Union actor here looking for some perspective from other working actors. I have a handful of recognizable TV credits, including a major network series. About 2.5 years ago I signed with one of the "top tier" agencies in Vancouver, but since then things have slowed down a lot for me.

In the past couple years I've booked one small role, and auditions are pretty sparse — maybe 1-2 a month if I'm lucky, almost always for very small roles. And I've definitely gone months without auditions. What's confusing is that back in 2021-2022, before my bigger credits, I was getting 1-3 auditions a week and for larger roles.

I know the industry is slow right now and everyone's feeling it, but I'm curious: is this level of slowdown pretty normal at the moment, even with solid credits/representation? Or would you start questioning your reps at this point? Would appreciate hearing how things are going for other actors, especially in Vancouver.

• Application will stay open until no set end date; no notice of when it'll close
• Mid-July: confirmation of applicant acceptance
• Mid-Aug: orientation, registration, and assignments given
• Recent post about volunteering: https://www.reddit.com/r/TIFF/comments/1s985dh/festival_volunteers_how_much_time_do_you_have_to/

The festival-specific page seems to go on/offline (or the email linkout is wrong), so I copy and pasted a snapshot (from 5/20/2026, 2:10pm):

Email linkout fixed: https://tiff.net/[volunteer]/festival-volunteer-programme

Festival Volunteer Programme

Become a VolunteerReturning Volunteers

The true stars of TIFF? Our amazing Festival Volunteer team who makes it all happen! Leading up to the Festival, we aim to recruit hundreds of people to become Volunteers at this world-class event.

Read more about the steps involved in becoming a Festival Volunteer in the outline below.

1. Complete the online application form:

Our application form becomes available here and to anyone who subscribes to our TIFF Volunteer Alerts to receive Volunteer updates starting in May. Complete all the required sections, including adding a resume or summary of your work and/or volunteer experience, and your general availability. The application is open until our recruitment targets are met; this means there is no set end date. We recommend applying as soon as possible once the application opens.

2. Application review period:

Applicants will receive an email response by mid-July (exact date to be communicated when applications open). Those accepted will receive information on the next phase of the recruitment process.

Please note: Due to the number of applicants, applying to be a Volunteer does not guarantee you will be offered a placement. Applications are assessed based on your answers to our questions, your stated availability, and your resume. Leaving a section of your application blank will result in it being marked as incomplete and may impact the status of your application.

3. Attend one orientation session:

Those whose application is approved must complete orientation in July. If you currently reside outside of the Greater Toronto Area, online sessions are offered to allow for flexibility in onboarding. After the session, you will get to select your Volunteer assignment preferences.

4. Receive an assignment:

In mid-August, after completing orientation and the registration process, you will receive your Volunteer assignments based on your selected preferences, availability, and previous experience, and learn the specific needs of the role.

5. Schedule your shifts:

At a set date and time (typically late summer) you will have access to shifts via our online Volunteer database. You choose exactly when and where you want to volunteer from the selection of approved assignments. Please note: All Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of four shifts as part of their commitment to the Festival.

6. Training and preparing for shifts:

Onsite or online training is provided for most Volunteer roles in the weeks leading up to the Festival. It is also a great opportunity to ask questions directly to the staff you will be working with, or to members of the Volunteer Office. Training materials for most roles are also posted online in advance of the Festival.

7. The Festival:

Get out there and have fun! Between shifts, be sure to catch incredible films and take in the Festival atmosphere.

Festival Volunteers contribute to different areas of the Festival’s operations and can expect to work with diverse groups of TIFF staff and Volunteers alike. Please note: All the Volunteer opportunities listed require different levels of skill and commitment and are subject to availability.

• Theatre venues support: Providing customer service and front-of-house assistance by managing lineups, scanning tickets, ushering, and encouraging the public to vote for the People’s Choice Award. With several venues in operation, this is where the majority of support is required.
• Industry support: Directing delegates to registration and pass-pickup desks, offering information about Industry programming, and assisting with operational tasks at Industry venues.
• Administrative support: Assisting TIFF staff with administrative and organizational tasks required during the Festival. Duties will vary depending on the position but may include data entry, filing, and assembling materials. Please note that opportunities in this role are very limited.
• ACE: Getting dispatched with on-the-fly notice to help a specific venue or department in urgent need of support. ACE Volunteers report to a central meeting location at the start of the shift and await further direction.

Hey all, looking for a "bug handler" of sorts who can provide real dead bugs for an upcoming music video shoot. A lot of prop handlers seemingly need to source from places like Etsy, looking for someone who can arrive with a collection of different bugs to choose from. Any recommendations please let me know! Thanks

Does anyone have agency representation while also having a chronic health condition like endometriosis and how did the discussion with your agent about this go? A potential agent told me some agents don’t want to deal with chronic health issues. For me, mine is manageable and shouldn’t get in the way though. Just wondering what others’ experience is with agents around this and how agents responded?

Looking for Canadian owned companies that sell film gear (cameras, cables, memory etc)

I know Vistek and Henry’s — what are others?

*clarifying update* I am an independent videographer and filmmaker. So I’m not looking for big movie set gear, I’m looking more for independent kit things (good HDMIs, v mount batteries, that sort of thing). Currently I’m looking to replace a busted micro hdmi cable and it got me wondering if I can buy them more locally or my best bet is really to buy them from a not Canadian company.

Greetings,

My name is Alex and I actually used to work for a casting agency long time ago I used to help with taking photographs and getting people to sign up and getting their payments and of course giving them calls for assignments and I used to do this in the evenings it was in Liberty Village.

I also used to do movie extras myself which was a lot of fun so I'm looking to get part-time work that I can do on Friday evenings well Friday after 2:00 p.m. if that makes more sense and anytime of the weekends.

Thank you.

Alex H Singh

Hello, I'm looking to develop a television series in Ontario and currently I am looking at pre-production / production funding available in the province. I may not have been in the province long, but my team has, so I am looking for any avenues available for film grants in the GTA.
I know of Telefilm and Canada council that are available country wide, but i was looking for something that may be more Ontario based.

Any help would be appreciated.

sorry, I’m not entirely too sure where to post this, but I’ve been looking into talent management as a career and I was wondering where does one start? do I need to look into school or anything important? thanks

I just moved to Montreal, but it is looking like this wasn't the best decision legally or financially. Someone told me that films look for Ontario residents for tax benefits. Is this true? If so, I might need to move to Toronto if Quebec residency becomes a barrier.

I know there are quite few talent agencies for background work in Toronto and I came across FC Talent , has anyone worked or heard of them?