The Union of British Columbia Performers/Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (UBCP/ACTRA) and the Canadian Media Producers Association – BC Producers Branch (CMPA-BC) announced Monday they have successfully renegotiated the British Columbia Master Animation Agreement (BCMAA) for a three-year term, effective March 20.
The newly ratified agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to increasing work opportunities for the animation sector in British Columbia during a period of global competition and uncertainty, said a CMPA press release.
“Through a new Limited New Media Pilot Project, the parties aim to build and maintain audiences through short-form animation projects intended for exhibition on video-sharing platforms or on brand websites and apps,” the press release said.
The agreement also includes “vital protections” for performers and the use of artificial intelligence, improved language governing self-tape auditions, and yearly pay increases of five per cent in year one, four per cent in year two, and 3.5 per cent in year three, according to the press release.
“The new agreement is a collaborative step forward for the animation industry in British Columbia, addressing performers’ concerns and innovating to meet new market conditions for animated content production,” Jason Lee, CMPA-BC’s managing vice president, said in the release.
“I’m proud of the inimitable spirit of the UBCP/ACTRA bargaining committee co-chaired by Brian Doe Chua evidenced in this agreement — their hard work and resourcefulness have resulted in an innovative agreement protecting Animation Performers while creating a space for new opportunities,” said Keith Martin Gordey, president and co-chair of the UBCP/ACTRA bargaining committee, in a statement.
Lesley Brady, UBCP/ACTRA director of contracts, added: “This newly ratified BCMAA represents significant progress for our industry, delivering meaningful protections and gains for Performers, while also adapting to changes in the marketplace.”
UBCP/ACTRA is an autonomous branch of the national ACTRA performers’ union and represents more than 8,500 performers in British Columbia. CMPA-BC represents more than 160 independent production companies based in British Columbia.
