ACTRA Toronto

My work was stolen from 2 ACTRA members and used to win a grant based on my work. They used one of the films that I wrote, co-produced, co-directed, starred in and completely self-funded and even had the audacity to use a still from my film with an image of me in their pitch package. These individuals took my name off my work in the pitch package itself and put a link in to my film. All ACTRA had to do was watch the film and take a look at the credits. I did not consent to the use of my work in this pitch package. When I contacted the Executive Director he told me that it wasn't ACTRA's problem and nothing would be done about the situation.

Here's the positive
I've been an ACTRA member for decades and they have always been kind and helpful especially James. He's wonderful.
Here's the negative.
Things have been tough so unfortunately had to take money out of my Riff to urgently pay some bills. The department that handles RIF's has been absolutely impossible. I called Charlie Johnson got a voice mail that said she would call me back in 24 hours. I didn't hear back from her and left a detailed urgent message letting her know I had to take money out to some bills that were due very soon. I called her again two days later and left another message explaining my urgent situation. It's been a week and I still have not received a response from her. I was told Charlie Johnson was in the office and suggested I try to call Ellen she's in the RIF dept. Got voice mail telling me she would call back in 24, hours and it's almost a week now and still no response from Ellen. I've left numerous messages for Charlie Johnson all polite messages except for one because after five days and no response I was fed up with her. My bills are now overdue and I will be charged for not paying on time. This is MY money that I have a right to and the indifference by the RIF dept at Actra is rude, unprofessional and absolutely unacceptable. Stay away from putting your hard earned money into their RIF program