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How to Get into the Film and Television Industry Union (IATSE)

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In this follow up video about getting into the film and television industry, I go over the paths you might take to join IATSE, aka "the union" and begin working on union projects.
Quick disclaimer, the thoughts and ideas in this video are based on my own personal experience as a professional in the industry but I definitely don't know it all! So take my advice with a grain of salt. My hope is this video encourages you and points you in the right direction, and if you have questions please put them in the comment section below.
Also! I accidentally omitted health and benefits when discussing what the union provides it's members, that's a huge benefit to overlook. Oops.
Thanks for watching, please like, subscribe and share this video with anyone you think it might help!
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Опубликовано:

21 июл 2021

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Комментарии : 85

@TheMostOrdinaryMan Год назад

Local 80 here checking in. (Los Angeles, Grip) The most important lesson is to never give up if you really want it. The industry can be brutal to get into and even harder when you get in. Just keep pushing, make connections and be persistent. I've been in the union for 4 years, and it's still a very rocky ride, but I absolutely love it.

@kevinsoundmixer Год назад

Well said!

@plok3433 Год назад

Let's goo I'm in Encore in Anaheim and work with union

@AlexGarcia-ze4yg Год назад

What's the most difficult aspect of the business, do you think?

@Goorincollector Год назад

I know a guy who works in the movie industry as a stand by prop? I assume. I guess he got in cuz his uncles work in there. Apparently he makes about $120k

@Belx2 Год назад

Will it be all right to know what major differences you've experienced since you've joined the union? What noticeable advantages did you notice? And if there are disadvantages of joining a union as well based on your personal experience.

@kateblair291 2 года назад

30 years lighting live events, moved to LA, was privately referred for what was a IA33 TV gig. 18 months later, I was the first member sworn in after the pandemic started. Pure luck.

@kateblair291 2 года назад

I should also note that I was working live events under IA contracts as a non-member until I applied to my first local in Virginia.

@ThatDamnDoughboy Год назад

I find you everywhere.

@kevinsoundmixer 3 года назад

Someone asked me if you can still work on non-union projects after you join the union. Absolutely you can. The local just asks that you kindly report your work. Obviously, you want to try and work on union shows whenever possible, but yes you can still work on non-union stuff once an IATSE member.

@JahRed101 2 года назад

I am an audio engineer in south Florida. I recently was just added on to iatse local 500. Do all unions provide 401k and pension benefits ???

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

@@JahRed101 hey, congratulations on joining local 500, talk with them to make sure, but you should be eligible for these benefits, yes!

@jamesandino3555 3 года назад

Amazing video! I got a phone call today for my first apprenticeship for video and audio technician from IATSE. I'm glad I feel safe getting train in a union.

@kevinlopez5447 2 года назад

Where do you join!? Websites?

@hooray4pizzaday451 Год назад

Kevin, thanks for posting this video and sharing your insight and experience. For the past 6 years I've been trying to earn my 100 non-union days to join the sound union in Los Angeles (Local 695) and dealing with Contract Services' denial of certain types of projects and their moving target has been quite a defeating experience. I'm not giving up the dream, though!

@KKwatsonMusic 2 года назад

Brooooo. MORE content. Keep it coming. I’m going through applying and learning so much from you. many Mahalos from Kauai Hawaii. streaming on all platforms. KKwatson streaming on all platforms.

@joshwilliams6517 21 день назад

Thanks for this video. Wish more members shared info transparently the way you do.

@kevinsoundmixer 21 день назад

Hey thanks for watching. It's interesting that there can be a little bit of a veil of secrecy or hush mentality about this stuff sometimes, and it's probably just people being protective of their jobs and size of the work pools or something, but my philosophy is that if you really want to go after something you should have a path to get there at least. The hard work part is up to you, you know?

@chief0282 2 года назад

Thanks for the info sir. I’ve been working for Comcast/Xfinity for 15 years in the Metro Atlanta are and I have met quite a few people that work in the movie industry. I’ve always wanted to be apart of it, but was a little hesitant on taking the leap because I was told that you guys have times when work might be slow. Me being the only financial provider in my home at the time had me a little nervous on talking that risk. Now that my wife is back working after not working for the last 10 years, because we decided it would be cheaper than daycare. We have 5 kids lol. I’m going up to 479 tomorrow and applying. I know you guys make good money and I also want the experience of working on the various sets and locations. One of my customers was able to get a nickel tour for me about 3 years ago. Very cool experience. Do they still require having 2 references within the union to join? Thanks again for the video. Very good information.

