Joining a Film Union · IATSE
Art / Set Dec / Props: how to join IATSE
The art department designs and builds the physical world of the film: sets, dressing, props, graphics, and scenic finishes. It spans the Art Directors Guild for designers and the craft locals for construction, set dec, and props, joined with documented workdays.
Good to know
The art department is not one union. Designers (production designers, art directors, illustrators, set designers) are the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, while set decoration, construction, and props sit in their own craft locals. So the card you chase depends on which seat you are in, and it is common to know two or three locals across one department.
Roles in this craft
The jobs that make up this craft, each with its own page on pay, the day-to-day, and how to break in.
How to join, step by step
Know your union
- Designers are the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800; set dec, construction, and props sit in their own craft locals.
- Which card you chase depends on your seat.
Build the portfolio for your seat
- Designers need a design portfolio; set dec, construction, and props build hands-on credits.
- Smaller shows are where you learn the department.
Work covered days
- In LA, covered days register through Contract Services; elsewhere, apply to the relevant local.
- It is common to build days across more than one local.
Roster and join
- Meet the day and referral bar for your local to join.
- Keep call sheets, pay stubs, and a current portfolio.
What you’ll need
- Documented workdays: call sheets and pay stubs from every show
- References (Georgia's 479 wants four; two from active members)
- Application + initiation funds (479: about $100 + $1,400)
- Residency proof where required (479: about 18 months in GA/AL)
Find your local
IATSE membership runs through a local for your market. Look up the one that covers where you work on the union’s site.