performing arts coordinator

make-up artist

coiffeur

préposé aux télécommunications

monteur

IATSE Local 891

The work starts early at 7 AM. You meet people who come early and make small chats. The work starts sharply at 7 AM and we get instructions from lead painters or head painters about the projects for the morning.Usually we work in pairs or small groups of people so we can consolidate the project how to share. It.By small  consolidation we find out what each person can do the best. To finish projects faster.,Sometimes project required to work two people at the same time ,for example, moving big flats. at the beginning of this segment, we plan our tools, place of work, and making secure walls, floors and end around. Then we work till  930 to first coffee break.Than we work from 945 till 1230 when we take lunch for half an hour. It’s enough time to have a lunch and socialize with other workers. Then we work from one o’clock till 3 o’clock. Then we have coffee for 15 minutes that.. Then we have me work till 5 o’clock. Then we finish our work and. and then, last 15 minutes is for cleaning the tools, washing brushes and rollers. At 5:30 we leave the place tight and clean and go home to rest. The work in the movies is hard hard, but also rewarding in the feeling of accomplishment. Every project is different so it’s never boring or monotonous. Working with other members of Iatse  is very educational and promotes personal growth..

I love being an entertainment technician, and have 25 years of experience. This is truly a skilled job when done properly. I’m not against newbies as we were all new once, but I don’t appreciate competing for jobs against a constantly revolving door of new hires. This is the only Iatse in North America that is constantly hiring. For example, in Toronto to do my job requires 10 years of experience vs zero days in Vancouver. Management claims this is due to natural attrition. However, it is actually due to a lack of seniority, over-saturating the crew, and creating an overly competitive and often hostile environment, where few truly succeed in the long term. The result is high turnover. Don’t believe me? Enter iatse in the search field and leave location blank in Canada and the US sites. 891 will be the only result.

To make a living working in film, too many factors come into play to adequately do so. Of the 3 years I was a union member which took about 4 years to achieve, Covid and a National Strike happened. So I was out of the job for 2 out of those 3 years.  Contracts for jobs are typically only 24 hrs. So if your boss has an issue with you, there's no HR to talk to you just get told to not come back, if they have the decency to tell you at all. The work-life balance is non-existent. You'll be lucky to get 6 hours of sleep if you work full-time on a show. To make an 80-100k income be prepared to work 60-70 hour weeks at least 10 months out of the year. Then save your money in the slow seasons because you don't know if the writers or actors or a pandemic will cut off your income. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
highest quality production level and always well paid and many hands to work with always never a shortage of help to do anything. best job I ever had

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
not wanting to make mistakes and embarrass myself or be late

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
professional attitude top notch 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
12 hours building film sets in a shop or warehouse weeks or months at different sights but the permittee never knew when I would be let go. Always before full union members.

The Iatse 891 union is there to get as many members in the union to make money of people paying their dues. There has been countless abuse situations at work that have not been handled well by the shop steward representatives. Dispatch does not call you to get you the work, you will starve if you rely on a call from the union. Overall, it’s been a frustrating, disappointing, stressful way to make a living. I do not recommend this job to anyone that has a family or let’s,
You will get worked like a slave, super long hours and there is a high risk of injury as per the long hours and fast set ups in different locations.

If you want to have a life ....don't work in film......only do it if u want it to be your life
very political  environment that is full of nepotism and favouritism.....advancement and job opportunities are great if your family and friends help run things. Making it involves being politically, socially and work wise very adept and competent.....otherwise the hand patting you on the back could well have a knife in it.

Excellent company to work for. Excellent benefits, additional health insurance, provided breakfast and coffee time. As in any other company, there are all kinds of people with different characters, but the company's policy is very strict regarding harassment and any other form of harassment. The only problem is that after the finished film, you can wait up to a couple of months for the call of the dispatcher to work on the next film, which is not good at all for people who have to pay mortgage for the house or rental mounty payment.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Dynamic work environment. No day is typically ever the same

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Working 12 hour days sometimes 6 days a week or more. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
An industry with a wide range of skills from many generations 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Everyday is never quite the same as the last. Our work, our environment or location is never the same

Working in film and television can be both rewarding and frustrating. The health benefits are outstanding and the union itself does great for the most part. There are great opportunities to learn on the job and also through reimbursement of training outside the job. Depending on which department you get into, like any job, it can take some time to find the right group of people you work well with. The pressure and timelines can be challenging. Be ready to work. But there are great benefits to this industry, it’s what you make of it. 

I love working here building sets. It’s always interesting. It’s good pay, hard work and constantly learning the trade.
Long hours can be considered a CON however this is how someone is able to earn a very good income. Know in advance what the hours and schedule could look like and this will only be a small challenge.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Performing arts coordinator 7 salaries reported	$36.36 per hour
Make-up artist 2 salaries reported	$30.79 per hour
Coiffeur 2 salaries reported	$33.75 per hour
Préposé aux télécommunications 1 salary reported	$34.61 per hour
Monteur 1 salary reported	$38.57 per hour

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