ACTRA Strike Authorization Vote Panel Discussion
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
Listen to this exclusive panel discussion with ACTRA Toronto members Tantoo Cardinal, Shawn Doyle, Kevin Hanchard and Tatiana Maslany, hosted by ACTRA Toronto Executive Council member Amy Matysio, about the importance of a strike authorization vote during negotiations. Visit ACTRA Toronto's IPA Bargaining page:
info_outline
John Cleland: "Perspectives on AI"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
In this episode, Asante Tracey speaks with ACTRA Toronto Executive Councillor and AI Subcommittee Co-Chair John Cleland about the critical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. They discuss two key types of AI affecting performers: digital replicas and generative AI, and John highlights concerns such as the lack of consent protections, control over biometric data, and inadequate compensation for AI use. Further, John stresses the importance of ACTRA Members educating themselves, advocating for legislative protections, and actively participating in union...
info_outline
Jennifer Wigmore: "Be Strike Ready"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
In this episode of ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk, IPA Bargaining Team Member Jennifer Wigmore joins host Kate Ziegler to discuss her experience as a performer and union representative, focusing on the challenges, priorities and what's at stake in IPA negotiations. Jennifer reflects on her time on the council in the 1990s, highlighting groundbreaking moments like integrating internet protections into the IPA—a reminder of the evolving nature of agreements. She underscores the importance of addressing digital streaming and residuals, citing the lack of protections for performers as streaming...
info_outline
Tonjha Richardson: "Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
Asante Tracey chats with ACTRA Toronto Councillor & IPA Bargaining team member Tonjha Richardson about her extensive career, her return to the industry after a 15-year hiatus, and her current role on the Bargaining team. Tonjha discusses the "AIR" priorities—Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility, Inclusion and Inflation, and Residuals and Respect—and their significance in improving working conditions for performers. She shares insights into today's challenges facing performers, including unpaid work for self-tapes and the need for better wages, accessibility and residuals, while...
info_outline
Steven “Shack” Shackleton: "Stunt Performers"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
In this episode of ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk, Kate Ziegler speaks with IPA bargaining team member and veteran stunt performer Steven “Shack” Shackleton about the unique challenges and contributions of the stunt community in the IPA Bargaining process. Shack highlights the critical priorities of "AIR"—Accessibility, Inclusion, Residuals, and Artificial Intelligence—focusing on AI-related concerns like deep fakes, data capture, and digital doubles, which could impact the livelihoods of performers. He also sheds light on the physical demands of stunt work and the importance of health and...
info_outline
George Alevizos: "An Accessible Vision"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
In this episode of ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk, Asante Tracey speaks with ACTRA Toronto VP, Councillor and IPA Bargaining team member George Alevizos about the challenges and aspirations of diverse performers in Canada. George shares his journey in the industry, his advocacy for accessibility and inclusion, and the critical issues facing diverse artists, such as AI’s impact and the need for genuine representation. He speaks passionately about the "AIR" priorities for bargaining—Accessibility, Inclusion, and Residuals—emphasising the importance of authentic opportunities for all artists....
info_outline
Cory Doran: "Voice Performers"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
In this episode of ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk, ACTRA Award-winning voice performer and IPA bargaining team member Cory Doran speaks with Kate Ziegler about the challenges and opportunities facing performers today, including the importance of AI protections, fair compensation, and control over one's likeness, especially in the evolving voice and animation sectors. Cory also touches on the value of union solidarity, particularly for voice performers and precarious workers, as they navigate an industry reshaped by technology, inflation, and streaming.
info_outline
Gugun Deep Singh: "Actors Are Labourers"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
In this episode of ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk, Asante Tracey sits down with ACTRA Toronto Councillor Gugun Deep Singh to discuss his journey as an actor and advocate, as well as key issues facing the industry as we head into IPA bargaining. Gugun explains the "AIR" acronym, referring to Accessibility, Inclusion, and Respect, and highlights the critical issues of artificial intelligence, fair wages, and residuals for performers. Gugun and Asante also discuss the importance of creating supportive and safe environments on set, inclusive practices, and setting standards for performers in a rapidly...
info_outline
Amy Matysio: "Care On Set"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
In our second episode of ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk, Kate Ziegler speaks with ACTRA Toronto VP and Councillor Amy Matysio. Amy shares her experiences preparing for union bargaining, discussing key issues such as the rise of AI in the industry, the challenges of self-taped auditions, and the economic pressures facing performers. She also emphasizes the need for updated protections, fair compensation, and greater respect and care for all performers.
info_outline
Paul Constable: "Money Talks"
ACTRA Spotlight | ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk
Listen to the premiere episode of ACTRA Toronto Reel Talk, a new podcast and video series hosted by Kate Ziegler and Asante Tracey where real performers provide real perspectives on bargaining. In this episode, "Money Talks", Asante sits down with ACTRA Toronto Treasurer Paul Constable to discuss Paul's career, some of the issues facing performers today, the changing nature of auditions, the importance of diversity and accessibility, the impacts of AI, and more. You can also .
info_outlineJoin host David Gale as he chats with one of the most recognizable faces in Canada, Julian Richings. Julian has had an incredibly successful and diverse career, with a particular focus on the horror and fantasy genres, being very well-known for playing 'Death' on Supernatural. In this episode he talks about this role and others from his career, including Doom Patrol, Patriot, Kingdom Hospital, The Time Shifters, John Woo's Once a Thief and more.
Hear as Julian discusses his early family life in Oxford, England, his start in theatre and what led him to settle in Toronto. David and Julian chat about memorable roles, including what may be Julian's favourite of all time, in Bruce McDonald's legendary Hard Core Logo (described as This is Spinal Tap's "nasty little cousin"), and working with Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro on Mimic. And Julian takes us behind the scenes as a performer, talking about self-taping for auditions and his valuable relationships with fans of Supernatural.