r/IATSE

My small but growing local has been incredibly privileged that we have a member who owns a building with office/meeting space, and allows us to use it. It's absolutely not a boat I have any intention of rocking, and we'll likely be able to keep this space for decades.

I've recently started thinking about what plans the local needs to make for when this member can no longer provide free space. This member is awesome, and I can't give him or his support of our team enough credit. But what happens if he sells the building? Or passes it to a family member who doesn't wish to provide us space? The whole question started as a joke, but the more I think about it, the more I think that making plans now, while we have decades to plan is the safer bet, rather than wait and see what happens and shoot from the hip.

I'm curious what happens out there in other places, especially with small to midsized locals. I've seen Local Ones digs, and we're absolutely not playing the same game. But what are those of you in locals with 200-300 members doing for meeting and office space? Do you own or rent? Did you luck into something? What plans did you make prior to purchasing space? What kind of programs or resources did you take advantage of to make something happen and keep costs low? What were some concerns that your members had as your local started to make moves, and how did you address them?

Thanks for your input!

I put an application in for the 33 about a month ago, ive been really slammed lately with freelancing (so probably not the best time to put in an application) and so when I got a hall call the other day I was asking for details about the gig and the guy basically gave me no details just asked me if I was available. Long story short I declined because im just super busy right now and the guy told me that I was going to be put on the "do not hire" list and would automatically decline any future application i put in.

I want to preface this with saying, I wasnt trying to be rude on the phone or anything and I dont think I was. I ended the call with "I wasnt trying to be douche, have a good day i guess"

So, how screwed am I?

Heard there was an late-night email blast from the President sent out to the IATSE 873 transportation department mentioning the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).

Did anyone catch the details or have context on what's going on behind the scenes with transport right now? Looking for insight from anyone in the loop.

I am logging 15k to 20k steps a day across 12 to 16 hour shifts. I am moving between concrete stages, backlots, grass, mud, and uneven outdoor spots, and my feet are beat.
I am looking for recommendations on both lightweight work shoes and durable boots that can handle high mileage on all surfaces.
What are your go to shoes or boots for long shifts?

Basically what it says. I can never find a bag that’s a combination of small enough to not be a pain navigating public transportation, but tough enough to hold a solid amount of tools, a tablet, AND have enough room to put in a rain jacket or a hoodie or something. Currently I’m just barely making it with a smaller size messenger type sling bag, but that’s only because the weathers been nice and my car has been parked close to locations. I always keep a duffel with jackets etc for big changes in weather or getting messy, but I need a middle of the road daily driver. really like the Kleins and Welkinland has a nice HVAC tech backpacks, but neither have a bulk compartment. I don’t want to spend $300+ on a Veto, but I’m sick of “tactical” fake surplus stuff that has a broken zipper and hole torn from a screwdriver after a week. I do like the modularity of the molle system, but it’s so overdone, and I want something a little more sleek, not 60 small bags mounted to a medium one.

What say you, Reddit hivemind?

Did the International come in and straighten things out? Are people finally being held accountable? I will never trust those guys in the 479 because I didn't like how they completely ignored the Art/Production coordinators salary issue. Both of those positions are outrageously important. Yet they acted like getting paid less an hour than an employee starting in a fast food chain was a privilege. I even heard one of the people on the E Board back then saying that coordinators were glorified secretaries and shouldn't even be represented by a Union! Thankfully that stooge is no longer on the E Board. But I know flocks of crew in Atlanta are leaving there in droves because there simply is no longer any work down there. The entire industry is bankrupted down there now. Did the International IATSE do any good in setting things right or is it still a massive immature mess down there?

Hello

I’ve recently moved and was considering trying to join the local for work. Does anyone have experience with local 51? The site is down and they just don’t have much of an online presence.

Hello everyone I'm looking for advice as im in a bit of a difficult situation. My local is suffering due to a bunch of places closing down from remodeling with one major avenue pretty much not opening until the decade is over. On top of that my local has no teeth in negotiating power and we get busted unionizing major venues with stadium contracts. So i wanted to know if there is any merit to just starting unionized bussiness? I could theoretically ask all the best workers to work for me in the non union gigs as well, creating a sort of brain drain. But is it realistic or feasible? I dont see what other option i have in this state and was literally thinking to my self we probably need to get creative.

Are there any areas that are booming, please share

It seems very difficult to get into 52. Someone told me there is a list that one can sign up as a stand by. If anyone has information, please share. I am a Set Decorator.

Thanks.
Desperately seeking work

IATSE

I’m an sound designer and audio engineer located in Austin, Texas. I got my degree in this from Texas state university in 2022. I had to take a break though for a few year me and I recently got back into by working at the Zach theatre

I’ve gotten onto the local 205 referral hall but I was wondering how often the work comes in and if I should try working on getting my membership? I also wanted to ask if anyone knows if Austin is a good place to start off in or if I should move?

Along the same lines. I’ve been considering moving to NYC and was wondering what the process of going to the replacement room is like and is it reasonable to try and make it there or is it too hard / too much of a money investment. Could I hold a serving job or some other thing while I get started at the replacement room, and then when things become steady leave the serving world? I’m just nervous about moving to NYC without any form of income and basically relying on luck.

Thank you so much!

In Atlanta. Ive been in the industry the better part of two decade and tried to steer clear of union politics the whole time. I vote with my gut. I attend meetings when I can to stay informed. I don’t care to hear talk about “the old guard” vs the newbies or whatever we call them. Now my union is in trouble and there are no answers. I want to know exactly why this happened and why we’re here. These are my main complaints.

