Have Canadian union members found a way to approach non-union jobs?

Question

I don't know if, or how, the payroll company solution would work for Canadians.

Answer 1

Hi Douglas,

While most of the jobs at Voices.com are non-union, if someone does offer you a non-union job, you as a union talent can still take that job by following a formula deemed kosher by the union.
By union ruling, you can turn a non-union job into a union job by taking the fee appropriate to a payroll company who tells you how much it's going to be and they act as a union signatory.
The job is thus unionized. The union gets paid, the agent gets paid, medicare gets paid, etc.Rule of thumb: The fee needs to be 40% more than the AFTRA or SAG minimum for this formula to work. In other words, non-union jobs that pay lower may not qualify to be 'turned' into union jobs.
So once you join it might be within your best interest to only audition for jobs in the higher budget range brackets, say $500+.You can do this be editing your budget range preferences under My Account > Preferences.
In terms of your agent, they do not have jurisdiction over the internet so you should be free to act as a freelancer when auditioning for work online. Your agent wouldn't be entitled to a commission as they did provide you with the lead -- unless there's a clause written into your contract restricting you from using online marketplaces.

If you prefer to run everything through your agent, if it's okay with them, you could add their name and contact information to your profile so that any contact would be made directly with them.
I hope that helps. Please let me know if you have additional questions.