum to to record tags. (delivered as a 2.5% increase during each the NCA applies to commercials produced Here in the Research Department at year of the agreement), an 8-hour work day to advertise products and services that are ACTRA, we’ll be very closely monitoring ACTRA’s CBC Negotiating Committee

Stephen Waddell ACTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Thor Bishopric David Calderisi Catherine Disher Kyra Harper Ray Landry Co-Chair, Montreal Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto

Richard Hardacre ACTRA National Karl Pruner Jackson Davies Soo Garay Brooke Johnson President and Nigel Bennett Toronto Vancouver Toronto Toronto CBC Negotiating Halifax Committee Chair

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 26 1/22/09 2:35:58 PM the effect of the Commercial Agreement changes, particularly the impact of the temporary and experimental rates for commercials made for new media that Contract Q&A expire six months prior to the end of the Need clarification on a contract query? Agonizing over an agreement? contract. Puzzled over payment? Send your questions about how ACTRA’s collective We will be watching to see if work agreements work for you to [email protected] and ACTRA’s crack team of opportunities in new media increase with collective agreement experts will provide the answers you need. the introduction of these experimental rates, and how they work for performers on set, in the real world. I have been booked as a I worked on a commercial Principal Performer to shoot that was made to go on a Retroactive payment Q: three ‘new media’ com- Q: website. They paid me a for performers in CBC mercials in one day. They session fee of $640 for an tell me it will be a 10-hour shoot not eight hour day and a residual fee of productions! including the meal break. What will $224, to cover a cycle for 4 weeks of On the CBC front, while it has been a long I be paid and what will my residual use (35% of $640). I get that… but road to arrive at this point, the deal that fees be? The commercials will each now that 4-week cycle period is over has finally emerged also represents signifi- be on the Internet for six weeks. and the commercial is still on the cant gains for performers. These include: – P.L. from Montreal Internet! What should I be paid? rate increases of over 15% delivered as – J.G. from Toronto general increases of 3% per year over a The newly-ratified five-year term fully retroactive to July 1, : National Commercial If the commercial is used 2005; an additional 1% increase in CBC’s A Agreement includes : beyond the original per- insurance contributions; much-improved revised terms for com- A iod of use, your fee must provisions covering new media, retroactive mercials made for new media. Under be upgraded to cover the to 2000 and stronger work rules including these terms you will be compensated extended use period. This is done equal opportunity language. for the shoot day as follows: $640 by paying the percentage differ- New media retroactivity to 2000, for the first spot, and $320 for each ence between the initial residual along with new media terms that are of the second and third spots. The 2 fee and the fee for the extended among the strongest of any ACTRA hours of Additional Work Time (AWT) use period, up to a maximum of agreement, amount to groundbreak- will be paid out only once, at $108 100% of the session fee for one ing achievements. In the last issue of per hour. Your total fee for the shoot year’s use. So, if the extended InterACTRA we thanked the Commercial day will amount to $1,496. If the use period is one year, you would Negotiating Committee for all their commercials are used, the residual be paid an additional residual fee hard work. This time, let’s raise a glass fees will be paid based on 50% of of $416 (65% of $640). to the exceedingly patient and strong the basic session fee. For the first commercial, the use fee will be CBC Negotiating Committee for a major $320 and for each of the second achievement. and third spots, the use fees will Up next be $160. Your total residual fee for 6 weeks use will be $640. Now is the time to start turning our atten- tion to the next round of Independent Production Agreement (IPA) bargaining. While the IPA expires on December 31, 2009, bargaining could commence as early as June 2009. All branches will carry out consultations with performers, asking what works and what needs improvement. Lend your voice and experience to this process. We need to know what is important to you, what your priorities are for this round, and what you are experiencing on set. Another busy bargaining year lies ahead. Check out www.actra.ca for updates and information. ■

WINTER 2009 InterACTRA 27

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 27 1/22/09 2:36:09 PM by Stephen Waddell, National Executive Director IN BUSINESS FOR PERFORMERS