@ManuelHernandez-fm9zy 2 года назад

Hey buddy keep your head up about the likely strike u may have to go on I’m a teamster here in Ga as well WE HAVE YOUR BACKS FROM YOUR TEAMSTER BROTHER AND SISTERS WE STAND UNITED !!!!

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Thank you Manuel!

@brenolad 2 года назад

Amen brother!!

@shawnsuominen6074 2 года назад

So I am video student graduating very soon, and I am really interested in gripping and set electrician, but my school does not really touch on that stuff much, does the union have training they can give you? I do not know anyone in the union so this is all so confusing and nerve-wracking for me any advice would be greatly appreciated

@ericdavidwallace 5 месяцев назад

Thank you.

@robertfrapples2472 Год назад

Local #17 Louisville, KY here. Started in 1975 as a non-union projectionist/usher/popcorn vendor/janitor for $1.87 per hour at Westland Four Theatres. A guy from the union used to stay by our entrance with a big sign that let patrons know we were "scabs." When I quit, the union guy who replaced me made over $9 per hour and had no duties other than building, showing and tearing down the films, plus maintaining four projectors. My parents were friends with the parents of the president of the IATSE Local in Louisville, and after pulling a few strings, they got me a gig doing convention work (the NAACP Rally) in the fall of '79 for $9.75 per hour, BIG bucks for me at the time. I've come a long way since then, traveling to all four corners of the country doing everything from high steel rigging to corporate product logistics. It has been a wild ride, with memories I wouldn't trade for the world. It's not only a great career, but also a great medium for advancement through networking. If you have the skills and the ability to present them, you can meet people along the way who can catapult you forward in very meaningful ways.

@MrQuanzilla 2 года назад

Great Video BTW

@abhishektata9763 Год назад

Hey can anyone let me know how can I join off roster list for IATSE local 728 for gaffers?

@mariarebollo2642 2 года назад

Hi. I would like to join the local 705 (wardrobe/ costumer union) I am trying to get my 30 days, do you know what is the best way to get onto those union jobs?

@kingrobs89 2 года назад

I'm a non union member, it use to be that you would have to work with the union for a few years then needed the vote to get it, now you still need the years of work , votes, and must pass a test , basic questions I hear, and know some key basic Knots

@devinlandry8896 6 месяцев назад

My question is if I want to start my own production company how would I be able to get my company into the union ?

@MrQuanzilla 2 года назад

If you are local 479 can you work on Union Jobs in Canada 🇨🇦 or Los Angeles (?) and will they pay you a Georgia rate or the higher LA Rate ?

@NYCPhotography 5 месяцев назад

So you joined the union by working on nonunion shows for sound, does that apply for someone who's working on nonunion shows with camera or lights/ grip too?

@stevestussey1928 3 месяца назад

A couple of things, even though this video is old. 491 is Savannah and the Carolinas, 479 is the union that covers the rest of Georgia and Alabama, except Mobile. For the hours mentioned, it's 30 union days or 100 non-union days in most IA Constitutions, which depending on the union, they may not even check. Some unions require sponsors, like you mentioned. Contract Services is only for those that want to work in LA/West Coast and if you've been in the business for a few years, it's not hard. Shows flipping, members getting in, is a show by show instance. I still have never received a digital card, I get a new paper card every January. There's some good info in here, but could've been more focused instead of generalizations since different unions, nationals and locals have different requirements for joining. Bringing up CSATF unless you plan on working in LA just makes things confusing, since nowhere else in the country requires it.

@user-vd2pl9kp7o 3 месяца назад

I’d say just come to Local 12 in Columbus. 2 years of work as a extra board then you get your card we also train you

@jeremybermejo6200 Год назад

Hey Kevin! Liked the video! I’m interested in joining IATSE Local 2 (Stagehands) in Chicago, where I live, and I wanted to ask you if a union member could make a decent living working for the union? I’ve heard that there isn’t a whole lot work in the industry to earn enough money. Would you consider it to be a sustainable career?

