Team Recommendations



Health & Safety
Production Assistants
Communications
Terms & Conditions
Compensation

 
 
 
Health & Safety

Recommendations
Timing
Action
On set Health & Safety Meeting
July 1st, 2006
Implement July 1st, 2006
  • To be held at the top of each shoot day, moderated by Asst. Director
  • Review H&S concerns and potential hazards of filming location
  • Develop checklist, to be filled out on Tech Survey, which will set agenda for H&S meeting
  •  
    Certification
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
  • Boom & Lift, Fall Arrest, First Aid & CPR, Propane
  • CPAT to sponsor certification courses for people working on commercials
  • Publish certification standards on CPAT website
  • Create awareness of certifcation courses by publishing links on CPAT website
  • Make certifiaction mandatory for certian categories by 9 months (1st Aid for PM's & AD's, Boom/Lift & High Fall for Grips/Electrics, Propane
  • (CPAT will sponsor courses once a month for 6 months. Certifications to be completed by March 2007 )
     
    Occupational Health & Safety Guide
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    Make it mandatory to have Guide on set and make crew aware of it's location on set
     
    First Aid Kits
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
  • Set standard for First Aid Kits on set
  • Make it mandatory that all sets have Kits on set and make crew aware of it's location
  • (Absolute has affordable kits for rent)
     
    Health & Safety concern chain of command
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
  • Publish chain of command for reporting on set H&S concerns
  • PM/AD - Producer - Executive Producer
  •  
    Material Safety Data Sheet
    Sept 1st, 2006
    Implement Sept 1st, 2006
    Provide links on CPAT website to MSDS for all chemicals, solvents and materials routinely found on set
     
    Incident Report
    Sept 1st, 2006
    Implement Sept 1st, 2006
    Create and make available a CPAT incident report for non-injury related accidents on set

     

    Production Assistants

    Recommendations
    Timing
    Action
    Respect - Change name to stand for Production Associates?
    Now
    Immediate

    All are unhappy by the lack of respect shown to them

     
    Pay increase
    July 1st, 2006

    Lowest paid in Canada

    Propane & First Aid required for Premium Base

  • $200 Day for Base Day to 16th hour
  • $15/hr for 17th and 18th hour
  • $225 Premium Base Day for PA's with Certification Qualifications
  • $20/hr for 17th and 18th hour
  • After 18 hr double day - an additional $200 or $225
  •  
    Turn Around
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    Eight hour turn around rule on consecutive shoot days or with same Production Company
    $25/hr until 8th hour reached PA's will NOT be released to avoid turn-around
     
    Cell phone reimbursement
    July 1st, 2006
    Agree for approved personnel only
    PA's use their phones all day for communicating with their PM's
    (i.e. the person doing pickups/returns)
     
    Safety - Driving
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006

    Driving after working a long day must be left up to the discretion of the PA and should be respected by the PM

     
    Working Group Additional suggestion
    July 1st, 2006
     
    Need to continue discussion on how to manage driving at the end of a long day

     

    Communications

    Recommendations
    Timing
    Action
    Ensure that the updated CPAT Terms and Conditions are available
    July 1st, 2006
    PM to carry on Set

    both on the CPAT website and in hard copy form for everyone to see

    Ensure awareness of availability on website
     
    Re-issue a commitment from all production company members
    Now
    Immediate

    to abide by the Terms and Conditions

     
    Create a mechanism to deal with grievances
    Sept 1st, 2006
    Start with a Personal Action Letter (PAL)
    It was suggested that this might be best accomplished by a dual ombudsman position that would be filled on a rotating basis by individuals selected by thier peers from both sides. Having a rotating group to choose from would in turn avoid potential conflicts of interest and allow for periods when an individual wouldn't be available.
    3 working days for CPAT response. 15 days for action
     
    A process whereby immediate and effective retribution
    Sept 1st, 2006
    Implement September 1st, 2006
    can be arrived at should the grievance be deemed as legitimate
     
    Encourage inclusion and therefore respect
    July 1st, 2006
    Agree

    through increased and effective information flow between production and Key personal before and during the shooting process.

    Example - AD to run through shoot day at beginning of day
     
    Once the "hot issues" of Compensation and Terms get dealt with
    Sept 1st, 2006
    Implement September 1st
    do away the working teams and commit to a single body of representatives from both sides to meet 2-3 times a year. The onus will be on these representatives to discuss the issues and in turn find their own mechanisms to disseminate the information - it shouldn't be totally left to CPAT to spread the word.
     
