Member Initiated Productions

The MIP Program is designed to stimulate the desire of ACTRA members to come together and create original works of art without requiring the financial resources to pay established daily fees to performers. It is also intended to encourage ACTRA members to develop their skills as actors, and in other key creative areas.

Under this Program, the role of the ‘producer’ is played by the partnership that is created by the members who come together. ACTRA’s role – through ACTRA PRS – is to represent performers’ interests in the commercial exploitation of the project in the marketplace.

The Member Initiated Production Robert Macklin Audience Choice Award is presented annually at the MIP Showcase by ACTRA Manitoba to the “Most Outstanding MIP” Member-Producer(s). The Golden Boy Award and the Eagle Vision Indigenous Filmmakers Award are selected in advance by an independent jury.

Please scroll down to watch a MIP 101 Basics video by Past President Alan Wong

Member Initiated Production Incentive Grants

ACTRA members are encouraged to make MIPs at any time throughout the year. Once a year, ACTRA Manitoba provides incentive grants to assist members with their creation.

Dates for the 2026/27 MIP grant season

Submission deadline: April 17, 2026
Grant recipients will be notified by: May 4, 2026
Principal photography must be completed and any invoices/receipts for the first half of the grant must be submitted on or before: November 1, 2026
Delivery of final cut of the film, along with eligible expenses with receipts for the second half of the grant must be submitted on or before: March 1, 2027

DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) Top-Up Grant: One (1) additional grant of $1,000, or two (2) additional grants of $500, will be awarded to selected projects which are created with and reflect the stories of marginalized individuals or groups.
Eagle Vision Indigenous Filmmakers Award: This prize will be awarded to a selected project which is created with, and reflects the stories of, Indigenous people.

$1,000 cash prize

$1,000 in-kind equipment rental from Talon Equipment Rentals

A 1-hour mentorship session with Rebecca Gibson

Note that changes have been made to this year’s intake, so please read the documents carefully.