Does Joining a Union Help You Get Work in Film?
As you begin to embark in a career in filmmaking. You may be wondering whether or not you should join a union. Perhaps youâve even done some research! And heard about some of the perks that come along with becoming a member of one of the various film crew unions that are available to industry workers to join. You might have even heard that union members work more, but does joining a union help you get work in film or is it just a ploy to tax industry workers?
Do Union Workers Get More Work?
Joining a labor union does not guarantee more work for members. Any more than not becoming a member guarantees less work. The reality is, unions might advertise more work. And they may state that joining a union can help you get work.
Thatâs partially true. But itâs not 100% correct. It may even be a little bit misleading.
Hereâs whyâŠ
Unions do require exclusivity rights. And will often strongarm production companies into becoming signatories. In doing so, signatories can only hire union workers. And union workers can only work for signatories, technically.
Unfortunately, this doesnât necessarily mean more work for union workers. It also doesnât mean that by joining a union youâll be guaranteed greater access to film jobs.
Can a Union Help You Get Work?
Yes, maybe. A union can help to connect you with signatory providers such as production companies that have upcoming film projects. However, the film industry is incredibly competitive, and unions have a LOT of members.
So, youâre not the only member that will be faced with a desire to work, and when a project comes up you wonât be the only member to hear about it.
Fair Treatment
Statistically, there are a lot of unemployed or underemployed members of film unions. Just like there are a lot of underemployed or unemployed non-union film crew workers.
However, there is one thing that a union can help you with and thatâs making sure that you are treated fairly when working on the film set and that you are paid fairly.
Film crew unions focus a lot of their collective bargaining on enforcing the rights of film workers rather than focusing so much on helping them find work.
Summary
So, does joining a union help you get work in film? It can! Various production companies that have contracts with unions will hire union workers.
So, if youâre a union member youâve got a ticket into the projects that those production companies operate. But with competition as fierce as it is, itâs going to take more than just becoming a union member to find stable and steady work in film.