    A web message board, possibly on the CPAT site that would allow
    Sept 1st, 2006
    Create a Comments box on the CPAT Web
    individuals to express themselves - in an anonymous fashion if desired. As well perhaps links to information updates on situations that affect the business.
    Chat room on site is not appropriate given that CPAT is also trying to bring work to T.O. Opportunity already in place to use existing site
     
    Town Hall Meetings a good idea when there are pertinent issues
    Sept 1st, 2006
    Implement September 1st, 2006
    otherwise a couple of times a year to discuss the "state of the nation" is probably sufficient
    preferably held only in the slower periods.
     
    Working group additional recommendation
    Conduct periodic surveys
     
    (w/ 5 answer options)
    to identify issues most important to majority of
    the crew

     

    Terms & Conditions

    Recommendations
    Timing
    Action
    5 Hour Calls
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006

    Abolish the 5 hr. Shoot day. Note that a shoot day is determined as a day in which principle photography has commenced. Camera and Colour tests are not considered as principle photography. No More 5 hr tech scout days. They want 10 hr. Tech scouts IF the Key is NOT available for the tech scout, then if approved by the DP or Director the 2nd or 3rd can go in their place. Then the 2nd or 3rd would be paid the key rate for that one day tech scout day only. 5hr calls can be used for pre-rig and wrap crews. Note: 5 Hr Pre Lights still need to be discussed/determined with the crew. 5 hr Travel days are acceptable. Anything over the 5 hr call must be reflected in 2 times the rate. Travel time shall be calculated in one half (1/2) hour increments.

     
    Cancellation
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006

    If you cancel 5 days before the 1st shoot date any booked crew would be paid and be part of the out of pocket costs charged back to the agency. Crew would like to be considered “out of pocket” costs under the existing T&C for agencies.

     
    Postponements
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    You must postpone a crew member 48 hours prior to the proposed shoot day, with no penalty to the production company. If a crew member who has been booked, is not available for the newly proposed shoot days(s) then must be paid for a 10 hr. day at least. Any subsequent days that were booked if this can be included in Agency "out of Pocket" costs for postponement that would be good. Production can only postpone 1 time in a shoot period. Any additional postponement on that project would cost the time that would have been worked.
     
    Weather Days
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    Weather calls must be made by 1 pm the day before the proposed shoot day. 1 weather day hold is acceptable by the crew for every 5 day work week. The crew wanted weather day "holding fees" we agreed that no hold fees
    would apply However, if the crew member has another booking, up until 1 pm the day before the proposed "weather day" that crew member may clear the hold with the PM who will clear with DP or Director (depending which category of crew) . If the hold cannot be cleared then that crew would have to be booked for the weather day regardless if it goes into effect. It is the crew member's responsibility to replace themselves and to inform the PM by 1 pm the day before the proposed Weather day shoot of who that replacement crew member will be. The Company may cancel calls for crew working on a daily basis up to one (1) pm on the day prior to a weather day.
    Note: for the agency T&C it should change from 3 pm to NOON
     
    Holidays & Premiums
    July 1st, 2006

    Best efforts will be made by production ompanies to Schedule around shooting on holiday weekends unless absolutely necessary due to a location or talent reasons. The crew asked for a premium on a holiday weekend (not the stat holiday) but other days on that weekend, it was agreed this would not happen.
    Note: Same CPAT rules exist for Holiday rates as before.

    Believe that Premium for Non Holidays will be uncompetitive
     
    Turnaround
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    10 hours for turnaround from the time of wrap of that crew member Encroachment of this rest period will be paid at three (3) times the basic hourly rate at time of wrap until the ten (10) hour rest period has been completed.
    *The rest period for the crew is what is important to them not the dollars paid to them.
     
    Night Shoots
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    It is the responsibility of production to inform the crew of a possible night shoot prior to being booked.
    *They wanted double time from midnight to 6 am but was suggested by Prod Co owners we would be only city in N America that had this. They agreed to waive it for now
     
    Rest Periods between 5th to 6th or 7th Days
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    Rest Period/Turnaround will be determined as 24 hours (the down day) + 6 hours.
     
    Liaison nominated on 1st shoot day for length of shoot
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    a “Liaison” would be determined for a project on the 1st shoot day within 2 hours from main crew call. This “Liaison:” would NOT be a KEY, this Liaison would then be the Spokesperson for the crew for .5 hr meals, meal penalties or any other items that arise on the shoot days. This liaison would work with the PM, Producer and 1st AD to determine a go forward position at the time things come up on a shoot day
     
    Travel Days
    Aug 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006
    5 hr travel day, anything over 5 hrs must be reflected in 2 times the rate. 10 hr travel day, anything over 10 hrs must be reflected in 1.5 times the rate. The day will be determined on a Lobby (leaving from the hotel/motel etc.) to Lobby (returning to the hotel/motel etc.) basis. This applies both to those crew members that production supplies shuttle and crew members who drive themselves. And be from whichever hotel/motel you are staying at.
     
