Film unions and guilds help with training, legal rights, and, most importantly, making sure you get paid what you are worth. For more information on this, check out our production crew rates section.
In the US, these unions are essential for getting onto major film and TV sets. However, in other countries, you don’t need to be part of a union (but they do have their benefits).
What’s the Difference Between a Union and a Guild?
A film union has to take care of its workers. In contrast, a film guild is a group of tradespeople who look out for one another. They both protect their members with benefits such as making sure people get fair contracts and overtime pay.
So, they are both very similar. However, sometimes a union might use the word guild in their name. For example, SAG (Screen Actors Guild) is a union. It doesn’t matter which organization you join as long as it is a good fit for you.
So, whether you are a student or a veteran filmmaker, unions can help with additional support throughout your career. But which one is right for you?
Below, we have listed a range of unions and guilds for different departments. Read through to find one in your job role with information on who they are and what they have to offer.
Major Film Unions
| IATSE |
| First, we have the largest film union in the US. It covers all job roles apart from acting. Whatever your crew role, you will find representation within this group. Members gain access to wage rates, overtime pay, legal advice, health care, and industry support. |
| Teamsters |
| The teamsters are an enormous trade union. They look after a variety of trades, including film, in which they have 14 offices across the US. You can join this union if you work a below the line job role, such as driver, casting assistant, locations, or catering staff. |
Screenwriters
| WGA |
| The Writer’s Guild of America is the largest screenwriter union in the US. They cover the contacts and pay negotiations for film and TV writers. To join, you must have a handful of previous paid experience or have had your feature length script made into a film. |
Directors
| DGA |
| The directors union also covers UPM, ADs, and stage managers. Members receive pay rates, contracts, and legal support. However, you need up to 400 days of work experience to join. In addition, directors must have at least one professional film or TV credit. |
Producers
| PGA |
| This film union is for producers and assistant producer roles. Perks include job alerts, wage advice, and networking. To join as a producer, you need to have either two theatrical released films or made a short film screened at a qualifying festival. |
Cinematographers
| ASC |
| You need to have an invite from an existing member to join this influential union. However, any DOP can receive an invite to the ASC regardless of what country they come from. You can still benefit from the union by signing up for their monthly magazine |
Camera
| Local 600 |
| The Local 600 is part of the IATSE major film union. They cover a range of camera roles, including film loaders, camera operators, DITs, and ADs. When you join this union, you will receive health and safety support, overtime, pay rates, and health care. |
Editors
| Editors Guild |
| The editors guild is also part of the IATSE. They cover any post-production job role, including colorists, sound editors, and foley artists. Members have access to wage rates, pensions, and health care. However, to join, you need professional experience in your role. |
Production Designers
| Art Directors Guild |
| You can join this guild as a production designer, art director, illustrator, graphic designer, matte artist, and model maker. When you join, you can access health care, training, and networking. To sign up, you must have professional experience in your role. |
Sound
| AFM |
| The AFM covers musicians working in film, TV, commercials, and radio. Members receive advice on contracts, pay rates, working conditions, and training. The great thing about the AFM is that anyone can join, from young musicians to unsigned bands. |
Costume
| Costume Designers Guild |
| This film union covers costume designers, assistants, and illustrators. They support fair wages, healthcare, work safety, and career advice. To join as a costume designer, you must have at least one professional credit and a signed letter with a reference. |
Make-up
| MUAHS |
| The Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild is part of the IATSE. As with all unions, the members receive support and advice on pay rates, healthcare, and contracts. To qualify for the film union, you must have 3 years of professional experience within your job role. |
Casting
| Casting Society |
| If you are a casting director working in the US, this union has lots of benefits. As well as, healthcare and general support, they also have job alerts and networking events. To join, you must have at least 100 work weeks in your job role within the past year. |
Locations
| Location Managers Guild |
| You can join the LMGI as a location manager, location scout, and assistant location manager. They cover all film, TV, video commercial, and print industries. To become join the union you need 300 days of paid experience and two references from existing members. |
Actor Film Unions
| SAG-AFTRA |
| The Screen Actors Guild of America supports film, TV, and radio performers. Members gain access to a health plan, pension, casting database, and career support. To join, you should have at least three professional credits in your name and a demo reel. |
Summary
To sum up, unions are an excellent way of protecting you in your job role. However, many of them do require you to have some previous experience.
You can find this experience by networking and by working on independent films. In time, you will meet the connections you need to start working on bigger productions.
There are many options available, so ask people you work with what film unions or film guilds they recommend.
