UNION MEMBERSHIP

The recent influx of large film projects to Connecticut has increased the importance of union membership for resident film professionals. Producers who come to our state to film are expressing a desire to hire locally rather than importing their crews from New York and New Jersey, which requires additional expenses for travel, hotel and per diems.

While the 2006 Connecticut Tax Credit program has received a remarkable response from the producers of feature film and digital media and has brought millions of dollars of production expenditures to the state, much work needs to be done toward the establishment of a resident professional workforce.

To this end, OWC will continue to work closely with the established organized labor unions representing employees in the industry. Connecticut must do everything possible to encourage the integration of qualified local crew personnel into the freelance feature film workforce and promote union membership. Additionally important is a concentrated effort to expand the production of local feature, commercial, corporate and educational film projects within the state.

Members of the state's film industry who wish to work at a high professional level should strongly consider applying for union membership. For younger professionals, union membership can provide a retirement plan and economic security, as well as greater employment and career development opportunities. For professionals at an age when pension contributions may no longer make sense, union health and welfare programs can still offer worthwhile security.

Each union local has its own application, examination and membership requirements. Application periods are limited, and the process can take several months. However, once an application has been submitted, an experienced non-union crewmember can possibly be hired when union crew rosters become temporarily exhausted.

Participation in the Film Industry Training Program (FITP) does not ensure trainees' union membership. Each union local has specific application, examination and acceptance rules. For each chosen field, other professional requirements and state licensing may apply, and further training and/or experience may be necessary.

For more information on specific union locals, visit the links below.

IATSE - INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL AND STAGE EMPLOYEES

Local 52
Stage and Set Mechanics, Grip, Electric, Property, Set Dressing, Sound, Set Construction

Local 161
Script Supervisors, Production Office Coordinators & Assistants, Production Accountants & Assistants

Local 600
Directors of Photography, Camera Operators, Assistant Camera Persons, Loaders, Still Photographers

Local 764
Wardrobe Supervisors and Set Costumers

Local 798
Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists

Local 829
Production Designers, Art Directors & Assistants, Costume Designers, Scenic Artists

DGA - DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA

DGA - Directors Guild of America
Unit Production Managers, Assistant Directors, Location Managers, DGA Trainees

IBT - INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS

Local 817