How to Join the Camera Operators Union

A camera operators union gives input on industry working conditions.

A camera operator physically maneuvers the camera during a take for a movie, film or commercial. You look through the camera's eyepiece while adjusting the camera to maintain the flow of the shot. Work as a camera operator can be demanding, and many operators join a camera operators union to become a part of a large group that ensures professional standards and educates members on their craft.

Instructions

1. Get professional camera experience. Before joining a cinematography union, you must be a skilled camera operator. Go to film school and learn the basics. Watch films and read books on cinematography and filmmaking. Practice shooting regularly. Seize every opportunity to secure camera operating jobs, even if it means not getting paid. Network with classmates and colleagues to get a variety of jobs; the goal is to get a wide array of experience as opposed to just securing a large quantity of jobs. Discuss methods with classmates, peers, professors, film crew and directors to gain different perspectives on useful camera techniques.

2. Go to iatse-intl.org, the website of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada. The IATSE is a member of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States. Read about the organization and decide whether the IATSE is an association that is worth joining.

3. Go to the appropriate local union website once you have decided to join. Cinematographers include directors of photography, camera operators and camera assistants, who belong to a national union that is under the umbrella of the IATSE called the International Cinematographers Guild. In the United States, camera operators join the International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600. In Canada, members belong to either The International Photographers Guild, IATSE Local 667 in eastern Canada or 669 in western Canada. Cameraguild.com is the website for the International Cinematographers Guild, the American camera operators union. Ia669.com and ia667.com are the Canadian websites for the camera operators union.

4. Click on the "About Us" sections and click on the "How to Join" tab on the local site. One area may ask for resume submissions while another may require submitted applications. Review membership requirements. Contact the office or membership chair directly and confirm the requirements to join the union. Ask for successful application advice. Submit the requested documents and, if applicable, submit the application fee.

References

• IATSE: Contact Us
• International Photographers Guild IATSE Local 667 Application
• International Photographers Guild IATSE Local 669
• The International Cinematographers Guild IATSE Local 600

Resources

• The American Society of Cinematographers