    Boundary Map & travel Time
    July 1st, 2006
    Recommended maintaining current standard of inner and outer boundary. Review in January

    Remove the inner boundaries entirely. The principle photography area determines the location, NOT base camp. When shooting on the Toronto islands, Crew call will be determined from the city side ferry docks. The Location Scout should clock the mileage from Toronto City hall to Location, factoring in a reasonable allowance if traveling in rush hour.

    Note: some crew wanted the start location to be the prod house it was suggested that it be new City Hall. 5 to 10 minutes grace should be given for a location that is a few minutes over a half hour in travel time. So if its 30 minutes to travel and it takes 35 – 40 minutes for whatever reason then the grace should be given by the crew in this circumstance only. Travel time should be calculated at the prevailing rate and NOT be in straight time When starting the day at a location within the boundaries and then moving to the next location outside the boundaries, Travel Time will only be applied once, to the drive back at the end of the day. The inverse is also correct/true.

    Please see map
     
    6th & 7th days
    Aug. 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006
    In the event a job shoots for a sixth (6th) consecutive shoot day: The rate for the first ten (10) hours worked shall be one and one half (1.5) times the basic hourly rate. Work performed in excess of ten (10) hours shall be paid at two (2) times the basic hourly rate for the next two (2) hours. Subsequent hours at triple time.

    In the event a job shoots for a seventh (7th) consecutive shoot day: The rate for the first ten (10) hours worked shall be two (2) times the basic hourly rate. Work performed in excess of ten (10) hours shall be paid at, and not exceed, three (3) times the basic hourly rate.
     
    Meals - including 2nd meals, walk through meals, meal penalties
    July 1st, 2006
    Meals are to last for a period of thirty (30) or sixty (60) minutes, as determined by the Producer and Crew. Half hour meals will continue for one half (1/2) hour after the last crew member has been served. This holds true for both first and second meals. When lunch is provided by production, 5 min, (or an appropriate increment of time deemed by production) travel time each way will be given to the crew, also travel time is on the clock. An appropriate increment of time is determined by the production manager and key crew members (or the "liaison" TBD). The Company may, at its discretion, provide for meals or allow for time spent traveling to a nearby restaurant.
    Shoot Schedules requires predetermining of meal duration. Clearly defined rules should be set on what motivates a 30min meal (daylight / loc availability / child actors / weather / etc)
         

    Note: If lunch or dinner is not provided, crew should be given a per diem of $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner. Either within the boundaries or on distant locations. First Meal or Second Meal can be called between 4 to 6 hours after general crew call. 4 hrs should not be used twice in a one day (10hr) period (if you call lunch 4 hrs after call then next meal should be after 6 hrs and not another 4 hrs later) EG you cannot call lunch after 4 hours then another 4 hours for dinner.) Must add up to 10

    Note: The prior point does not apply to staggered calls (for one meal time during the day). 1 hour breaks are preferred in both Location & Studio situations. Keeping health and safety in mind. E.g. shooting outside in the COLD or HEAT crew should be given an hour lunch time when possible. Half hour (.5) meals are acceptable if there is a good reason to do one- good reason means: losing light, shooting with kids, or weather issues.

    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
     
    Meals - continued
    Half hour meals will be clocked from the last crew member through the lunch line. Crew would like there to be a final vote on 1/2 hr meals (tbd through the "liaison"?)
         
    Meal Penalties
    Aug. 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006
    10 min grace is deemed as an acceptable length of time providing that it does not exceed that time. One minute over will be considered going into Meal Penalty. Grace should only be asked of the crew when completing a setup. Grace should not be asked in order to begin the upcoming setup. IE changing camera position or beginning a new set up is no longer acceptable. The First (1st) hour of meal penalty shall be paid at two (2) times the prevailing rate for work performed in excess of six (6) hours. The Second (2nd) hour of meal penalty shall be paid at triple time and continue that way until a meal break is provided. This penalty shall be calculated in one half (1/2) hour segments and may not exceed Triple time.
         