I joined my first credit union back in 1984. In that year, I left ACTRA where I had been working as Assistant General Secretary since 1972. I had been recruited by the Screen Actors Guild to work as Assistant Hollywood Executive Director. And in December 1984, I moved my family to L.A. When I got my first paycheque from SAG, I went to the Bank of America close to the SAG office, and learned that I couldn’t open a bank account without a California driver’s licence. And I couldn’t get a California driver’s licence without a valid social security card (Catch 22). I was a nobody. I had no U.S. credit rating. Hearing my plight, one of my colleagues Gundu Jag at the SAG office suggested that I join the AFTRA/SAG Credit Union, and called the credit union office to set up an appoint- Maurice Dean Wint, Wendy Crewson, Gordon Pinsent and Peter Keleghan, along with ment for me. I walked into the Credit fellow ACTRA Toronto performers, advocated for ACTRA Toronto’s Creative Arts Union office, was welcomed by the staff Savings & Credit Union. who quickly signed me up, took my $50 minimum deposit, and assigned me an • ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society – our savings and chequing accounts, credit cards, account into which I could deposit my pay- royalties and rights administration arm; loans, mortgages, financial planning advice, cheque. From there I was able to get the and, and wealth management services. At Creative rest of my documentation in order, get a • AFBS – our insurance and retirement Arts, saying “I am a performer” will be the driver’s licence, and continue with my life. provider. start of a conversation, not the end of one. When I needed a car loan, I went to the Because credit unions in Canada are And as access to credit withers as a result AFTRA/SAG Credit Union, and they gave provincially regulated, Creative Arts will of the global financial meltdown, Canadian me a car loan – without any fuss. initially be restricted to providing services performers will now have an opportunity A couple of months ago, I made a sub- to Ontario-resident (unincorporated) to access a loan or mortgage through a stantial personal investment in shares in performers and others in the entertainment financial institution dedicated to performers another credit union – the first Canadian industry (incorporated performers can rather than profits. English-language entertainment industry join regardless of residency). To comfort Join me and the host of ACTRA mem- credit union – the Creative Arts Savings (unincorporated) performers who are resi- bers and staff who have already made an and Credit Union. An initiative of ACTRA dent outside of Ontario, it is the declared investment in the start-up of our very own Toronto, Creative Arts has now achieved intent of the Creative Arts’ Board to open financial institution – join Creative Arts its required capitalization, and opens membership to outside-Ontario performers as soon as it opens its virtual doors, and its virtual doors on January 26, 2009. as soon as possible. Creative Arts will be make deposits into your new credit union Creative Arts will join the ACTRA family providing a full-range of financial services account. of member service providers that includes: for performers and others in the entertain- Welcome Creative Arts into the ACTRA •ACTRA – our union; ment industry, such services including family of services. Share in our success. ■

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 28 1/22/09 2:36:14 PM Lights! Camera! Discounts! Contact ACTRA…

Spotlight on ACTRA Members discounts ACTRA National Office ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society 300 – 625 Church St I Toronto ON I M4Y 2G1 For more information or if you have questions please TEL: (416) 489-1311/1-800-387-3516 contact: Christine Webber MAP Administrator at FAX: (416) 489-8076 416-489-1311 ext 4005 or via email [email protected]. EMAIL: [email protected] I EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] (SRD–SOUND RECORDING DIVISION) www.actra.ca

Union of B.C. Performers 400 – 1155 West Pender St I Vancouver BC I V6E 2P4 TEL: (604) 689-0727 I FAX: (604) 689-1145 EMAIL: [email protected] I www.ubcp.com

ACTRA Alberta 304 – 1300 8 Street SW I Calgary AB I T2R 1B2 TEL: I TEL: (403) 228-3123/1-866-913-3123 FAX: (403) 228-3299 EMAIL: [email protected] I www.actraalberta.com CLOTHING ACTRA Saskatchewan 15% off Deuce Custom Ink 212 – 1808 Smith Street I Regina SK I S4P 2N4 20% off Envers: Yves Jean Lacasse TEL: (306) 757-0885 I FAX: (306) 359-0044 15% off Europe Bound/Hikers Haven EMAIL: [email protected] I www.actra.ca/sask 15% off Fluevog Shoes ACTRA Manitoba 15% off Higher Ground 203 – 245 McDermot Ave I Winnipeg MB I R3B 0S6 15% off Jeanne Lottie TEL: (204) 339-9750 I FAX: (204) 947-5664 EMAIL: [email protected] I www.actra.ca/winnipeg Jag Gundu Jag RESTAURANTS & FOOD ACTRA Toronto Performers 15% off Biagio Ristorante 200 – 625 Church St I Toronto ON M4Y 2G1 15% off Daniel Chocolates Belge TEL: (416) 928-2278 I FAX: (416) 928-0429 10% off L’Aromate EMAIL: [email protected] I www.actratoronto.com 15% off The Nutty Chocolatier ACTRA Ottawa 10% off The Specialty Gourment The Arts Court I 170 – 2 Daly Avenue Ottawa ON I K1N 6E2 e PERSONAL HEALTH AND FITNESS TEL: (613) 565-2168 I FAX: (613) 565-4367 25% off Absolute Spa EMAIL: [email protected] I www.actraottawa.ca

