Extra Myths
Originally printed in the May 2003 issue of Sides, the newsletter of the Union of B.C. Performers, here are a few common misconceptions that performers have when working as an Extra.
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1.Myth: The Director spoke to me - I get an upgrade!
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Truth: Not necessarily. An upgrade from the Background Performer category to the Actor category is based on "Individual Characterization" as outlined in article A324 of the British Columbia Master Production Agreement.
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2.Myth: I was alone in a shot - I get an upgrade!
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Truth: Simply put, no you do not. Please see article A324 of the British Columbia Master Production Agreement.
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3.Myth: I had a character name - I get an upgrade!
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Truth: Once again, no. Please see article A324 of the British Columbia Master Production Agreement.
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4.Myth: I have to have my cheques sent to my agent.
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Truth: You do not have to, however you should be aware of the agreement you have with your agent.
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5.Myth: Breakfast is a UBCP member's god given right.
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Truth: While there are some instances (Pacific Northwest hours for example) where a production must provide breakfast, generally they are not "required" to. They are required to provide a meal period after the first six hours of work.
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6.Myth: The rules for joining UBCP keep changing. Some people who are Full members joined with no credits at all.
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Truth: As with any organization, policies will be amended, changed, added and discarded as the environment dictates. For a brief period in the early 90's some performers were allowed to join by paying a fee. Many of these individuals were already card carrying ACTRA members. This was when UBCP was just starting up and the policy was soon changed. As well, there have been times where loopholes were found in the requirements for joining and some individuals slipped in before the loopholes where closed. UBCP has worked very hard over the past years to develop policies that create objective and just criteria for membership. A huge effort has gone in to creating and maintaining an even playing field.
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7.Myth: As a UBCP member, doing non-union commercial work is okay - just keep a low profile.
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Truth: Absolutely not. UBCP is actively gathering information on Full, Apprentice and Extra members who have worked on non-union commercials and will be bringing them before the Disciplinary Committee. Any UBCP member who is "playing both sides of the fence" is undermining the very values they have promised to uphold and are undercutting their UBCP colleagues.
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8.Myth: If I show my UBCP Apprentice or UBCP Extra membership card, I get access to the crew and principal performer's craft service table and meals.
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Truth: Access to the crew and principal performer's craft service table and meals is based on whether you are employed on a UBCP contract or a UBCP voucher. It is not based on having a UBCP Apprentice or UBCP Extra membership card. UBCP Apprentices and UBCP Extras who are not on contract or voucher must respect the production's direction with regard to which craft service table and meals they are entitled.
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9.Myth: UBCP is too hard to get into - it's like a private club!
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Truth: UBCP is taking every step possible to inform performers of their eligibility to become an Apprentice member and work toward Full membership. In the past five years, approximately 250 people have joined each year (in 2000 alone 369 performers joined as Full members). As well, UBCP has waived the minimum work days rule for UBCP Extras to maintain their status. The waiver is in effect for the 2003 - 2004 dues period.
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10.Myth: UBCP members get signed out first at wrap.
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Truth: No. There is absolutely no preference for UBCP members to be signed out first, but smart productions will do this as they have to pay you until you have signed out.
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11.Myth: If wardrobe supplies you with an outfit, you still get paid a wardrobe fee; a tie or shirt change constitutes a paid wardrobe change; if you are asked to bring three changes of wardrobe you are paid for them whether you wear them or not; you get paid twice for changing back into the same outfit you wore earlier in the day.
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Truth: No, no, no and no. When you are on a UBCP voucher you are paid for the use of your wardrobe to compensate for wear and tear and any possible dry cleaning charges. You are expected to supply the first wardrobe change seen on camera at no charge; the use of any additional changes will be compensated. You are not being paid for the act of changing.
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12.Myth: A Background Performer is on the clock until they get to crew park.
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Truth: No. They are on the clock until they are signed out at wrap.
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13.Myth: UBCP members are allowed to be 15 minutes late.
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Truth: If you actually thought this was true never admit it and from this point forward never be late. Your call time is your call time and you are obligated to meet that commitment. If it means arriving early to be sure, then arrive early! A late arrival doesn't go unnoticed and could easily be the difference between being called again and not.
Reprinted with permission from UBCP.
