Besides its collective bargaining agreements covering Art Directors, Local 800 has over twenty-five different collective bargaining agreements for its Scenic, Title and Graphic Artist members employed in over fifty companies in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Denver. A great percentage of its highly skilled artists hold academic degrees in the fine and theater arts.
Members work in the many diverse but related fields of the entertainment industry such as:
- Motion Picture and Television
- Theaters
- Theme Amusement Parks
- Commercials
- Independent Production Shops
- Trade Shows
- Museums
Scenic Artists:
Paint backdrops, murals, figures, portraits, free hand decoration, fine art painting and stained glass for film, television and theater. In broadcast facilities, in scenic shops and theatrical stage/shops members additionally perform set painting and sign writing.
Title Artists:
Design, draw and paint titles for films and coming attractions (trailers), screen advertising and main title illustrations using hand and computer skills.
Graphic Artists:
Provide on air graphics, bumpers, print advertising, production graphics and promotional material utilizing traditional skills including use of state of the art computers.
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Thank you for your interest in the Art Directors Guild, Local 800 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). If you are presently seeking employment in the entertainment industry or have already begun working at a company covered by one of our agreements, we hope the following information will be of assistance.
Individuals who perform covered work as Scenic, Title, or Graphic Artists under a Local 800 or IATSE collective bargaining agreement may apply for membership in one of those categories thirty days following commencement of employment. The individual is obligated to submit an application and the required fees in accordance with the agreement under which he or she is employed as the necessary pre-condition to continued employment under a union agreement. Many of the Local 800 agreements require that preference of employment be given to those individuals having previous work experience in the motion picture industry.
The Guild does not maintain a hiring hall. Prospective employees or members should contact employers by letter and resume and express an interest in employment. A portfolio clearly demonstrating skills and abilities generally will be required at all employer interviews. A resume may be forwarded to the union office where it will be maintained on file for six months.
Union membership is a good investment in your career. In the great American tradition, entertainment companies are formed to make profits. However, in pursuing this time honored and respected goal, the interests and well being of the skilled artists and crafts people serving the entertainment industry are frequently compromised or, in many cases, entirely overlooked.
Therefore, Local 800's goal is to improve the quality of your life through "collective bargaining. Simply stated, when we stand together we are able to negotiate wages, working conditions and benefits that are fair and reasonable. Health and welfare, retirement benefits and minimum wage scales and working conditions are negotiated by the union in the majority of our collective bargaining agreements, and the employers make contributions on behalf of covered employees, in accordance with those agreements. Members are notified when they've qualified for benefits.
We look forward to welcoming you into the membership of the Art Directors Guild, Local 800, IATSE. Should you have any questions regarding union membership, please contact the union office.
Benefits of Membership with Local 800/Scenic, Title and Graphic Artists
Fair Wages and Decent Working Conditions: Overtime pay after working eight hours each day or 40 hours per week. Compensation for missed meals, short turnaround time, etc.
Health and Welfare Benefits: A choice of medical plans paid for by employers in accordance with collective bargaining agreements. In most cases, members employed under the broadcast agreements, independent shops and theaters are covered under the Entertainment Industry Flex Plan and 401(k) Annuity Plan, and members employed in feature films and television are covered under the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans.
Safer Working Conditions: State and federal safety laws enforced at all times. Your health and well being on the job is a priority. The motion picture industry and the IATSE are currently involved in providing the Safety Passport program, which enables our members to take safety classes required to work in their particular craft. Once a member has completed the classes, the passport may allow the member to use this training for employment with the various studios and companies.
Standardized Procedures for Dispute Resolution and Grievances: A Business Representative, Shop Steward and legal counsel are available to respond to serious problems in the workplace. Local 800 is well prepared to handle work related grievances such as pay disputes, health and safety concerns, discrimination, harassment, etc.
Representation on the State and National Level by Professional Union Lobbyists: Looking out for your interests, in areas such as safety, working conditions, and workers rights.
Like most unions, we are a democratically run organization that not only encourages, but also requires the active participation of its members for success. A union is only as strong as the commitment of its members. In the final analysis, joining Local 800 provides an opportunity to form important professional and lifelong personal relationships with other artists who share not only a common livelihood, but also common interests and concerns as well.
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