    2nd Meals
    July 1st, 2006
    At the discretion of the Crew, work may continue through the second meal break with the following points taken into consideration: In a walkthrough situation for the 2nd meal, crew will add .5 hours to the end of their day at 2 times the prevailing rate from that time
    Turnaround should be based on 10 hours of rest from time out on time card
    Under this arrangement, the crew will go into meal penalty for one half (1/2) hour at two (2) times the prevailing rate. 2nd meal must be deemed as appropriate and agreed to by the key crew members.

    Note: The term “Appropriate” when describing a meal is defined as a serving of food which is either hot when intended to be so (EG: Pizza), or fresh (EG: Sandwiches and Salads). These must also be served within 1 hour maximum of the meal being prepared. Failure to provide an appropriate meal will result in Crew remaining in MP until a replacement meal can be provided. Best efforts must be made by production to provide a sit down second meal if deemed possible (by production). If crew wrap extends or is already determined to be more than 1 hour, a courtesy meal must be provided by production. If a 14hr day is planned for, then 2nd meal should be catered or provided for
    Choice of 2nd meal will be agreed to by crew prior to meal via supplied options. The key definition of an appropriate meal is a) hot food as intended (I.e. pizza), or b) fresh food (I.e. sandwiches and salads).
     
    MISC: Terms and Conditions
    On shoot days with multiple locations Crew will only be responsible for pay parking ONCE over the duration of the shoot day. Production must cover any additional parking or provide shuttles.
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
         
    Time Cards Cannot be RE written or changed without permission from the individual crew member.
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
         
    Wrap time will be determined from last man out, not camera wrap. Prevailing rates will apply.
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006

     

    Compensation

    Recommendations
    Timing
    Action
    Who is CPAT
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006

    Avion Film Productions Inc.
    Blink Pictures Inc.
    Brown Entertainment Inc.
    Circle Productions Limited
    Code Film Inc.
    Corner Store Films
    Directors Film Company Limited
    Fever Films
    Imported Artists Film Company Limited
    Industry Films Inc.
    LTB Films Inc.
    Mad Films
    Maxx Films
    Radke Films Ltd.
    Ruckus Films Inc.
    Spank Films Inc.
    Sparks Productions Inc.
    Spy Films
    Steam Films Inc.
    Treehouse North Productions Inc.
    Untitled Films Ltd.

     
    Hourly Rate - Increase
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006

    10% increase got crew to the table The petition asking for 10% did NOT represent the majority of crew. Three scenarios to consider:
    a) a LARGE majority of crew are asking for higher increase - 20% or $45/hour (same as Vancouver)
    b) Some technicians and prod co realize that we have to deal with what the market will bear; don't want 20% and then work 30% less; stay with 10%.
    c) split the difference at 15%?

    Do not believe that Canadian advertising market can sustain an additional 10% increase in crew costs right now. We are tracking the next 6 months to see how clients accept the JUNE 1st increase of 10%. We will meet again as a group and set the rate of increase increase (Please refer to part 3.)
     
    Review of Rates
    Jan 1st, 2007
    When and how often do we review rates?
    i) Crew indicated ASAP (and want increase to 20%)
    iii) Crew looking for a formula (i.e. 3%) for increase each year
    ii) prod co suggested 6 months then annual review and based on what market can handle (and not guarantee a specific formula/number)
    The amount of the annual hourly rate increase will be discussed and agreed to every January -
    based on inflation and the strength of the commercial industry.
     
    Flats
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    On Set Technicians: Agree (based on mutual participation of
    • Recommend both Production Houses do NOT ask for and On Set Crew do NOT crew) work for flats. Exception would be for PSA (supply charity # on call sheet) and spec reel spots (defined as NO client funding or competitive bids)
    Agree (based on mutual participation of crew)
         
    Art Department:
    • Want to be treated and compensated in an equitable manner just as all technicians working in Commercial Industry (shoot and prep).
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
         
    a) Art Department PA's - suggestions forwarded to Dan Ford's committee Three main issues:
    1. Compensation for overtime worked - as per Dan's group
    2. Appropriate turn around time - as per Dan's group
    3. A new category for Art Department Assistance with special skills, which would be paid $50 additional per day rate and classified as "Assistant Set Dresser".
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
         
    b) Art Dept would be satisfied with a FLAT DAY RATE pay structure within the following ranges:
    Assistant Buyers $300 - $450
    Buyers: $500 - $600 Aug. 1st, 2006
    Set Decorators/Art Directors: $600 to $800
    Production Designer: to be negotiated
    Aug. 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006
    • Flat day rate should have an hourly limit. Two options:
    i) Flat day is based on 12 hour. After 12, increase at an hourly rate yet to be negotiated
    ii) Flat day is based on 14 hour. After fourteen, 1.5% and after 18 hour, double day.
    • Suggested that they may accept half day pay if they only worked half day (with exceptions to PA's). Implement August 1st, 2006 The amount of the annual hourly rate increase will be discussed and agreed to every January - based on inflation and the strength of the commercial industry.
    • Art Dept should be allowed fair and equitable turnaround to that of other crew.
    • Suggesting on large jobs, there should be an Art Dept Coordinator at a day rate of 300 to 350 per day.
     
