IATSE So Cal

Doc Bernard

Doc Bernard

Indie Arms Member
Well, it is time for me to reach out to you sound guys in So Cal.

Here's the issue:

Been a sound guy for quite a few years now, have a degree in sound, intimately know my way around a set, done some really high profile gigs.

But just got off the phone with IATSE, none of it counts towards my days. Ouch. Because it was paid in cash. Call sheets don't count. Unless accompanied by actual pay stubs. My bad.

So, I am looking for a production that is non-union but is going to flip over. Any advice? Any leads? Willing to start out as just a boom-op or lower.
 
Doc,

Have you tried calling or dropping a note off the big lots (WB, Paramount, etc.) that you're looking to reach out to the sound mixers who work on set in giving you a helping hand? Call all the usual suspects such as rental houses, video production houses, and longtime mixers and boom ops themselves to let them know you are available. By far you're a bigger fish than I am, but I was in the IATSE not too long ago (2 years ago) here in the Bay Area and felt that it hindered my goals and creativity. I'm freelancing now in multiple fields and by far the best move I've done in years and also part-timing at my church which gives me a tons of playing field in testing mics, wireless units, and travel to third countries. Though, the negotiations and higher pay has definitely affected on what I can do or not unlike a minimum pay amount in the union.

Have you tried dropping by JW's site to say hello? Lots of folks are looking for add'l sets of hands.

A.
 
Yep, I am moving to LA next week. Those are my first stops. JW's site? PM me the link, please. Also thought is if it comes down to it, in the mean time, I would reach out to the TV news stations........ ENG is something I did for a while.......

But on set is the biggest goal. Made the classic mistake of thinking call sheets and letters would suffice. Doh!
 
Congrats on the decision! I thought you were going full-time with IndieArms?

Call sheets mean squat. Sometimes the AD would send out the call sheet with another person's name on it that isn't even being called that day. The actual pay stub is where the proof comes in seeing how many days/hours you've worked within a certain period of time for qualification.

While you're at it, jwsoundgroup.net. See you here in LA.
 
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