The Ultimate Guide to Film Unions
Hey filmmakers! Welcome back to Ben on Film. Today, we’re talking about something that’s essential to the film industry but often overlooked by audiences: unions. They’re the backbone of Hollywood, supporting the people who make your favorite movies and shows. But what do they actually do? Who do they protect? And how have they changed the industry over the years?
What Are Film Industry Unions?
Film unions are organizations that represent and protect workers in the industry. From actors and writers to cinematographers and editors, these unions ensure fair pay, safe working conditions, and benefits like health insurance and pensions.
Without unions, the film industry would look very different—probably a lot less glamorous and definitely more exploitative.
The Major Players
Let’s start with the big ones:
SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists):
Represents actors, voiceover artists, stunt performers, and more.
They negotiate contracts for fair wages, residuals, and working conditions.
One big win? The 1960 strike led by Ronald Reagan, which secured residuals for actors from TV reruns and films aired on television.
Protects screenwriters and TV writers.
The WGA famously struck in 2007-2008, fighting for residuals from streaming platforms, which was a game-changer in the age of Netflix and Hulu.
DGA (Directors Guild of America):
Represents directors, assistant directors, and production managers.
Their efforts helped establish creative rights, ensuring directors have final say over their films' edits and distribution.
IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees):
Covers behind-the-scenes workers: grips, set decorators, editors, costume designers, and more.
A recent achievement? Their 2021 strike negotiations, which focused on improved working hours and streaming residuals.
PGA (Producers Guild of America):
Represents producers and works to recognize their creative contributions.
The PGA certification program now ensures producers receive proper credit for their work.
Teamsters Local 399 and Basic Crafts:
Handles transportation, animal wrangling, and other essential on-set logistics.
Their strikes have supported better wages and safer working conditions.
How Unions Have Changed the Industry
Film unions have fought for major changes in the industry over the years. Here are a few highlights:
Shortened Work Hours - The Turnaround Rule, spearheaded by IATSE, guarantees minimum rest hours between shifts. No more 18-hour days without a break.
Residuals - Thanks to SAG-AFTRA and the WGA, actors and writers now receive residuals when their work is replayed or streamed. This income has been a lifeline for countless professionals.
Safety Standards - From stunt safety regulations to mandatory medic teams on set, unions like SAG-AFTRA and IATSE have made sets safer.
Streaming Rights - In the streaming era, unions fought to ensure creators and performers are compensated fairly—a battle that continues to evolve.
These wins didn’t come easy. They often required strikes, tough negotiations, and years of persistence. But they’ve made Hollywood a better place to work for everyone.
Why Do Unions Still Matter Today?
The industry is always changing—think AI, streaming platforms, and global productions. Unions are constantly adapting to protect workers from new challenges, like ensuring fair pay for projects that debut on streaming or tackling how AI might affect writers and performers.
In fact, some of the most recent union actions—like IATSE's near-strike in 2021—show just how vital these organizations are for keeping the industry sustainable.
How to Join a Union
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker or actor, you might be wondering: How do I join a union?
It depends on your field, but typically, you need to accrue a certain amount of work in a union-covered production. For example, SAG-AFTRA has eligibility requirements based on speaking roles or background work. Check out the union websites for details—they’re a great resource.
And there you have it—a crash course on film unions! They’re the unsung heroes of the industry, fighting to make filmmaking fair and equitable. If you found this helpful, hit that like button and subscribe to Ben on Film. Let me know in the comments: What role are you aiming for in the industry, and which union would you want to join? Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next Ben on Film!
List of Other Major Film-Related Unions
AFM (American Federation of Musicians): Represents composers, musicians, and orchestrators in film and TV productions.
AG-AFTRA (Animation Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists): Advocates for animators and storyboard artists.
NABET-CWA (National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians): Represents technicians in broadcasting and video production.
Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700): Specifically supports editors, sound engineers, and post-production professionals.
Local 600 (International Cinematographers Guild): Focuses on camera operators and technicians.
Local 798 (Hair and Makeup Artists): Represents artists specializing in on-screen hair and makeup.
Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA): Advocates for set decorators and production designers.