    Payment Terms/Hours Worked = Hours Paid
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006

    • Rule needs to be established as to when crew will be paid. Blaming lack of funds from agency is not acceptable.
    • Recommend timesheets within two weeks, invoices within 30 days.
    • MUST give them reassurance that this will be enforced and/or penalty enforced.
    • Recommend that the changing of timesheets/invoices after job is done and paying less hours is NOT acceptable. Any errors on timesheets should be corrected only after speaking and consent of individual.
    • Time sheet copy to be included with pay cheque and job ID must be on cheque

     
    Vacation Pay
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    • Crew need to know where this payment is (some houses add on top of hourly others do not). Crew seem to have forgotten that in 1998 when industry went non-union, it was rolled into hourly but once reminded, seemed okay.
    • Recommend there is consistency amongst prod co
    • Recommend we include in hourly rate and remind crew that this has been the way since 1998
     
    Health Benefits
    Jan 1st, 20067
    Not sure HOW many crew really want it.
    • Recommend doing a survey
    thoughts were divided into the following:
    a) 3% increase paid by production to allow crew to administer themselves or
    b) CPAT to organize group health insurance on behalf of crew
    c) indifferent and not particularly interested/concerned
    To be addressed in future if people want it. Survey will address this concern.
     
    Kit Fees/Cell Phones/Car Allowance/Working Meals
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    a) Asking for clarification as to WHO is entitled and WHAT is compensation for each
    b) Asking for clarification as to how they are to be compensated; some prod co allow through petty cash others insist on invoice
    Company by Company decision based on tax liability
         
    Kit fees -currently only onset props & make-up receive
    i) hair& make up looking for $30/day due to increased costs
    ii) grip & electric feel they deserve kit i.e., specialty items required as safety harnesses and expendables such as dolly spray, drill bits, etc. Prod co feel tools of trade should come with person; if expendables are considerable on a job, to be paid and discussed with PM.
    Aug. 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006
         
    Car Rentals - suggesting $35/day
    Aug. 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006
    Working Meals - Art dept suggesting that prod co should compensate for work-through meals on prep day if it considered necessary
         
    Cell Phones - Art dept suggests a fair compensation for cell phone should be $10 a day and the following should get compensated: One art dept PA per truck, assistant buyers, buyers, art directors and production designers.
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    Parking Tickets - incurred while doing legitimate activities (pick up and returns) with an explanation should be allowed
    Support payment based on legitimate claims only.
     
    Petty Cash Reimbursement
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
    • Complaint that the balance owed on PC reports is not being paid in a timely fashion. Prod co commented that often this is due to being over budget (and not informing producers) and having put expenses on personal credit card
    • Recommend that no crew should be using their own money for production and that Producers must approve and provide advances prior to
    commencing job. Support payment based on legitimate claims only.
    (Petty Cash should be reimbersed within 5 days of expenses being turned in.)
     
    Five Hour Calls - see Guidelines for more info
    Aug 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006
    • Recommend tech scouts become 10 hour calls
     
    WF White - Recommended New rates
    Aug. 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006

    Camera Car Op - 10%
    Genny Op -10%
    Equipment Manager - 4%
    Stab C camera car - 10%
    Stab C helicopter - 10%
    Mega III - 10%
    Power Pod
    Giraffe Compact & Classic - 5%
    Giraffe Long Ranger - 5%
    Galaxy Crane - 5%
    Javelin - 5%
    all other rates remain the same

     
    Other
    Aug. 1st, 2006
    Implement August 1st, 2006
    Crew being asked to do key jobs should be paid key rates
    i) make up/hair should have more than one key if there is numerous on camera talent
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
         
    ii) second unit or pick up shots should always have KEY crew rates for job (i.e. if 2nd is being used as key, they should be paid accordingly)
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006
         
    Additional Note:
    Art dept. would like to adopt a "Merchandise Ethics Policy" which would state that ifm a prop is used or seen on camera, then it should be considered a purchase and not a return. Still awaiting feedback from video assist department.
    July 1st, 2006
    Implement July 1st, 2006