Filmmakers?

[pandehz]

I am a freelance Film Editor and have worked in numerous shorts, promos and recently 2 feature films in UK.
Have also directed a festival short and few other festival participation. I believe that I am capable and have a lot to offer.


I will be studying in Canada to further my craft for another 2 years and then hopefully PGWP.

My concerns:


1. As most filmmaking jobs are freelance or self employed how does that tally up for CEC?

2. Any alternate pathways?



Any light shed on the matter is appreciated.

 

[scylla]

1. Freelance / self employed experience does not count as work experience for CEC.

2. You can take a look at the self employment program. However it does seem to be difficult to qualify for PR through this program and processing takes years: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/self-employed/index.asp

 

[pandehz]

1. Freelance / self employed experience does not count as work experience for CEC.

2. You can take a look at the self employment program. However it does seem to be difficult to qualify for PR through this program and processing takes years: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/self-employed/index.asp

Thx for the reply scylla


How about if I get contracts from production companies?

 

[scylla]

Thx for the reply scylla


How about if I get contracts from production companies?

If you work on contracts, you may still be classified as self employed and therefore ineligible for CEC. They key seems to be whether your taxes are paid by your employer or by yourself. If the pay cheque you receive from your employer already has the taxes deducted, then you are an employee and this experience is eligible for CEC. If, on the other hand, you are paid a pre-tax amount from the company - this tends to be viewed as self employment by CIC and not eligible for CEC.

 

[pandehz]

Thank You Scylla