After California and New York, B.C is now the third busiest film and television centre in North America. If you are looking for a career in this industry, you’ve come to the right place.
Some technical and creative film workers, such as Directors of Photography, Production Designers, Costume Designers, Hair and Make-up Artists, opt to employ an agent to represent their interests.
Talent agents are in the business of supplying acting and technical creative talent to television commercials, music videos, TV series, pilots, movies of the week and feature films.
Professional talent agents make their living entirely from commissions on performers’ earnings.If you have an agent or are thinking about getting one, you should familiarize yourself with B.C. rules for talent agencies.
The Rules for Talent Agents in B.C.
In British Columbia, talent agents must be licensed by the Ministry of Labour. There are also rules on commissions, fees, photos, and paying wages.
Commissions
The most an agent can charge in commission is 15 percent of earnings. The agent cannot charge a commission that would result in you receiving less than minimum wage plus vacation pay for your hours on set.
Note: 'booking fees' charged directly to a producer by an agent are not considered part of a technical or creative person's income.
Fees
Talent agents in British Columbia are not allowed to charge ‘registration’ or ‘annual maintenance’ fees.
Photos
The most an agent can charge for photos is $25/yr. The agent’s photo fees are only payable once you get paid work through that agent.
Paying Wages
Most talent agents receive the wages on behalf of their clients from a producer. This gives the agent an opportunity to ensure the contract of employment (‘deal memo’) was met and lets the agent calculate their commission. An agent must pay a performer within 5 days of receiving payment from the producer. If the producer’s cheque is written on a bank outside B.C., the agent has 12 days to pay the performer.
How do I get paid?
Some agents may deposit your cheque in an agency trust account and write a cheque (less the commission) to you. Others may hold your cheque until they receive the commission payment direct from you.
What if I have problems with an agent?
If you haven't been paid, or have been overcharged for commissions or other fees, and you cannot resolve the matter between yourself and the agent, you should contact the nearest office of the Employment Standards Branch.
You should also report problems with talent agents to the Better Business Bureau and the Talent Agents and Managers Association of Canada (TAMAC)at (416) 410-2545.
Where can I find an agent?
A list of licensed talent agents is available online. Other sources of information about talent agents are:
Union of BC Performers
400 - 856 Homer Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5
Phone: (604) 689-0727 Fax: (604) 689-1145
The Talent Agents and Managers
Association of Canada (TAMAC)
131 Bloor Street West, #515G
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1R1 Phone: (416) 410-2545
The Better Business Bureau of Mainland British Columbia
404-788 Beatty St
Vancouver, BC
V6B 2M1 Phone: (604) 682-2711
General Information
