15 Essential Film Unions Every Filmmaker Must Know in 2025
Film is a battleground.
-Sam Fuller
15 Essential Film Unions Every Filmmaker Must Know in 2025
Film industry unions and movie unions represent a powerful community of over 350,000 industry professionals, whether you’re new to a film set or planning your next big production. SAG-AFTRA and IATSE alone have more than 330,000 members between them.
These Hollywood unions and film industry organizations set the standards that protect everyone in film production. They determine minimum wages and working conditions. The WGA, for example, has set baseline screenwriting rates at $79,432 for original screenplays. Their influence extends to actors, directors, makeup artists, and location managers.
Let’s look at 15 key unions that will affect your path in filmmaking. We’ll explore their membership requirements, benefits, and the current industry standards for 2025.
SAG-AFTRA is the biggest entertainment union in the US, with approximately 160,000 performers and media professionals spread across 25 local chapters.
SAG-AFTRA Membership Requirements
Members can join through three main paths. They can work one day in a principal or speaking role. Another option is to complete three days as a background actor under a SAG-AFTRA agreement. The third way is to be a member of an affiliated performers’ union for one year with at least one principal performance. New members must pay a national initiation fee of $3,000 and annual base dues of $236.60.
Key Benefits and Protections
Members enjoy several valuable benefits:
Collective bargaining agreements that guarantee minimum wages
Access to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan
Participation in SAG-Producers Pension Plan
Entry to the iActor online casting database
Protection through contract enforcement
Recent Contract Changes
The union’s 118-day strike in 2023 resulted in a landmark agreement worth over $1 billion in new compensation and benefit plan funding. Members received a 7% increase in minimum wages starting November 2023. This will be followed by 4% in July 2024 and 3.5% in July 2025.
Digital Content Guidelines
The 2023 agreement brought strong protections for digital content creation. Members now have the right to approve any digital replicas and AI usage of their likeness. The agreement requires clear contracts that spell out intended digital alterations. Members must also receive compensation for digital replica creation and use, which includes pension and health plan contributions.
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The Directors Guild of America, an 87-year old organization, represents over 19,500 creative professionals in the film and television industry. Understanding the difference between a guild vs union is crucial in the entertainment industry, as guilds like the DGA often function similarly to unions but with some distinct characteristics.
DGA Membership Criteria
Directors can join through two main paths: they need to be hired by a signatory company or develop a feature-length project under their own signatory company. The membership costs $3,500 for low-budget productions (under $11 million) and $14,802 for regular membership. Members pay quarterly dues of $50 simple fee plus 1.5% of gross earnings between $10,000 and $300,000.
Contract Negotiations
The DGA won several most important victories in their 2023 contract negotiations and secured a 13% compound wage increase over three years. The agreement brought new provisions for streaming residuals. High-budget one-hour series now receive $89,415 for the first three years of use. The contract created first-ever standards for ad-supported streaming services and added Juneteenth as a recognized holiday.
Benefits Overview
Members get complete benefits:
Creative rights guaranteeing directorial control
Access to pension and health plans that started in 1960
Legal representation for contract disputes
Residual payments of over $300 million each year
Free access to industry screenings and events
The DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans are among the best in the entertainment industry. These plans provide health coverage to eligible members and their families. Directors must earn specific minimum thresholds to qualify for these benefits. The Board of Trustees reviews these thresholds regularly.
The Writers Guild of America has represented creators of scripted content for television, film, and digital media since 1954. Two branches make up the union – WGA East in New York and WGA West in Los Angeles. As an entertainment union, the WGA plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of writers in the industry.
WGA Membership Process
Writers must earn 24 units within three years to qualify for membership. A screenplay earns 24 units, a rewrite brings 12 units, and polish work adds 6 units. New members pay $2,500 to join plus quarterly dues at 1.5% of their gross writing income.
Strike History and Impacts
The WGA’s strike history shows how it adapted to industry changes. The 2023 strike ran for 148 days and won landmark agreements worth $233 million yearly. Previous strikes brought major changes:
1960: First theatrical film residuals began
1981: Writers won payment terms for cable programs
1988: Writers got syndicated rerun residuals
2007-08: DVD and new media content compensation improved
Digital Platform Agreements
The guild has complete guidelines for digital content creation. Current agreements protect writers on:
Internet productions
Mobile device content
Emerging technological platforms
High-budget streaming programs
Recent negotiations gave writers better insight into streaming success metrics and higher royalties for popular shows. Writers’ rooms now have minimum staffing requirements that protect jobs from AI replacement.
IATSE’s network of 168,000 members throughout the United States and Canada forms the foundation of film and television production. As one of the most prominent film crew unions, IATSE plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of behind-the-scenes workers.
Local Chapters Overview
More than 360 local unions make up IATSE’s organizational structure. These independent unions operate within 13 geographical districts. Each local specializes in specific areas like cinematography, editing, art direction, and stage operations.
