Joining a Film Union · Teamsters (Motion Picture Division)
Locations: how to join the Teamsters
The locations team finds, secures, and runs the real-world places a film shoots: scouting, permits, neighbor relations, and the on-set logistics of a location day. In the West it's Teamsters Local 399; elsewhere it varies by market.
Good to know
Here is the one that surprises people: location managers and scouts are Teamsters (Local 399 in the West), not the DGA and not a standalone locations guild. The Location Managers Guild International is a professional society, not your bargaining union, so the card you actually carry is the Teamsters, alongside drivers and wranglers. Outside the West it varies by market.
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
- Location managers and scouts are Teamsters (Local 399 in the West), not the DGA and not a standalone guild.
- Outside the West it varies by market.
Build scouting and management experience
- Scouting, permits, neighbor relations, and running a location day are the craft: no CDL required.
- Location PA and assistant location manager are the usual first rungs.
Get covered days
- Covered days come from signatory productions; non-union and commercial work builds the relationships.
- Local knowledge and a permit and vendor network are what get you hired.
Join through the local
- Enough covered days lets you join the local covering your market.
- Keep call sheets, permits, and pay stubs.
What you’ll need
- Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle for scouting (no CDL required)
- Photo kit and a scouting library of your market's looks
- Working knowledge of permits, film offices, and neighbor relations
- Location PA / ALM experience + manager contacts
- Union production days on covered shows
Find your local
Teamsters (Motion Picture Division) membership runs through a local for your market. Look up the one that covers where you work on the union’s site.