Commission Policy

Welcome to Local BG Talent agency. This agency represents background performers. If this is your first time working in the industry, please familiarize yourself with being a background performer. We have our own background handbook! If you would like to have a copy please feel free to reach out and we will send it to you. For more information you can also follow this link to the ACTRA Toronto website about background performance.

Local BG Talent now uses our in-house online app to communicate. Please register on www.localbgtalent.ca to be on our roster. We ask that you follow instructions in every email on how to confirm by pressing the blue “confirm” button to confirm the information. All information about bookings and availability that you are linked to can be viewed by logging into your account at www.localbgtalent.ca . You can email us anytime if you have any questions or concerns at localbgtalent@gmail.com . If you are unsure, always respond to us with the word “confirmed” to ensure that we know you have received the information.

When late for fittings or shooting dates, performers must alert localbgtalent@gmail.com with their ETA immediately. Production reserves the right to cancel engagements according to the ACTRA IPA. Local BG Talent reserves the right to retain any pre-paid commission.

Local BG Talent reserves the right to charge a $25 cancellation fee or retain any pre-paid commission for unwarranted cancelled bookings or “no show” by the performer that are within 24 hours of the booked shoot. After 2 unwarranted cancellations Local BG Talent will no longer represent the performer on our roster.

Payments are preferred through e-transfer; there may be alternative arrangements for payment on a case-to-case basis — just contact us to arrange payment. E-transfers must be sent to: localbgtalent@gmail.com

Coming soon! New online payment options through our website!

Option 1: Pre-Paid Flat Rate Commission (Save Money!)

• Amount due will be when your booking is 100% confirmed and a booking confirmation email is received. Your final deadline for this option is 10 min before your call time.
• You must pay by e-transfer for Option 1.
• Upgrades to a higher background category from what you are booked (from non-union to green voucher, or to photo double or SSE) you must report it and pay the difference according to the fee chart. Failure to report your upgrade will result in being removed from our roster.
• Upgrades to actor, nudity, or principal roles are charged 15%.

2026 Flat Rates

These are not hourly rates; these are what you pay to us as commission if you pre-pay Option 1.

• Non-Union Performers AABP: $18.50
• Full, ACTRA, Apprentices and Yellow: $46.00
• SSE Performers: $56.00
• Stand In: $46.00
• Photo Double: $46.00

All flat rates are HST included. All rates subject to change annually based on minimum wage and ACTRA IPA.

Rentals: We charge 15% for rentals of props and specialty items, properties, and classic cars + HST. Commission will be calculated by Local BG Talent and confirmed over email.

Fittings: Costume, contact lenses, and prosthetic 10% + HST will be calculated by Local BG Talent and confirmed over email.

Commercials: All commercials for all categories are 15% + HST. There is no Option 1 for commercials.

Actor/Principal Roles: All actor or principal roles are 15% + HST. There is no Option 1 for actor or principal categories.

Upgrades: It is on an honour system. If your rate was upgraded on set, we appreciate that you are honest and pay the commission on it. If we find out you got upgraded and did not report it we will remove you from our roster for any future bookings.

Option #2 – “The Old Fashioned Way”

• Commission “the old-fashioned way” which means after talent receives payment from production the rate is 15% + HST (including full ACTRA members).
• Performers must send a screenshot or photo of their paystub to localbgtalent@gmail.com .
• Non-union performers should write the agency address on their contracts unless otherwise arranged by request over email.

All commission rates for any other engagements such as speaking roles, SIPS, non-union productions, prop rentals, and all off-camera jobs can be negotiated on an individual basis. Failure to pay commission will revoke membership of the Local BG Talent roster and may result in further legal action.