Membership Benefits
Members enjoy several valuable benefits:
Motion Picture Health Plan offering $2,500 yearly dental coverage
Two pension plans plus yearly bonus payments for retirees
Salary increases of 7% (2024), 4% (2025), and 3.5% (2026)
Training programs for skill development and safety
Safety Protocols
IATSE enforces strict safety measures through its Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee. The committee updates safety bulletins regularly to tackle new challenges in the industry.
Working Hours Guidelines
Recent negotiations have brought major improvements to working conditions. Members get 54 hours of rest after working five days straight and 32 hours after six-day weeks. The agreement also guarantees a 10-hour daily break between shifts for TV and feature productions. Crew members receive a $25 penalty for each half-hour violation after four meal penalties. This ensures everyone gets proper breaks.
The Producers Guild of America has 8,400+ members who work in film, television, and emerging media production teams. This non-profit trade organization is different from other film unions because it operates as a professional association rather than a labor union. The PGA serves as the producers union, representing the interests of producers in the film and television industry.
Membership Categories
Producer credits earned within specific timeframes determine membership eligibility. Seven years is the validity period for feature film and AAA video game credits, while feature animation credits last ten years. The guild welcomes various producing roles, from Executive Producers to Production Coordinators. Producers can also qualify automatically for membership when they receive two or more Producer’s Mark certifications on qualifying films.
Producer's Mark Certification
Professionals who handle most producing functions in a decision-making role can earn the Producer’s Mark (p.g.a.) certification. The certification process looks at:
Producer contributions through detailed vetting
Directors, writers, and department heads provide third-party input
Creative, financial, and technical decisions
Production involvement at every stage
Benefits and Resources
Members get access to valuable industry opportunities and resources. A concierge service provides job leads, while mentoring programs and exclusive networking events help career growth. The PGA started a health insurance initiative in 2025 that recommends production companies pay $3.33 per hour for each eligible full-time producer. Members can vote for the prestigious Producers Guild Awards, watch pre-release screenings, and save money with substantial industry service discounts.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters motion picture division represents 12,000 members across the United States and Canada. As one of the prominent labor unions in the film industry, the Teamsters play a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights.
Film Industry Role
Teamsters play a vital part in film and television productions by managing essential behind-the-scenes operations. Their members work in a variety of positions including Transportation captains and drivers.
Local 399 Overview
Local 399, a 95-year old organization based in North Hollywood, has protected film industry workers since 1928. The local provides detailed benefits to its members, including health insurance plans, retirement savings through pension plans, and guaranteed union-rate wages. Local 399 continues its strong organizing efforts and expands beyond productions to include industry vendors.
Transportation Department Guidelines
The transportation department follows strict safety protocols developed through collaborative effort with multiple unions. Production-provided or private transportation takes precedence over public transit. Safety measures require drivers and passengers to follow specific protocols, such as regular vehicle sanitization and proper distancing. The agreement specifies clear terms about travel distance compensation and rest periods for extended locations.
Local 399 and Hollywood Basic Crafts achieved remarkable support for their new contracts in 2023 – 98% for the Locations Managers Agreement and 96% for the Black Book Agreement. These agreements brought better working conditions and wage increases to workers across multiple classifications.
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The Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG), part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, represents more than 8,000 post-production professionals. For those seeking film union jobs, the Editors Guild offers opportunities in various aspects of post-production.
Membership Requirements
Qualifying for membership demands 175 days of non-union work experience within three years before application. All the same, assistant editors need fewer qualifying days. Members must submit their dues within 30 calendar days after securing a union position. They also need to complete mandatory safety courses, which include A and A2 certifications.
Post-Production Standards
The guild’s collective bargaining agreements with major studios enforce detailed post-production standards. Members get protection in several key areas:
Health insurance with employer contributions
Pension plans with retirement benefits
Wage protection and overtime compensation
Credit assignment rights
Safe working conditions
Technical Guidelines
Technical excellence in post-production workflows stands as the guild’s top priority. Members should demonstrate expertise in industry-standard editing platforms like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere, or Final Cut Pro. The guild’s strict guidelines require 200 square feet of space per editor with proper soundproofing and climate control. Each editing suite needs 30 lumens per square foot of lighting and must include basic amenities that ensure optimal working conditions.
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The Art Directors Guild (ADG), IATSE Local 800, represents 3,278 motion picture and television professionals across the United States and Canada. As one of the prominent film guilds, the ADG plays a crucial role in setting industry standards for production design.
Membership Process
ADG membership requires candidates to show experience in one of the guild’s craft classifications. Members enjoy detailed benefits that include health plans, retirement benefits, and collective bargaining agreements. The guild provides workplace grievance protection, education programs, and lets members access an exclusive “Available for Work” list.
