There's a tv show I want to submit myself for that films in Vancouver/Calgary that I want to self submit to the cd. I've never worked in Canada, and don't know what I need to do to so I can work there? Anyone have any tips? Thanks!!

If you get the role which I assume is not a series regular, the production company will fill out work papers. You need a passport and will need to pay for the work papers upon entry to the country. The papers will be for say 30/40 days and cost around $200 (This may depend upon your pay). Production will reimburse, just make sure you see it as part of the contract.

I don't believe it's that easy, but I may be wrong. I know for starring roles it's a lot easier, not sure what the deal is for co-star roles. If you do find out let us all know, I have US actor friends that ask me all the time. Would be good to know!

Just chatted with my agent and asked her about this question. She said it's similar to Canadian actors wanting to work in the US - really HARD! In order to get a work permit, you have to actually have a job offer and then also be able to prove that there was no Canadian suitable for the gig. So unless you're a fire eater and they can't find one in Vancouver, if it's just a co-star, it's pretty much next to impossible to get. She suggested looking up some Canadian government sites on work permits to review the details.

Thanks, what if, if its even possible, to look for an agent to represent me in canada, vancouver specifically, to represent me? Would an agent in canada even think about representing me? The shows called Heartland. I'm pretty good friends with a few of the actors. I a rodeo cowboy and thought because of my special skills it would help with getting a part.

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Originally posted by TorontoActress:
Just chatted with my agent and asked her about this question. She said it's similar to Canadian actors wanting to work in the US - really HARD! In order to get a work permit, you have to actually have a job offer and then also be able to prove that there was no Canadian suitable for the gig. So unless you're a fire eater and they can't find one in Vancouver, if it's just a co-star, it's pretty much next to impossible to get. She suggested looking up some Canadian government sites on work permits to review the details.

This. It's tougher than a Canadian trying to get work in the US.

Also, productions that shoot in Canada are doing so for the tax breaks they get, and those tax breaks are contingent on hiring Canadian citizens for X amount of roles-which is pretty much all co-stars and a number of guest stars. So good luck trying to get a show or film to fill out all of the paperwork and perhaps pay fines or mess up their quotas for a co-star role. It ain't gonna happen.

Posted June 24, 2012 08:20 PM
So my idea is to take out a loan for probably 10-15 grand since I need to get a used car (using parents car now) and move to LA with no job prospects. Is that a bad idea? It seems the only way I could move to LA, never going to save that much, since I keep getting laid off. Would it be easy for my to pick up a job? What job could I get that lets me take off whenever I have an audition but pays enough to live in LA? Waiters don't make enough to live in LA without a roomate do they? I don't really have bartending exp but would barback first. Any apartment tips? I have a small dog. Best area to live for an actor (close to casting directors, jobs etc)? Don't really know anyone in LA beside on fb, have an aunt who lives in Livermore though. Thanks!!
KLT007

Soooo....you want to move to LA and also submit to Canadian productions, plus get a Canadian agent while living in LA?

Yeah...sounds pretty weird to me too..

Nothings set in stone. I want to move to LA, I didnt say I was right now. I don't know how long that would take. I'm just saying if I could have an agent here and canada and take as many roles as possible. Just because I'm in la doesn't mean I wouldn't take a role on a show in canada.

LADelight is right. We just went through this in March. Most leads can come from the US but supporting and background is coming from Canada. These are the tax break rules. We had 5 leads from US and rest from Canada. Not impossible but that's how it works. Vancouver is really busy with casting for leads in LA and supporting and background up there for US backed projects.
Let me add that while DS was working in Vancouver his agent in NYC submitted him for a teen syfi show that wanted him. Unfortunately, he had aged out of some of the parts they were shooting, so they gave him their regrets, but put him on the short list. He did manage to work a few standup shows at local clubs. I've told my son to get used to working up there.

Not that this matters buts its a canadian show on CBC. Everyone I've seen on the show is a canadian actor.

The agreements for CBC shows may be different, but shows like Fringe and a few others I can't remember that shoot in Vancouver brings Guest Stars from US.

Why not email a Canadian CD or agent and ask them directly? They'd be the ones who'd know. When I was wondering about managers in NY, I emailed a couple asking if they would mind answering a couple questions I had and they all emailed back, absolutely, ask us anything!

Thanks for the help, Ill try that!!