What do I need to do when I have a completed Guild Apprenticeship Program
application?
You need to forward it to the Ontario office. You may then give the
membership coordinator a call to sign up for our Guild Orientation and Course.
When can I start working on set?
You may only begin working towards completing your 50 days of work after you have completed
the Guild Orientation and Course.
How many days must I work in order to eventually apply for
membership?
Assistant Director GAP - 50 days as TAD or Loc. PA ONLY
Trainee Assistant Art Director GAP - 50 days as ADA ONLY
Trainee Assistant Editor GAP - 50 days as TAE ONLY
Trainee Assistant Accountant GAP - 50 days as a TAA ONLY
When may I apply for membership?
You may successfully apply for membership only after you have completed the Guild
Orientation, Course, 50 days of work, 2 professional development courses, WHMIS and
First Aid. Locations PA's must also complete a propane certificate and show a valid
Ontario Driver's License.
How long do I have to complete the GAP I have joined?
Regardless of which GAP you are in, you have one year and a half (18 months) to complete
the mandatory requirements of the program - the 18 months will commence from the DGC Ontario
receives notice from Humber College, that you have successfully completed the course.
May I count some of my previous experience towards the completion of my required days?
Previous work experience is important to get you into the GAP, however, these days will not
count towards the completion of your 50 days. Days worked will begin to count towards the
50 day requirement only after you have completed the Guild Orientation and appropriate course.
What do I do if I don't complete the mandatory requirements of the GAP by my end date?
If you do not complete the mandatory requirements by the end of your 18 months, you may rejoin
the GAP.
This would include an additional $725.00 and three recently dated letters of recommendation.
Can I pay the GAP fee in installments?
The Ontario office will require the $725.00 GAP fee with the application in order to be
approved into the program.
How do I find out about job opportunities? Does the Ontario office help me?
It is up to the individual GAP applicant to secure positions on Guild productions. However,
the Guild will help you by:
1) Supplying you with a Hotlist (list of current productions with phone numbers and contact
names). You must contact members and/or send them your resume.
2) Placing your name on our availability list.
3) You will also have your own personal page on our website with all your current experience
listed.
Do CFC credits counts towards the completion of the 50 GAP days?
Provided that you have been granted dispensation to work on a CFC film, yes, All CFC
(both long and short formats) days will count towards the completion of the 50 GAP days.
How do I get access to the Hotlist?
After successfully completing the appropriate course GAP applicants may pick up the Hotlist
from the Ontario office, or you may log on to our members only section (although technically
you are not a member of the Guild yet, you may have access to this area).
The hotlist is updated every Wednesday afternoon. If you are coming to pick it up, please call
the office to make sure it has been updated so you don't waste your time picking up the same list.
How do I get access to the members only section of the website?
Please contact Reception to sign up with a username and password.
Are these paid positions?
YES. All GAP applicants are hired as a PA (Set PA or Loc. PA); TAE; TAAD; TAA on a
Guild production must get paid the minimum rates as per our current Standard Agreement.
Rates are posted on the DGC Ontario website www.dgcodc.ca.
How do I verify to the Ontario office that I've completed my required amount of days?
Please keep all copies of your pay stubs or time sheets. This is what we will need to verify
your days worked. Please fax or mail me copies after each production you work on so that I
may update your GAP file.
Will there be a fee to apply for membership?
Membership will cost you $1000.00, along with a completed membership application.
When may I begin to work in higher categories?
Only when you have completed the GAP and have successfully applied for membership. Once
you have your completed application in the Ontario office, you may then begin to work in
higher categories (ie 3rd AD, 2nd PE, 3rd Art).
How does a GAP applicant get access to DGC Ontario info?
The DGC Ontario mails to it's GAP applicants and membership a newsletter once a month. You
may also access the most current information on our website at www.dgcodc.ca.
May GAP applicants participate in professional development courses the DGC Ontario offers
to its membership?
YES. Although GAP applicants are not yet members of the Guild, GAP applicants may participate
in professional development courses the Ontario office offers. GAP applicants must pay the
$25.00 registration fee as do members for each course.
Are GAP applicants placed on the availability list?
YES, after successful completion of the mandatory orientation and course.
Must I report my work availability status to the Ontario office?
YES. But only if your availability has changed. Please call into the office at 416-925-8200 and let us know your name, production you will be working on, start date, and category you will be working in and when
you will become available with each work assignment.
Do I have to call in dailies?
NO.
Are GAP applicants protected under the DGC Ontario's current Standard Agreement?
YES. GAP applicants are treated as members with all the same rights and obligations as members.
What would happen if I accepted a job out of category while in the GAP?
GAP applicants will be fined permit fees for each day worked (these days will not count
towards the completion of the GAP) and/or will be removed from that position.
When do GAP applicants receive health and welfare benefits?
You will have access to the Health and Welfare benefits only after you have become a member.
It would come into affect the first of the month following acceptance.
Who may write me letters of recommendation?
Only Full Active-Good Standing members of the DGC may write you letters of recommendation.
Not DGA members, not suspended members, not members on Honourable Withdrawal, not college
instructors etc.
Is the Professional Development courses, WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, Propane Certification and
Drivers License absolutely necessary for the PA GAP? YES. They are mandatory. All GAP members must show proof of completion by the end of the GAP
and before applying for membership with the DGC.
Must I supply the DGC Ontario with a current resume?
YES, once per month. It's good practice to have a current resume in your file. This may
help you get a job should someone request it.
When applying to the Trainee Assistant Art Director GAP, must I under go a portfolio review?
Yes. If you wish to be admitted into the Program, you must first pass the portfolio review.
When you pass, you will be placed in the next available Trainee Assistant Art Director Course.
Who reviews portfolios for the Trainee Assistant Art Director GAP?
Applicant portfolio's will be reviewed by a committee of Guild members in the Art Department,
in senior categories.
What happens if I fail the portfolio review?
You will be given feedback in order for you to add to your portfolio, and re-showcase your
work at the next portfolio review date.
If you have any questions that have not been answered please feel free to give me a call at
(416) 925-8200 or email at ljanuska@dgcodc.ca.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS: GAP - Guild Apprenticeship Program PA - Production Assistant TAD - Trainee Assistant Director TAAD- Trainee Assistant Art Director TAE - Trainee Assistant Editor TAA - Trainee Assistant Accountant WRL - Work Report Line DGC - Directors Guild Of Canada