10% off Alvaro Salon ACTRA Montreal 20% off Annosa 530 – 1450 City Councillors Street 10-15% off Men’s Power Spa Montreal QC I H3A 2E6 TEL: (514) 844-3318 I FAX: (514) 844-2068 15% off Bikram Yoga EMAIL: [email protected] I www.actramontreal.ca 10% off Moksha Yoga 25% off Pro Gym ACTRA Maritimes 103 – 1660 Hollis Street I Halifax NS I B3J 1V7 TRANSPORTATION TEL: (902) 420-1404 I FAX: (902) 422-0589 EMAIL: [email protected] I www.actramaritimes.ca Join for $99 Autoshare $30 a year Zipcar ACTRA Newfoundland/Labrador Emerald Club National Car Rental 685 Water Street I P.O. Box 575 St. John’s NF I A1C 5K8 Best Rate + 5% off VIA TEL: (709) 722-0430 I FAX: (709) 722-2113 EMAIL: [email protected] I www.actra.ca/stjohns For more discounts please go to www.actra.ca.

WINTER 2009 Inter ACTRACTRA 29

60290-1 ACTRA.indd 29 1/22/09 2:36:25 PM facesby Bruce Dinsmore you’d love to slap

As with so many things in this > business it began with a phone call from my agent. “They want you to audition for Têtes À Claques, they’re doing it in English.” I replied, “Holy crap.” Photos by Phil Carpenter, Têtes À Claques, for those of you who live outside of Quebec or those of you in Quebec who dwell in caves, is nothing short of a phenomenon. An internet com-

edy sensation the likes of which has never (Montreal). Gazette The been seen here in La Belle Province, or anywhere else in Canada for that matter – but I’m getting ahead of myself. Têtes À Claques translates roughly as ‘smackable heads,’ or ‘faces you’d love to slap.’ It’s a unique blend of live action and stop-motion-inspired computer animation where human eyes and lips are superim- posed on Barbie dolls and animal figures with eye-catchingly absurd results. The original French version averages over a Bruce with TAC.tv English adapter million hits a month, and is one of the first Howard Schrier and creator Michel original Canadian productions created for Beaudet. the net. It’s the brainchild of Michel Beaudet, who in addition to dreaming up the wacky world of Têtes À Claques, voices all of the recognize the eyes, mouth, and voice of characters, male, female, and otherwise. their creator anywhere. Beaudet had been working for an Not so much apparently. Bernie (one of ad agency here in Montreal but grew the crack computer animation whizzes) let frustrated with deadlines, nagging clients me in and must have wondered why I was and the limits the ad biz placed on his staring so intently at his mouth. When I Wearing false teeth, Bruce demon- creativity. So, armed with his wit, imagina- finally DID meet Michel, we chatted as he strates the use of the “guillotine.” tion, and his buddies Hugo Caron and washed dishes in the kitchen and agreed Simon Parizeau for technical support, he to lend me his razor so I could shave off headed down to his basement, set up a my winter dog-walking beard for the (duh) camera, had a bit of fun incarnating two on-camera audition. After bashing through report that English stand-ups from far and farting frogs, and e-mailed the result to 50 several scripts and several characters to wide were auditioning, and that the search friends. The rest, as they say, is history. the seeming amusement of all present, was on. Ouch. So much for hush hush. I arrived at a non-descript house in the Michel outlined the scope of the project I’ve always thought that there are two suburb of Boucherville, 20 minutes south and asked if I planned on leaving the types of actors, and that both are equally of Montreal, early one morning in April. country. He’s a funny guy. I left in a bit of deluded. Those that think they’ll never My agent had said that everything was very a daze trying not to count my chickens, get anything, and those that think they’ll hush hush surrounding this new phase of but with the undeniable feeling of: “Wow. get everything. The truth of course, as it the project, and indeed all was quiet. “Odd It really DID go that well.” always does, lies somewhere in the middle, place for an audition,” I thought. I was met Any actor will tell you that the audi- but being as I am of the get-everything by someone at the side door, and I thought tion is the easy part. It’s the waiting that’s school, I just couldn’t let it go. It wasn’t “It’s him! This is the guy!” Having been an unbearable. ”It’s in the audition angel’s just that the project would be a blast. unabashed Têtes À Claques addict since my hands now,” someone said to me. I stifled There were also potential bragging rights very first viewing of Les Grenouilles (The the urge to smack that person. Then a with my wife’s francophone family, not to Frogs), years prior, I was sure that I would week later came the news on the CBC arts mention the “cool factor” with my five-year

