Joining a Film Union · IATSE
Script supervisor: how to join IATSE
Script supervisors are the production's continuity and memory: matching action shot to shot, tracking every take, and keeping the notes the editor lives by. It's an IATSE local, Local 871 in Los Angeles, joined with documented days.
Good to know
Script supervisors are IATSE Local 871 in Los Angeles, a small local that also covers script and production coordinators. It is a referral-heavy craft with few seats, so documented days plus a working relationship with the editors and ADs who read your notes every day are what move you onto the roster.
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
- Script supervisors are IATSE Local 871 in LA, a small local that also covers coordinators.
- It is a referral-heavy craft with few seats.
Learn continuity and build notes
- Continuity, timing, and clean, editor-ready notes are the whole job.
- Smaller productions are where you learn it and get seen.
Work covered days
- In LA, covered days register through Contract Services; elsewhere, apply to the local.
- A working relationship with the editors and ADs who read your notes daily is what moves you up.
Roster and join
- Documented days put you on the roster to join Local 871.
- Keep call sheets and pay stubs.
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.