The Union has established the Ultra Low Budget Programs in order to allow Union Members and producers the ability to work together on low-budget productions while protecting the rights of the performers.
Productions must be produced and used primarily for evaluation, educational, critique or non-commercial use. Such use may include film festivals, showcase screenings, workshops or any other non-commercial venue where no admission fee is charged.
Currently the Union offers the following Ultra Low Budget Programs:
Student Ultra Low Budget Program
Overview
Application Form
Schedule A
UBCP 20/20 Ultra Low Budget Program
Overview
Application Form
Schedule A
Ultra Low Budget Program
Overview
Application Form
Schedule A
Application Requirements
1) Timeline for Submissions
The Producer must provide the Union with a completed application for all the Programs no less than ten business (10) days, not inclusive of Statutory holidays, prior to the first day of principal photography.
The Union will confirm receipt of your application within two (2) business days.
2) Application Fee
An application fee is required for the 20/20 Ultra Low Budget Program and the Ultra Low Budget Program. Please refer to the program overview for more information.
3) Production Documents
The following documentation must be forwarded to UBCP in order for your application to be processed:
- Completed Application Form
- Budget
- Script
- Current Crew List
- Current Cast List (list of roles to be cast)
- Insurance policy and or policies (please refer to the program overview for
clarification)
Please note: The Union will be unable to complete your application until all of the above-noted documentation and payment, if applicable, is provided to the Union.
Application Process
- All applications must be received by fax or email.
- The Union will confirm receipt of your application within two (2) business days.
- UBCP will contact you if we have any questions.
- Upon acceptance of your application the Union will email the producer an Ultra Low Budget Agreement.
- The Producer must sign the agreement and return it to UBCP.
- A Performer Form will be provided upon receipt of the signed Agreement.
- The Performer Form must be signed by all Union and non-Union performers and all Forms must be returned to the Union before the end of principal photography along with a final cast list and the required cast information.
Things to Know:
Excluded Projects
Please note that the Ultra Low Budget Programs do not apply to the following types of productions:
- Productions that require Performers to stay overnight at a distant location.
- Industrial/Corporate Videos
- Animated Productions
- Dubbing
- Pilots or Presentation Programs
- Documentaries
- Series
- Television Movies of the Week
- Commercials
- Educational Programs
Cast
All cast members must be Canadian citizens or have landed immigrant status.
Performer Fees
The Producer may be required to pay both Member and non-Member Performers a Minimum Fee. The fee is determined by the Program your production qualifies under. Additionally, the Producer shall not restrict the right of any Performer to negotiate terms and conditions (including rates and fees) in excess of the minimum provisions of the Programs.
Links
BC Master Production Agreement
Questions? Please email the Program Administrator at ulbprogram@ubcp.com