@kevinsoundmixer Год назад

Hey man, thanks for watching the video. I used to live in Chi-town back in the late 1990's, love that town. I didn't work in film at that time but sure saw a lot of productions being shot there. I have no idea what the stagehands scene is like there, so I recommend you ask an existing member what their thoughts are. For many of us here in Georgia working in film and television, we're absolutely making a living and then some! Some of us have so much work we turn down projects to take a break, or, become a bit more selective about what projects we work on. (A luxury.) But stagehands is different and I can't speak with authority on that subject. I do believe 100% that becoming an IATSE member is the way to go though. Best of luck to you and keep us all posted!

@jamesfrederickgary6171 2 года назад

Kevin, we worked on a nonunion short in VA "Price of Beauty". I want to join the sound union this year (2022) in Atlanta. Being as I work as the only sound guy on small sets I don't know any sound people to sponsor me. How do I go about building these connections? Can sponsors be from other departments?

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hey James! Great to hear from you and I remember our short that we worked on, good times, ha. You want to join 479, they're a great local. Awesome. Question, do you live in Atlanta now? If not, can you visit there periodically? You're gonna want to get to know some of the 479 sound folks who live and work in the Atlanta area. Go to the sound shops like Trew, Gotham, etc and introduce yourself and let folks know who you are, what you do, and what your goals are. I can promise you, you'll find friendly people who will help! Also, count me in right now as one of the sponsors you need! (I think you need 3 for 479) Try to make friends with some more sound peeps by networking, grabbing a coffee or drink, etc. and share your goals with them, I'm sure you'll find a few more sponsors in no time. I also encourage you to visit 479 and introduce yourself there, they have staff who handle applications and will be happy to help you too. OK keep me posted and good luck!

@losjimenez372 2 года назад

Hi, good night a question if you dont mind, im in nyc iatse union funds office but intrigued in see something helping in sets not sure since is not like every day you can see whats going on percee, im in funds i like it and in union iatse but curious in something interesting even would love to relocate but not sure where in CA maybe

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hello Lee, I'm not quite sure what your question was exactly, but it sounds like you want to pursue production work (be on set) rather than work in the office? If so, great, the first place to start is to decide which department you would like to work in. I talk about this in my other video about getting into the film industry. Once you know what you want to do, or even where you want to work, you can make that your goal and then go after it! OK wish you good luck and thanks for your comment.

@MrYeab0iiii 2 года назад

You go over more about Unions and IATSE in 15 minutes than I got in 3 years of film school. Thanks for sharing. I''ve been doing PA work on Union shows, but as a Non-Union PA. I'm not sure if those hours/days will even count for me. Currently, I'm struggling on finding a niche or craft I want to get into. Are the dues every year expensive, or do they fluctuate by department and where your local is?

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hey Draco, sorry for the late reply! Dues vary for each local, but they are uniform across the board for each member of that local, regardless of their department. For example, as a member of 491 I paid $230 for the whole year of 2022. But my Los Angeles local 695 is like $350 bucks per quarter!

@allenfernandez8352 2 года назад

First sign of intelligence is your being a PA and looking for an IATSE craft rather than some longshot career as an AD. The steadiest gig in the film industry is as an IA man or woman.

@shivanisingh-bj7mh Год назад

Hi Kevin, This is Shivani from India. I am a script supervisor/ Assistant director in the Indian film Industry since 8 years now. I am coming to Canada as an International student for January 2024 intake in Conestoga College. I had few questions, 1. Is it allowed for an International student to work in a Non Union show or a Union show? 2. Does my experience in India count when I look for work in Canada into TV shows, films or documentaries? 3.What are the chances of hiring me based on my experience in India? 4. Can I become a member of the union if I have prior on set experience in India?

@marlonreid2396 2 года назад

Hey Kevin I’ve been working in the Art Department (props) for about a year now. I think I’m ready to take the leap & apply for 52. My question is do you know of any other certifications I need besides OSHA before applying?

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hey Marlon, I encourage you to reach out to the folks at 52 and ask them about this. I'm sure they would be helpful and steer you in the right direction! Good luck!

@758BYRDGANG 2 года назад

Hey bro I’m actually in the process of signing up and having a hard time deciding which job to go with, any help? I’m good with art and music and creativity and anything else I could most def learn.

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

@@758BYRDGANG thanks for the comment, I highly recommend you find your identity/niche before you continue your journey in the biz. It's much easier to pursue a goal when you have set it, you know?

@MrQuanzilla 2 года назад

Just Curious Marlon how did everything work out? Did you get that cert yet or still in the process? I’m interested in making props and your comment stood out to me.

