Payment

Below is an outline of fees you can expect to incur as a background performer.

Membership Fee
It is standard in the industry for Non-Union talent to pay a membership fee. TFX’s fee is $100 plus HST ($113). This is a yearly, non-refundable fee and is required at the time of registration, and renewable on your membership anniversary date each year you continue to be an active member.

Note: Union performers do not pay a membership fee.

BG4Hire Account
It is essential to have an active account on BG4HIRE.COM in order to work with our agency. This is an online casting platform that many casting agencies use. Bg4hire.com has an annual membership fee of $45. For more information, please visit their website Bg4hire.com and refer to their FAQ section.

Commission Fee
Background performers pay a commission rate for work that they do. All commissions must include 13% HST. Our commission fees are as follows:

Non-Union and AABP Performers:

  • 10% for regular background work
  • 15% for commercials, upgrades (SSE, Actor Roles, etc.), green permittee vouchers, music videos
  • 20% for print

ACTRA Apprentice Members:

  • 15% for regular background performances, as well as commercials, upgrades (SSE, Actor Roles, etc.), music videos

Full ACTRA Members:

  • 10% for regular background performances
  • 15% for commercials, upgrades (SSE, Actor Roles, etc.), music videos
  • 20% for print

Commission includes but is not limited to payments received for COVID tests, mileage, travel, wardrobe and equipment, cars and pets.

To get a better idea of commission owing for a specific booking, try out our Online Commission Calculator.

For your convenience, commission payments can be made by e-transfer to accounting@torontofilmextras.com.

Please note in the notes/comments box of the e-transfer, your full name, the production title and date you are sending the commission for. (If prompted for a password, please make the password either “tfx” or ”tfxtfx”.)

Your Rate

The hourly rate as a background performer is $16.55 per hour with an 8 hour minimum, (which means that if you only work 2 hours, you are still paid for 8 hours), not including the unpaid lunch hour. Union rates apply for ACTRA members.

Engagement Cancellation Policy

If you are booked on a project and need to cancel, Toronto Film Extras must be informed of the cancellation at least 24 hours in advance of any engagement. Members who cancel less than 24 hours prior to the day of their engagement (engagement means any engagement in connection with an opportunity including a COVID test, wardrobe/costume fitting, and/or work date), or do not attend an engagement, will be charged a Cancellation Fee.

Cancellation Fees are as follows:

  • $20.00 for Non-union members
  • $40.00 for ACTRA Apprentice members
  • $30.00 for Full ACTRA members.

The Cancellation Fee is based on the minimum commission the client would have owed Toronto Film Extras, plus additional administrative costs.

Late Fee
Punctuality is crucial! If a member is late to set, and our team has to become involved in addressing the lateness (for example: we have to call, and/or text you), you will be charged a $20.00 Late Fee.

Please Note:

  • Contact information and photos must be kept current.
  • All commissions must be kept current. This includes money owed to other agents.
  • Delinquent accounts with our agency will be subject to late fees, interest and enforcement action effective immediately.