Canada's film and TV performers have reached a tentative agreement with producers that will boost actors' earnings 6% over two years. The increase is the same as that negotiated by SAG earlier this year.

The 18,000-member Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) renewed its Independent Production Agreement with the nation's two producers groups, the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) and the Association des producteurs de films et de television du Quebec (APFTQ), collectively representing more than 550 companies. The agreement covers all the terms and conditions of employment with respect to all film and television production in Canada, except for British Columbia which has a separate collective agreement.

"ACTRA has made important new gains in areas that are priorities for us: new rules around work opportunities that will mean more work for actors, cash extras get a guaranteed hourly rate for the first time, and ACTRA has confirmed recognition in the area of New Media," added Thor Bishopric, ACTRA's National President.

Elizabeth McDonald, CFTPA President and CEO, described the agreement as a win-win situation, saying it "ensures a firm foundation for low-budget productions." The agreement remains to be ratified by memberships of all three groups.