Department Classifications
Four main craft divisions make up the guild:
Production Designers and Art Directors: Develop overall visual storytelling and supervise physical/digital elements
Scenic, Title, and Graphic Artists: Create scenery, fine art, and on-camera graphics
Illustrators and Matte Artists: Design concept art and realistic backgrounds
Set Designers and Model Makers: Draft construction drawings and build set models
Industry Standards
ADG maintains strict protocols for production safety and efficiency in 2025. These guidelines require safety training for all art department employees and define workspace requirements. Set designers, graphic artists, and illustrators can work remotely in specific roles.
The guild’s story began in 1914 with Wilfred Buckland becoming the first recognized Art Director. The merger of various craft locals in 2008 made the guild stronger in negotiating industry-wide standards.
The Costume Designers Guild (CDG), operating as IATSE Local 892, brings together over 1,200 creative professionals who craft the visual identity of film, television, and digital media productions.
Membership Criteria
The guild offers different membership classifications:
Costume Designers: Need one feature film or television production credit
Assistant Costume Designers: Must show documented experience in film/TV productions
Costume Illustrators: Should submit three professional recommendation letters
The current initiation fee for costume designers is $6,500 with quarterly dues of $345.99. Assistant designers pay $3,750to join and $284.77 each quarter.
Industry Standards
CDG upholds strict professional standards for productions of all types in 2025. Costume designers need proper documentation through deal memos, crew lists, or call sheets. The guild has clear guidelines for both union and non-union productions that transition to union status.
Contract Requirements
A significant victory in 2024 brought a 40% wage increase for theatrical and television costume designers. The agreement now requires mandatory screen credits for costume designers and ensures their prominent placement with other department heads. Single-card credits appear in main titles or end credits for theatrical productions, while television allows shared-card placement.
The guild negotiated better terms for half-hour television shows with a 12% first-year wage increase, plus 4% and 3.5%increases in following years. Assistant costume designers saw similar gains with 10%, 7.5%, and 7.5% increases over three years.
Local 706 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees maintains strict standards for makeup artists and hair stylists who work in film, television, and digital media productions. As part of the production crew, these craftspersons play a crucial role in bringing characters to life on screen.
Certification Requirements
Hair stylists must have a valid Certificate of Qualification or inter-provincial red seal certificate. Makeup artists must pass color blindness tests during their certification. You can become eligible for membership by completing 60 days of non-roster work in each of three years. Another path requires 30 days of union employment within a year.
Safety Standards
The guild has complete safety protocols that all productions must follow:
Tools and equipment must be sanitized
Each performer needs their own sponges and applicators
Makeup products need replacement every three months
Makeup and hair styling areas need proper ventilation
Chemical exposure requires eye wash stations
Department Guidelines
Hair and makeup professionals keep detailed records of all products they use. This creates a list of chemicals and health risks. The guild requires proper labels on all chemicals. Material Safety Data Sheets are needed for toxic substances. Artists must check if performers have allergies or sensitivities before starting work. The department needs hydraulic chairs, good lighting, and first aid kits in all work areas.
The guild won most important contract improvements in 2024. These changes brought new digital content rules and better workplace safety measures.
The American Federation of Musicians protects performers who record for film and television productions. This organization ensures fair pay and good working conditions for musicians of all media types. As an entertainment workers union, the AFM plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of musicians in the film and television industry.
Music Industry Protections
AFM members get complete benefits when they record under union contracts. These musicians earn new use fees and pension benefits as their recordings appear in different formats. We focused on protecting several recording categories:
Sound recordings for theatrical releases
Television and radio commercials
Film and video game scores
Live television performances
Internet and streaming content
Recording Guidelines
Film and television projects need musicians to follow specific recording standards. The union requires proper documentation for all recording sessions to track usage rights accurately. AFM made a big move in 2025 with groundbreaking protections against artificial intelligence usage. Musicians must receive compensation when their performances blend with AI tools.
Contract Requirements
The union’s 2024 contract brings major improvements to its members. Musicians now receive streaming residuals and healthcare contributions for content created specifically for streaming platforms. Successful streaming shows earn performers a bonus. Musicians who work on theatrical releases get extra payments when soundtracks sell more than 5,000 copies if they meet certain criteria. The rehabilitation plan needs contribution rates between 4% and 15% to maintain stable pension benefits.
The Animation Guild (TAG) Local 839 is 71 years old and promotes the interests of more than 6,000 artists, technicians, and writers in the animation industry.
Membership Benefits
Members qualify through employment at signatory studios and need 30 days of work before joining. The Motion Picture Industry Health and Pension Plans provide complete benefits throughout their careers. Members can join the guild’s 401(k) plan after 90 days of employment. New members pay an initiation fee equal to two weeks’ minimum scale wages that match their hired job category.
