IATSE Local

I would receive a call in the late evening to work the following morning. Our shooting location was usually out of town and we were required to arrive before the talent which usually meant extremely early. It was our job to process cast and report to set to maintain their looks for the remainder of the shooting day. Typically a shooting day is called after 12 hours; however part of makeup's job is making sure the actors have help cleaning themselves off  if need be.  The conditions in which we worked really varied, which is why it was always important to have rain and snow gear on hand. You get very used to it, I managed to stay relatively dry most nights. If the job was only a day call I wouldn't typically know anyone on the makeup team other than the head of department so working with new people was always a great opportunity. The hardest part of the job was definitely the hours and work conditions. Even having appropriate gear, the weather can start to wear on you when you've been working for 5 days straight in heavy rain fall. By the end of a work week I was usually exhausted as I would either work very early mornings or late night shoots, sometimes arriving home at 6 or 7 am. As hard as the job was it was also one of the most rewarding. On the final day of shooting, you feel such a sense of pride and accomplishment, and the friends and family you've fostered over the course of the shoot, makes you eager to start the next one.

Working in the film industry was a great place to work. Every day their was something  different to do. I learned to delegate jobs and run paint crews of up too 13 people, as well as plan and organize my days in a very fast paced environment. In this business you get to work with many different kinds of people, witch I really enjoyed. The hardest part of this job was probably the long hours 12 to 14 hours a day sometimes. I enjoyed every thing about this job.

What is the best part of working at the company?
If your a stagehand it's by far the best crew in the industry hands down. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I've rarely ever had a stressful shift because of the company 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
One for all, we're a team.  You'll do well if you love the work. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Set it up then load it out. Straight forward stuff if you know what you're doing

Working film is not only fun but very demanding and physical. A big commitment that involved many long days away from family. In all it is a dream job if only it was consistent with month to month work. Was able to utilize all my skill and knowledge while continuously gaining new skill and abilities. Jack of all trades is expected not to mention a high level of professionalism and respectful behavior towards all co-workers.

IATSE Local 105 provides work experience for stage technicians and those looking to work on the technical side of theatre. The work is unionized, so if you are not a permit worker yet, then don't expect incredible job security, but as long as you are a hard worker and are willing to learn new skills, then this job is for you.

- Great work environment
- learned stage set up / building skills
- great working crew and management 
- the people you work with are open and willing to help out
- hours could be long at times

- I love travelling to different performance venues and setting up very interesting sets for the performers. the breaks are nice and management really takes care of the workers during long pressing work days.

It’s a good company and you have the ability to make a lot of money. You also learn a lot about the filming industry and the different departments that comes together to make up this union. There are a lot of challenges but room for growth. 

There are some nice people in the film industry but more douch-y people than most places.  Male-dominated ego-driven.  On the upside, the pay is great.  Excellence is expected which is necessary when the product costs so much but it is a tough place to start out. Expect some very stressful days at the outset until you find your crew.

Generally a good place to work you will learn many things from skilled crafts persons, the pay is good but very unsteady employment. The work is call in and no guarantee of work the next day, meals always available on and off set and a food allowance. The pay is good but the problem one days work may have to last until called again

I love working at IATSE local because we treat each other with respect and we work together as family. At IATSE local, your department head gives you the opportunity in other for you to grow in various aspects within the same departments.  I couldn't ask for a better job. 
Thanks to IATSE local. 

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