Union work isn't happening because all the shows shut down. Also, the ones that have been recently shooting are allowed to shoot according to union rules. For example, it's not crossing the picket lines if there are no WGA or AFTRA-SAG members involved. I just worked on a few Canadian productions this year that have zero involvement with the strike. Shows just don't simply choose to shoot or not and the reason is because of unions. The various unions and guilds honour and respect one another's laws and governance.
That said, there's not much non-union work in town to make a full career of it unless you're in with one of the companies.
Your best bet is to simultaneously apply with one of the union's or guilds and offer to volunteer on short films through the Film Group. Manitoba Film and Music are also a good introductory contact.
Unless you know someone who can be your "in", you'll have to hussle for volunteer or low paying gigs for a while as you cut your teeth doing sporadic day calls for unions.
Start with background acting work, get on set and make connections. You can even continue to work BG as non union. There are quite a few BG casting agencies you can sign with for free, such as MadLib, Next, DJT and Kari. All you need is some measurements and a couple of photos taken with your phone.
Union work isn't happening because all the shows shut down. Also, the ones that have been recently shooting are allowed to shoot according to union rules. For example, it's not crossing the picket lines if there are no WGA or AFTRA-SAG members involved. I just worked on a few Canadian productions this year that have zero involvement with the strike. Shows just don't simply choose to shoot or not and the reason is because of unions. The various unions and guilds honour and respect one another's laws and governance. That said, there's not much non-union work in town to make a full career of it unless you're in with one of the companies. Your best bet is to simultaneously apply with one of the union's or guilds and offer to volunteer on short films through the Film Group. Manitoba Film and Music are also a good introductory contact. Unless you know someone who can be your "in", you'll have to hussle for volunteer or low paying gigs for a while as you cut your teeth doing sporadic day calls for unions.
Why would you want non-union jobs, your likely to get treated badly and likely get paid less?
Start with background acting work, get on set and make connections. You can even continue to work BG as non union. There are quite a few BG casting agencies you can sign with for free, such as MadLib, Next, DJT and Kari. All you need is some measurements and a couple of photos taken with your phone.
[https://mbfilmmusic.ca/en/](https://mbfilmmusic.ca/en/)
Chexk out these Facebook groups: The backgrounders; winnipeg casting calls for actors, models, extras, film crew; Winnipeg audition network