Being relatively new to production sound mixing and post production sound, I've been wandering my way through the indie world not doing too much studio work. How important will it be for me to be a union member to begin working on large-scale projects? What are the unions or professional societies that I need to focus on? Are they a source of work, or more of a source of credentials?
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3 Answers
Production Sound Mixers - very important - if you want to be playing with the big boys (Devlin, Novik, Ulano, etc...) on union sets. Union sets generally won't hire you unless you're union. The only catch is, once you're union, you're only allowed to work on one or two non-union sets a year. So you'd better make sure you're good and are plugged in before you go union, or you'll be out of work!
As for Sound Designers, I don't think its really that important. I don't know of many that are union. There are organizations, such as CAS, that a lot of Sound Designers (and Production Mixers) join, but those aren't usually unions.
Personally, I think unions have outstayed their welcome. They were very useful pre-war, but I think they do more damage than good anymore, IMHO.
answered May 4, 2010 at 14:35
Hi VCD,
The union here in Los Angeles (MPEG Local 700) doesn't recognize the title "sound designer" as an official classification. The closest you would get would be either a sound editor or a re-recording mixer. (Guess the "sound designer" fits somewhere between those two.) So with that in mind, you'd need to figure which of those best fits your skill set.
AMENDED: Without a union membership you're not able to be on union payroll. That being said, I think independent sound designers can work on union shows but cannot accumulate hours towards pension, health benefits, etc .
As a "PS" to Colin's opinion, I'll say that although the union certainly isn't perfect, it is the way the industry works. On the plus side, the health benefits are great - and that can be worth more than money.
answered May 4, 2010 at 22:17
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True, it is the way that the industry works. If you want to work on the big stuff in the industry (production side) you're going to need to be in a union (MPEG Local 700, IATSE Local 695). I just wish it wasn't that way. It limits what you are allowed to work on, and I don't like the way unions are run. But I don't see it changing any time soon. May 5, 2010 at 0:07
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I personally love that unions make sure you get paid a living wage for your work. My experience in LA has shocked me as so many people are winning bids by undercutting. I know a lot of talented dudes working on great work who can't afford to live in safe neighborhoods and have health insurance. I want in on a union gig for sure. I am hard working and work extremely well in a team. Jan 1, 2012 at 20:37
if you wish to work on Union films or TV (which are pretty much all the big films and TV shows), you must be in the union- there are some workarounds, like having a very specific skill that is not available from the pool of union talent pool, but that will simply allow you a 30 day period of employment which will satisfy the union for membership.
The other clear way into the Union directly is to organize a film or TV show. That will allow all the crew to be admitted directly.