Digital Animation Standards
The guild sets strict technical specifications for animation projects. These standards include:
QuickTime (.mov) file format with Apple ProRes 422 HQ codec
HD resolution (1920×1080) or 4K UHD (3840×2160)
Frame rate of 24 fps with square pixel aspect ratio
Audio requirements of 5.1 or stereo at 48 kHz, 24-bit uncompressed PCM
Working Conditions
Studies show 29% of animation jobs could face disruption from artificial intelligence within three years, so the guild secured strong protections. The industry underwent major changes in 2023, and layoffs affected one-third of TAG’s animation workforce. Remote workers outside Los Angeles County now have guild protection, which helps members who moved during recent industry changes.
The American Cinema Editors, now 73 years old, is an honorary society that champions excellence in motion picture editing.
Membership Process
ACE membership demands 72 months of editing experience with screen credits in main or end titles. Aspiring members need two sponsorship letters from active ACE members. Each letter must contain at least 100 words. New members pay a $150 initiation fee and $400 annual dues.
Industry Recognition
The ACE Eddie Awards have been a game-changer since 1951. These awards are the most important predictors of Oscar nominations in Best Picture and Best Editing categories. Major film studios like Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Walt Disney Pictures recognize the ACE designation. ACE encourages education and mentorship through events like EditFest Global and Invisible Art/Visible Artists.
Technical Standards
ACE has clear guidelines for post-production environments. Every editor should work with at least one assistant editor. Editors should have a say in selecting editing platforms, software versions, and media storage solutions. ACE suggests $550 weekly compensation when editors use their personal Non-Linear Editing Systems and $225 weekly for Remote Access Systems.
Local 600 of IATSE sets cinematography standards in film and television. They represent 8,400 camera professionals and publicists. As the cinematographer union, it plays a crucial role in protecting the rights and interests of cinematographers in the film industry.
Membership Requirements
You just need either 100 paid days on non-union projects within three years or 30 paid days on union projects within one year to qualify for membership. Candidates must prove their employment through payroll services or verification letters during the application process. Trainee programs have specific requirements. These include reliable transportation, completion of required courses, and 30 days of on-set experience.
Equipment Standards
The guild has strict technical rules for equipment. Their standard measurements include 28-inch spacing for dolly tracks and 15mm diameter for mini rods with 60mm center spacing. Cinematographers must stick to manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines and should not use solvents or strong detergents.
Safety Protocols
The guild’s safety committee has detailed guidelines to protect everyone on set. Members can get reimbursement for ride services or hotel rooms if they’re too tired to drive safely. The Safety Bill of Rights protects members by laying out steps to take in unsafe working conditions. The committee keeps safety bulletins up to date and has released guidelines for long or back-to-back takes to prevent injuries.
The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) brings together creative professionals who maintain exceptional standards in motion picture, television, and commercial production. As part of the film production union landscape, the LMGI plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient location management.
Membership Benefits
New members get access to exclusive industry resources and recognition. The LMGI gives voting rights for annual award nominees at their prestigious gala. Members can boost their industry profile by volunteering on committees. The guild’s influence has secured a dedicated IMDB category and representation in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Location Scouting Standards
Location professionals need to master several technical skills:
Detailed site documentation through photography
Budget management capabilities
Advanced communication skills for property negotiations
Clear understanding of permit requirements
Sound quality assessment stands as a key responsibility, with professionals checking sites for noise from airports, schools, and underground subway systems. The scouting process requires proper documentation, including property agreements and insurance coverage.
Safety Guidelines
Each site needs a full safety assessment from location managers. The guild requires Location Pre-Production Hazard Assessment Checklists and On-Production Hazard Assessment Checklists. Location managers must identify emergency services, create detailed hospital route maps, and keep records of all safety activities. This role demands constant monitoring of changing conditions, from weather patterns to construction changes, with crew safety as the top priority.
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Ready to Join A Union?
Film industry unions support more than 350,000 industry professionals and shape everything from minimum wages to working conditions. These 15 vital unions protect and help everyone in film production. They provide complete benefits, safety protocols, and fair pay rates.
Understanding union requirements is vital to successful filmmaking. SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and WGA set baseline rates for creative talent. IATSE locals protect technical crews with detailed working condition guidelines. Recent contract negotiations with multiple unions have secured new protections against AI implementation and digital content usage.
The unions set high technical specifications and safety standards throughout the industry. Location managers need a full picture of each site. Makeup artists follow strict sanitization protocols. Cinematographers must stick to equipment guidelines. These standards keep crews safe while ensuring quality output.
Successful film production relies on understanding and respecting union requirements, from membership criteria to specific department rules. These organizations adapt to new technology while protecting their members’ rights and keeping industry standards high. For those looking to join a film union, each organization has its own specific requirements and processes, but all share the common goal of protecting and advancing the interests of entertainment workers.
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