Local 600 question - how will I screw myself if I join?

M

Marshallarts

Well-known member
I finally have an opportunity to join the union for an upcoming job.

I also plan to make a feature within the next year. If I join the union will there be consequences for when I try to make an independent feature on my own?
 
Depends on the work. If you are a gaffer in the union, and you go on to say, produce and direct your own feature, the union wouldnt interfere. If you were to gaffer on a non union set, then they may have an issue but dependent on your local you might get permission to do so.
 
You have to read the union member rules and benefits and decide for yourself. [edit] Call the union and discuss your concerns.

https://www.cameraguild.com/Libraries/PDFs_-_Misc/Membership_Booklet.sflb.ashx

Reporting All Work
This is an absolute requirement of membership.
Whether the job is union or non-union, all Local
600 members are required to report their job.
The union will not stop a member from accepting
non-union work but every member must report
the job to the union office.
violation of the constitution and by-laws for that
member to work for less than scale or for lesser
conditions than specified in the contract. If
there are suspicions that a contract is being vio-
lated, whether it is in wages, conditions or other
crew members performing work that is in Local
600’s jurisdiction, call the nearest Local 600
office and let Business Representatives investi-
gate and/or correct the situation.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the replies. Just so i'm clear i'm speaking of the Local 600 cinematography union. How much non-union vs union? We'll 100% of work has been non-union for the very reason I am not in the union. But I very much would like to be working those bigger union jobs. I have spoken to membership and understand I may work non-union jobs but would I need to report all work. This only concerns me in-so-far as scaring away smaller clients I've had for many years. Obviously no union work is guaranteed so it puts me in an awkward place.

But my main question is what happens if I go on to Direct and Shoot my own feature. Will it suddenly cost me a ton more because the union would find out?
 
I'm a Producer/DGA member, local 600 is a good place to be, you can get benefits and protection from companies that try manipulate your pay. I work both union and non-union and local 600 does not put any undue stress on companies who want to use 600 people on their non-union jobs but they will however ask the companies to sign an agreement next time. Join=upping your game.
 
Well, I guess one thing to think about is the financial side. It costs something like $12K for initiation as a DP. I'm not sure of the actual number--I've been a 600 member for a good 20 years so I don't keep up on such delights. In addition, dues in the DP classification are around $275 a quarter plus 1% of your income. If you are missing out on jobs and you think that will continue, it's obviously worth it--a necessary evil, if you will...!

But I'll tell you what: once you qualify for health insurance and manage to keep qualifying by working enough days, you are privileged to one of the strongest group plans around.

As far as non-union work, within those 20 fun-filled years I've done plenty of those and it's not a hassle.
 
Great! Thanks for the advice. Right now I am not sure how much work this one opportunity may lead to, but I want to ultimately have these union job opportunities. I just don't want to scare away my non-union clients and also hurt myself when I make a feature.

thanks
 
Marshallarts said:
Great! Thanks for the advice. Right now I am not sure how much work this one opportunity may lead to, but I want to ultimately have these union job opportunities. I just don't want to scare away my non-union clients and also hurt myself when I make a feature.

thanks
Click to expand...

Most unions require you to get 30 days in before you can join unless you are on a project that is going union and everyone on the crew is joining their respective locals. When that happens, you usually get credited for days already worked.
When you make your feature, they aren't going to care. You won't be working for someone else, it will be your project, so even if you were going to operate, you are also wearing 20 different hats too. I'm a union board member for a different local, and most locals are very encouraging when their members choose to create their own projects. New film makers have to come from somewhere.
 
Something else to factor in if applicable, is if you work in a right to work state. Many of us in AFTRA who live in right to work states do a ton of non-union work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top