The Union Behind the Curtain
IATSE (pronounced ‘eye-AHT-see’) is the acronym for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada. It is the largest and most powerful labor union in the entertainment industry, representing over 170,000 ‘below-the-line’ workers. If you see a name in a film’s credits that isn’t a writer, director, producer, or actor, that person is very likely a member of an IATSE local.
IATSE’s members are the highly skilled artisans and technicians who are responsible for the physical creation of a film, television show, or live theatrical production. They are the hands-on craftspeople who build the sets, design the costumes, light the scenes, record the sound, and edit the final product.
A Federation of Specialized Locals
IATSE is not a single, monolithic union but an international alliance comprised of hundreds of local chapters, or ‘locals.’ Each local represents a specific, highly specialized craft or a particular geographic region. This structure allows for expert representation tailored to the unique needs and skills of each profession.
Some of the most prominent Hollywood-based IATSE locals include:
| Local Number | Craft / Jurisdiction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Local 600 | International Cinematographers Guild | Represents Directors of Photography, Camera Operators, Camera Assistants, and Publicists. |
| Local 700 | Motion Picture Editors Guild | Represents Picture Editors, Sound Editors, Music Editors, and other post-production professionals. |
| Local 800 | Art Directors Guild | Represents Art Directors, Production Designers, Set Designers, and other members of the art department. |
| Local 80 | Motion Picture Studio Grips | Represents the grips who build and maintain camera support equipment and shape lighting. |
| Local 728 | Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians | Represents the gaffers and electricians responsible for all on-set lighting. |
| Local 706 | Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild | Represents the artists who create the look of the performers. |
| Local 44 | Affiliated Property Craftspersons | Represents Prop Masters, Set Decorators, and Special Effects technicians. |
Through its master contract, known as the Hollywood Basic Agreement, IATSE negotiates the wages, benefits, and working conditions for the vast majority of the below-the-line workforce.