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old son. And with the times being what clips verbatim. After word got out that I How do you cram everything that’s they are in our business, landing a poten- was doing TAC.TV, I think our DOP started going on in the character’s often insane tially steady gig (as steady as any ever are) trying a little harder to keep me in focus. situation into just your eyes and mouth made for anxious days and sleepless nights. The characters and clips are not just wildly without your head exploding!? Michel, I was on a conference call with the popular here in Quebec, certain expres- master of the art that he is, has always told Commercial Negotiations Committee when sions transcend regular language and have me to avoid the trap of falling into cari- an odd number popped up on my cell. The actually entered the Quebecois lexicon. cature and ‘cartoon,’ (as counter-intuitive call display said “Michel Beaudet.” Score Know what a Papoutte is? If you lived here, as that may seem.) And he’s right. As with one for the deluded guy. chances are you’d know it’s a made-up Têtes most everything in our craft, the key seems The weeks that ensued, however, were À Claques word for little kid. Unbelievable! to be… drum roll please… keeping it real. even more fraught and tense as it became So now the challenge was to do justice You can check us out at www.tac.tv as we apparent that we (ACTRA, Michel, my to Michel and his team’s million-hit-a- keep flatulent frogs, burping Martians, intrepid agent Jean-Jacques, and myself) month sensation. I found myself with mischievous moose, and a host of other had all found ourselves on new and largely the rare privilege of input into the final wacky folk, as real as we can. And hope- unexplored ground. Was it live action? versions of Howard Schrier’s English adap- fully real freakin’ funny. ■ So with my eyes open wide and my head in the guillotine, I soon discovered that being a disembodied talking head ain’t all that easy…

Original voice? Is it paid per click? Our tations of the original scripts. “Man-boobs new IPA agreement was intended to accom- he should say man-boobs,” I said. “And this Bruce Dinsmore was modate exactly this kind of project, but other guy would be hilarious as a Brit.” born in Vancouver, but is exactly how would it work? If you ever “We love it,” they said. Ahhhh bliss. Input, proud to have based his find yourself in this position CALL YOUR AND silly accents… actor heaven. career in Montreal after BRANCH. I sat down with Raymond So with my eyes open wide and my head attending The National Guardia, my Regional Exec., and Claire in the guillotine, I soon discovered that Theatre School there Martell, our film and TV Steward, and being a disembodied talking head ain’t all in 1988. He works on had a great meeting. They held my hand, that easy. Because each character is filmed stage, in film and TV, and in studios big answered questions, listened to concerns separately but for the entire length of the and small. He recently had the pleasure and were completely straight up. Nice. clip, you are ALWAYS in close-up, the tini- of serving on ACTRA’s NCA Bargaining So it was official. I was the English face est blink or facial tick writ large. Technical Committee, and thoroughly enjoyed and voice of the English version of Têtes À considerations abound, eyes open wide at being in the company of such dedicated Claques. I’ll say it again. Holy crap. During all times, no over-blinking, watch that the and intelligent folk. Bruce now resides in some recent film work I became more gums on the teeth don’t show, three or beautiful Hudson, Quebec, with his wife, and more aware of how my mostly French more eye lines at a time… etc. In a word, son, and “bump” who is expected some- speaking crew was constantly quoting it’s intense. time in April.

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60290-1 ACTRA.indd 31 1/22/09 2:36:50 PM ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE WRAPS IT UP

would last. Maybe two years? Maybe five? our fellow Canadians, make fun of Dear Friends, Then, 20 years later, we started Air Farce Canadian passions and pastimes, and When we started doing improv comedy on CBC Television and hoped it might last take a poke at Canadian politicians. together (Roger, Don, Luba and John), for maybe three years. So, for 35 years We thank you for your support and a long time ago, we wondered how long we’ve known that one of these days, we’d your laughter, and we thank our tremen- we’d be able to have fun before we had do our final show. dous production team for contributing to get real jobs. Then we started Air Farce We’ve had a terrific career with the their remarkable talents to every episode. on CBC Radio and wondered how long it great privilege of being able to entertain It’s been fun, and it’s not over yet. ■

2007-08 cast, left to right: Alan Park, Roger Abbott, Jessica Holmes, Don Ferguson, Penelope Corrin, Luba Goy and Craig Lauzon. Russ Martin Russ

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