The Union of British Columbia Performers/Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (UBCP/ACTRA) and the Canadian Media Producers Association – BC Producers Branch (CMPA-BC) have successfully renegotiated the British Columbia Master Animation Agreement (BCMAA) for a three-year term, effective March 20.

In a joint announcement, the parties said the newly-ratified agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to increasing work opportunities for the animation sector in B.C. during a period of global competition and uncertainty.

The agreement includes the establishment of a new “Limited New Media Pilot Project,” which aims to build and maintain audiences through short-form animation projects intended for exhibition on video-sharing platforms or on brand websites and apps, according to their statement.

It also includes protections for performers around the use of AI, improved language governing self-tape auditions, and yearly pay increases of five per cent in year one, four per cent in year two, and 3.5 per cent in year three.

“The new agreement is a collaborative step forward for the animation industry in British Columbia, addressing performers’ concerns and innovating to meet new market conditions for animated content production,” said CMPA-BC’s Managing Vice-President Jason Lee.

“This newly ratified BCMAA represents significant progress for our industry, delivering meaningful protections and gains for Performers, while also adapting to changes in the marketplace,” added UBCP/ACTRA Director of Contracts, Lesley Brady.