1. Why does the IA think they can withhold info from the members? I was told all docs from the hearing would be on the web and they aren’t. I had to go into the office to read our BAs reasons on why she changed her salary or stole and read that our president or former President Benedict Waddle cost the members 20k when his gossipy deluded ass wouldn’t leave the tech guy alone.
2. The IA cleaned house by getting rid of the Eboard but kept one person on as trustee. I’m not seeing this being addressed like they’re avoiding the whole issue. Isn’t it a conflict of interest? Amick was there for years when all of this sh!t was being voted in and did nothing. If you clean house you get rid of everyone.
3. I’m told the new field rep Jaime hired was let go. I’m fine with it as we don’t have enough work to support that many staff but why when she helped organize that show in South Carolina? I went to Mike for years about Pat Redding not doing sh!t. I was on the Pickup two years ago and called her to tell her there were safety concerns. I left messages and never got a call back. Then a few of my friends were maimed. They tried to sue the local because Pat didn’t visit at all. Bob Giolito got it thrown out of court. In my eyes, Pat as the field rep was liable. No one at the local wanted to talk about this. I tried to talk to Paige and she said she had no knowledge. I went to Mike again and again about Pat never visiting shows that I was on. She always seemed to be my field rep. She never visits just always on her ass sitting at the hall.
4. Some guy named Terry was hired as a field rep by jaime right before she was fired and he’s still there. We don’t need this many field reps. We got rid of Keith finally but who is this guy Terry and why wasn’t he listed in the last email from the IA trustees. They listed Amick as being field rep on two shows but what experience does he have? Including Amick and Terry we have 5 field reps. That’s too many for the amount of work we have. I been on Talbot Pines and Pat only came with Jaime once and Pat didn’t know no one there. Seriously she makes 6 figures why is she still around?
5. Why does it take every field rep and a slew of volunteers to restock the food pantry at the hall? Everyone gets fed lunch for that what budget does that come out of? We all know you can make an online order at Kroger. Why are all these resources being used for something that can be simplified?
6. The DEI committee held an event at Pat Reddings church. I was told she made the office staff set up and take down everything during a week day. Their numbers of people they reported helping were 35 479 families and 41 of the church families. Why are 479 resources going to help her church? And she’s getting a kickback for her event planning business on top of it?
7. They got rid of the secretary for whatever reason. Someone said she was helping Keith campaign for Jaime on the clock. Now our benefits coordinator is working the desk along with another woman instead of doing their jobs. I already can’t get the benefits coordinator to call me back and here she is answer the front desk phone.

EDIT cuz I forgot to mention why the fuck we have 4 people in education “department?” Blue and Felicia aren’t union members. Both are rude to EVERYONE. Felicia gets a huge salary and blue now has 75k a year. Blue won’t hire members to cater but buys Panda Express lunch for every week and keeps half to take home to her family. Now she’s out of the country again on a DESTINATION VACATION when the membership is suffering. Why do we have Kevin Amick, Felicia, Nikki, and Blue in education? We don’t need that many people. Blue makes 75k a year to answer phones some emails and order food. Must be nice! Who the hell voted yes on this? You can bet your ass Amick our overlord trustee did.

I want a full accounting of every hall staff members time and justification for their pay. I want it going back since the shutdown. Ain’t no one should be making 6 figures. If you’re gonna cut the corruption, cut it all. Seems like they just drained it part way and they prolly won’t even let us talk at this town hall on Saturday.

Anyone working in 479 right now? Looking to get on a show, but everyone I used to work with is out of state on productions right now. Art department/Construction, but glad to lend a hand any way I can.

It can be community outreach, strong (or weak) CBA’s, historical significance, or anything that sets your local apart from others.

For example, Local 7 in Denver was founded in 1893, and stands as one of the original 11 founding cities of the Alliance. It was established the same day as Local 1 in New York, on July 17th.

I have a lot of pride in my local, which stands as a historical leader for hundreds of thousands of hardworking union laborers.

What about you?

Hi! I am a Philadelphia-based costumer with 5 years professional experience. I also have wardrobe experience from various music video shoots. I am a bit frustrated because I am struggling to make connections in IATSE and desperately want to join the union. I have enjoyed my time costuming and working wardrobe more than anything and I can’t think of something I would like to do more with my life and skill set. I am a hard worker, detail oriented and very good at what I do. I have gotten nothing but extremely positive feedback from crew members each time I have been on set but unfortunately for each shoot I have been on I have typically been the only one working the costume and wardrobe departments and I have never been able to meet someone else who does this for their career. Most of the few times that I have gotten to ask IATSE 799 members about their experiences or ask advice, they have been very close-mouthed- which I entirely understand because there is so little film work to go around in Philly. It’s gotten to the point where I have been thinking a lot about moving to New York or Chicago because hopefully it’s a bit easier to find work there and ideally get union days. I am still deciding if it is worth it to go the route of looking for over hire stitching work at theaters in the Philadelphia area but I am skeptical if it will take me anywhere given the state of the costume scene here. I’ve heard that Chicago’s film industry is growing too. I would like to move to New York but worry it is oversaturated. I’d greatly appreciate if anyone has advice or stories about their own IATSE journeys to inspire me to keep going! Also if anyone is Philadelphia-based and in the world of costume, theater, or film I would love to connect with you! Shoot me a message

Thank you guys so much :)

Can I ask how freelancers manage to pay rent or a mortgage without a fixed, steady income? Based in Atlanta and not in a position (6 years in the industry) to move to LA or NY to fight for the same little crumbs of gigs available .

I’ve tried freelancing, and honestly, I’ve found the financial uncertainty really stressful. I’d love to hear from people who have been doing it successfully, especially those with kids or other major financial responsibilities.

What do you do when a project ends and you don’t immediately have another one lined up? How do you handle those periods when there’s little or no income, especially in this market?

Would really appreciate hearing how other freelancers make it work long-term. Any advice or experiences would be helpful!