Perks of Working in British Columbia’s Film Industry:
It’s the start of 2024 and the writers/actors strikes are over… back to work. Besides the good pay & exciting work environment there are other benefits to working in the film industry. I’m not talking about the great catering & craft services food either… those are standard. Let’s list out a bunch of other goodies film workers can receive.
First are the benefits to unionized members; after a determined number of days worked in a specific film union, a worker will attain full membership and gain healthcare benefits in addition to that of Canada’s universal healthcare. These extras often include dental & prescription coverage, physiotherapy, optical ware, travel insurance, paid gym membership fees, etc. Added to this are reimbursements such as those for tuition & training.
Aside from union benefits there are the “bonus” food perks such as special ordered commercial catering, office catering and the fan favorite – end of season/movie wrap parties where free dishes are abundant and the standard 2 free drinks can turn into an open bar if production feels generous. Needless to say, I’ve turned from a fit individual into an overweight pudge after a decade in the industry. Thus, moderation is a must and just because something is free it doesn’t mean you have to take it.
Last but definitely not least are the many cool items you may or may not be fortunate enough to obtain during your time working. Most show calls (full time show workers) will receive some form of gift from the production (at the end of season wrap) be it clothing, bags, work gear, etc. My favorite freebies are all the used construction materials after a teardown… when a set is demolished there are literal gold in terms of budling materials one can obtain if he/she gets permission to dumpster-dive in the construction waste bin. Not all great deals need to be free however… at the end of each production there are set sales where you can obtain your favorite show item for pennies to the dollar.
All said, the best thing you’ll obtain while working in the film industry are the people connections. You will work for many-many productions during your film career and you will meet a ton of great hard working, dependable folks that you can call brothers/sisters for life. Lastly, the most important thing to keep in mind for all this free stuff is moderation & permission… do NOT take what’s not clearly stated you are allow to take (somethings like hazardous materials & politically sensitive props are meant to stay in the garbage). Don’t abuse your healthcare spending submissions or you tuition deductions… and for heaven’s sake do not get belligerently drunk during wrap parties.
