Netflix signs first-ever collective agreement with Quebec audiovisual technicians

Netflix has become the first major Hollywood studio to sign a collective agreement with Quebec's audiovisual technicians, a milestone that union representatives say signals the company's intent to film more productions in the province.

Two separate collective agreements—one for camera technicians and another for non-camera roles including makeup and hair—were adopted Wednesday by members of AQTIS 514 IATSE, the union representing the sector. Both contracts passed with approximately 90 percent support.

The four-year deal eliminates the need to renegotiate separate agreements for each Netflix project filmed in Quebec, providing greater stability for technicians and productions. For some trades, the new contracts offer wage increases of up to $10 per hour compared to existing agreements with the Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM), which represents most Quebec producers.

"Netflix sent two people here just to negotiate this agreement in recent months. They wouldn't have done that if they didn't intend to shoot more in Quebec," a union spokesperson reasoned.

While some Quebec-produced content has reached Netflix in recent years—including the documentary "Qui a tué les Expos de Montréal?"—major Netflix productions have not been filmed in Quebec for years. The AQPM, which represents Quebec producers, declined to comment on the agreement Wednesday.