Forms/Permits for US Filmmaker to Film in Canadian Location?

[MovieMaker]

I'm curious if someone can point me in the direction of what time and form to fill out since I am a US Citizen looking to shoot for a weekend at a location that I am confirmed with to shoot at in the Ottawa area. Last time when I came up to help shoot their promo video, we were stopped by the border guards and held for an hour (probably for not having a work order - we were not getting paid for our services - had we had been, we would have gotten turned back), and they asked what we were doing there, why we had equipment, how long we were staying, what our day job was, how much money we make, etc and we almost got turned away for driving ten hours from New York. I do not want that uncertainty to happen again, especially since we'll be spending money on a hotel, paying the location months in advance, potentially hiring actors, but more than likely bringing one from the States, so my question to you all is:

What can I do as far as LMO or permits to make it understood by borders that I am there to shoot at a location that is confirmed? The location said "We'd be glad to write out a letter for you to send to the border" - so does that help? Also, any sites with links to the forms would be appreciated. I'd be driving in with a lot of film equipment. I also have an LLC so it can and should and will be under that company, unless I should do it as a sole person?

Another question is this, since I am making a donation to the location, we have an agreement to shoot there due to the donation. Should this be said by them?

I just want to make sure it's a clear ride from the States into Canada since last time we almost got turned back due to no permits to LMO.

-Movie Maker

 

[scylla]

Re: Forms/Permits for US Filmmaker to Film in Canadian Location

I can't answer most of your questions. They are pretty specific and it's likely you will need to consult an immigration lawyer or consultant to obtain a complete answer.

What I can tell you is that you cannot apply for an LMO yourself. An LMO is something that an employer in Canada applies for if they want to hire a foreign worker. To be approved, the Canadian employer must demonstrate that the job was advertised in Canada and no suitable Canadians could be found for the position. The LMO application is then submitted for review to a government body. If the LMO is approved (not all are), the foreign worker can then apply for a work permit.

I don't think your situation fits the above since it doesn't sound like you have an actual employer in Canada and only want to come here very short term. I'm sure there are specific rules that apply to foreign individuals / companies who want to film in Canada. Unfortunately I have no idea what those are.

 

[MovieMaker]

Saw this posted on a filmmaker board....can anyone elaborate? I am indeed the producer of this project and am funding from the US. I will be bringing lights, camera equipment, a ton of professional stuff in my car.

Here are some quotes from the BC Film Commission website...

All non-Canadian cast and crew, other than producers, must attain a work permit before entering Canada to work on a project. In most cases, employers hiring foreign workers must get a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) from Service Canada in advance of applying for a work permit.
From the Service Canada website...

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), there are specific cases where employers in the film and entertainment industries do not need an HRSDC job offer confirmation, or the foreign workers do not need a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) work permit.
Positions Exempt from Work Permits and HRSDC Labour Market Opinion

Foreign Workers who do not need a CIC work permit or an HRSDC labour market opinion include:
Producers of film, television, video and documentary projects funded entirely from outside of Canada;

 

[MovieMaker]

Here's the thing also, I am not necessarily working for anyone. Not taking jobs from anyone. It's basically an agreement between myself and the location. I donated money to them and in exchange we're able to shoot at the location. We have permission (written out) by the location and it's one location, inside - so what is really needed?

I am a sole person doing this. Not backed by any company. And we have the OK from the location, the letter.

Do I need a visa?

Work permits?