@getglamedupbykeshawndixon486 2 года назад

It's hard to get in i been doing hair 7 yrs on set in Louisiana on union shows and still need 180 days

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hi Keshawn, it can be tough and I totally understand if you're feeling frustrated, but I encourage you not to give up!

@SkylerSutton 2 года назад

Do you have to earn union days consistently to ~remain in the union? If say, for example, I move to a city with little union work for a few years, could I lose my membership?

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hi, as long as you keep paying your dues each quarter, you wl stay in good standing and be a union member. If you don't work for a long time you would lose your health and financial benefits. But they would return once you banked enough union days again. I hope this helps answer your question!

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

I should add, if you move far enough away from your local (assuming it's a local) you would want to transfer to the local in the jurisdiction of your new town.

@AGproductions87 Год назад

Appreciate the content brother. Fellow sound mixer here.I've got an orientation this month. What should I expect?

@kevinsoundmixer Год назад

You're being sworn in, awesome! It's your chance to promise to be a good Union member and go forth and mix! Ha. Congratulations!

@AGproductions87 Год назад

@@kevinsoundmixer appreciate the nod! They asked for a paper resume though. Should I be alarmed?

@VinSantangelo 2 года назад

Hey any advice on how to get into the property department in Local 52 NYC?

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hi Vincent, please forgive my late reply. I've never worked in NYC but I highly recommend you begin networking with folks who work in props in the local. Find out WHO does what you do, and reach out to them and express your goal of getting in and working in their department. IMHO those who show strong initiative and drive will get attention and help from folks in the business and someone will befriend you and help guide you through the process. I've happily sponsored members into my local and I'm sure *someone* in Local 52 would do the same for you, especially if they're busy and need help. I wish you the best of luck on your journey! Let me know how things go.

@VinSantangelo 2 года назад

@@kevinsoundmixer great thank you for the reply. I’m doing my best to network as we speak

@robertfrapples2472 Год назад

As a rigger, I'd cut a hole in the roof and rappel in. Sorry.

@obey_kydd6003 2 года назад

Question as far as the referrals. I know a couple of ppl in the union in Atlanta and in new York so when I put in my referrals do they all have to be in the same IATSE local or can they in different locations because I literally only know like one 3 but they are not all in the same state but they all are in a IATSE union.

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hi, I think as long as your references are in your related field (skill) they should work, even if they are in different states, but double check with the local you are applying to. They should be able to clarify.

@obey_kydd6003 2 года назад

@@kevinsoundmixer thank you I will look into that. Been preparing to join the union in Atlanta. This is super helpful I appreciate your video so much it answered so many questions I had in a short amount of time

@juuls6758 Год назад

@@obey_kydd6003 did you ever get on in atlanta that’s where i’m trying to be

@obey_kydd6003 Год назад

@@juuls6758 I was on my way to, I started working on sets with Viacom and then my mother started having health problems so I had to move to Texas so now I’m kind of at a stand still with that. 😔

@shanec7646 2 года назад

I just paid my dues for the local 479 and I feed some help with figuring out how to get in good standing? I a real career. I just need some help.

@RideRedRacer 2 года назад

@@estellepatella2520 3 months of my dues i make in 6 hours at work lol.. easy paying dues

@IATSE700 11 месяцев назад

Local 700, since 2000!

@cheeseheadfiddle Год назад

Is IATSE joining the striking writers and actors?

@kevinsoundmixer Год назад

Hi, this latest strike is for SAG, the actors guild, so technically we IATSE crew are not on strike and can work, but without actors in front of the cameras that might be tough! Watch for an uptick in reality and documentary work in the coming days.

@callmebreezy4840 2 года назад

Do you need the vaccine to be accepted in?

@kevinsoundmixer 2 года назад

Hi, I'm not aware of any vaccine requirements to join, but be aware that many productions are requiring them in order to work in "A Zone" areas on set

@theone4412 2 года назад

Local 399 Teamsters Hollywood

@getglamedupbykeshawndixon486 2 года назад

I lost days

@katieking7671 5 месяцев назад

Who you know g

@getglamedupbykeshawndixon486 2 года назад

Local 798 in New York that's my union for Louisiana

@jonathanjones4566 2 года назад

IATSE is a political organization, not a labor organization. You have to learn to play the game and benefit the 'right' people in the union if you want to play. Your best chance is to have a family member who is already in. It's not what you know, it's always who you know.