How to work with Geoff Edwards a member of ACTRA/UBCP

Hiring a union actor or voice artist like Geoff for the first time might seem challenging from the outside, but the industry has spent decades streamlining the process for independent producers. It is not overly complicated.

Because Geoff works under Canadian jurisdiction (ACTRA/UBCP), the framework is highly structured to accommodate everything from multi-million dollar feature films to micro-budget indie projects.

Here is how the process works for an independent producer who is not a permanent union signatory.

The Low-Friction Entry: A "Letter of Adherence"

You do not need to sign a permanent, lifetime contract with the union to hire union talent. Instead, independent producers use a Letter of Adherence (LOA)

An LOA is a project-specific contract. It states that for this single production, you agree to abide by the union’s minimum rates, working conditions, and benefit contributions. Once the project wraps and the final residuals or buyouts are paid, your formal obligation to the union concludes.

Unions recognize that independent productions and short films might not be able to absorb the same costs as a major network commercial or a Hollywood feature. In Canada, ACTRA offers specific, scaled agreements designed to keep independent production viable:

The Indie Production Program (IPP): This is a tiered system for independent filmmakers.

If your budget is under a threshold (e.g., a micro-budget short or ultra-low-budget feature), the minimum daily rates are significantly reduced, and the guidelines for overtime and casting are highly flexible.

Contact the Local Branch Representative 2-3 weeks before production.

Call the nearest union office to where the shoot will take place. Tell them you are an indie producer looking to file a project-specific agreement they will help you with the rest.