Understanding Film Unions & Guilds
The film industry is powered by unions and guilds that protect the rights of workers and independent contractors alike. If you’re working in film or television, understanding these organizations and their acronyms is crucial.
A film union is a collective bargaining organization for employees, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
A film guild is a collective bargaining organization for independent contractors, advocating for their rights and contracts.
Some organizations may have “guild” in their name but function as unions (e.g., SAG-AFTRA and International Cinematographers Guild). Regardless of the terminology, these groups exist to support industry professionals. Below is a breakdown of major unions and guilds in the United States and Canada, their jurisdictions, and how they support film and TV professionals.
United States Film Unions & Guilds
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
Represents instrumental musicians working in film and television, ensuring benefits like pensions, healthcare, and ownership protection for recorded music.
📞 Contact: (323) 462-2161
🔗 afm.org
Directors Guild of America (DGA)
Represents directors, assistant directors, and unit production managers across film, television, commercials, documentaries, and more.
📞 Contact: (310) 289-2000
🔗 dga.org
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
One of the largest entertainment labor unions, representing over 140,000 technicians, artists, and craftspeople across various departments.
📞 Contact: (818) 281-2300
🔗 iatse.net
Location Managers Guild International (LMGI)
Represents location managers, location scouts, and assistant location managers working in film and television.
📞 Contact: (310) 967-2007
🔗 locationmanagers.org
IATSE Local Unions (Los Angeles)
Affiliated Property Craftspersons (IATSE Local 44)
Represents set decorators, prop makers, and various craftspersons.
📞 Contact: (818) 769-2500
🔗 local44.org
Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839)
Supports animation artists, writers, and technicians.
📞 Contact: (818) 845-7500
🔗 animationguild.org
Art Directors Guild (ADG | IATSE Local 800)
Represents art directors, model makers, set designers, and scenic artists.
📞 Contact: (818) 762-9995
🔗 adg.org
Costume Designers Guild (CDG | IATSE Local 892)
Supports costume designers and illustrators.
📞 Contact: (818) 848-2800
🔗 costumedesignersguild.com
International Cinematographers Guild (ICG | IATSE Local 600)
Represents cinematographers, camera operators, camera assistants, and DITs.
📞 Contact: (323) 876-0160
🔗 icg600.com
Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS | IATSE Local 706)
Supports makeup artists and hair stylists for film, TV, theater, and live events.
📞 Contact: (818) 295-3933
🔗 local706.org
Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG | IATSE Local 700)
Represents editors and post-production professionals.
📞 Contact: (323) 876-4770
🔗 editorsguild.com
Production Sound and Video Engineers Guild (PSVEG | IATSE Local 695)
Represents boom operators, sound mixers, playback operators, and television engineers.
📞 Contact: (818) 985-9204
🔗 local695.com
SAG-AFTRA
Represents actors, voice artists, recording artists, journalists, and other media professionals.
📞 Contact: (855) 724-2387
🔗 sagaftra.org
Teamsters Local 399
Supports drivers, location managers, and casting directors in Los Angeles.
📞 Contact: (818) 985-7374
🔗 ht399.org
Writers Guild of America (WGA)
Represents film, TV, and new media writers.
📞 Contact: (323) 951-4000
🔗 wga.org
Canada Film Unions & Guilds
Directors Guild of Canada (DGC)
Represents directors, assistant directors, location managers, and other production professionals across Canada.
🔗 dgc.ca
International Cinematographers Guild (ICG 669)
Represents camera operators, assistants, and DITs across Canada.
🔗 icg669.com
IATSE Local 849
Covers film technicians and crew in Atlantic Canada.
🔗 iatse849.com
Final Thoughts
Film unions and guilds exist to protect workers, ensuring fair wages, working conditions, and benefits. Whether you’re working in the U.S. or Canada, joining the right organization can help you navigate the industry more effectively. Always research your local union to understand membership requirements and benefits.
For more information, visit the official websites linked above to explore opportunities in your region. To gain a deeper understanding of each department, their roles, and how to break into them, check out Lights, Camera, Hired! A Guide to Film Industry Jobs. This book provides insider knowledge on career paths, industry expectations, and tips to help you move up the ranks.