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Keilana
Student
Asheville, North Carolina
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When should a new SFX makeup artist start thinking about joining a union, and what should I do now to prepare?
I am still in college, building a portfolio through art classes and small projects. I hear a lot about unions for film and theater makeup artists, but I do not know when it becomes realistic to join or what groundwork I should be laying while I am still in school. I really want to insure steady income.
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Michelle M.
Actress
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Keilana !
As for the union that covers makeup artists, The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (IATSE Local 706) is the professional union that represents makeup artists and hair stylists in film, television, stage, and digital media in Los Angeles. It is part of the larger International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which is the largest film union in the United States and covers a wide range of behind-the-camera roles. For New York City, you would join the IATSE Local 798. I am not sure about other locations so if you contact the union, you can ask for detailed information. Makeup Artists do not join SAG/AFTRA as that union is for performers. Joining the makeup artists union requires an initiation fee and then there are dues. You can call the unions in both locations to see how much the fee and dues are.
Membership requires fulfilling specific criteria, which vary by local union and craft so to get the exact information, contact the union itself. A couple of way of not having to have the requirements would be if the applicant was a military Veteran or by invitation form a union member. You may have to work on union covered productions in order to apply, but definitely call the union directly for accurate information and to confirm this advice.
It's not a question of being "realistic'" rather union membership may be required for some projects. When you apply for work, most likely the notice will say whether they require Union or Non-Union or will consider both. If your University has a Film Department, you can probably get information about unions from them. Look the information up online and call the union as you'll need up to date information for your specific circumstances.
Again, please understand, there is no guarantee for steady income as you state is your main plan. You are not in the appropriate major, either. And in order to do weddings and events to fill in work gaps, you'd have to go to Esthetician School and become licensed.
Do not hesitate to inquire here about this. The questions you're asking are important and reflect that your Art Major is not preparing you. I am very happy to give advice that will lead you down the best avenue for a successful career and one that you would enjoy. There's a lot to learn and know for this career.
As for the union that covers makeup artists, The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (IATSE Local 706) is the professional union that represents makeup artists and hair stylists in film, television, stage, and digital media in Los Angeles. It is part of the larger International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which is the largest film union in the United States and covers a wide range of behind-the-camera roles. For New York City, you would join the IATSE Local 798. I am not sure about other locations so if you contact the union, you can ask for detailed information. Makeup Artists do not join SAG/AFTRA as that union is for performers. Joining the makeup artists union requires an initiation fee and then there are dues. You can call the unions in both locations to see how much the fee and dues are.
Membership requires fulfilling specific criteria, which vary by local union and craft so to get the exact information, contact the union itself. A couple of way of not having to have the requirements would be if the applicant was a military Veteran or by invitation form a union member. You may have to work on union covered productions in order to apply, but definitely call the union directly for accurate information and to confirm this advice.
It's not a question of being "realistic'" rather union membership may be required for some projects. When you apply for work, most likely the notice will say whether they require Union or Non-Union or will consider both. If your University has a Film Department, you can probably get information about unions from them. Look the information up online and call the union as you'll need up to date information for your specific circumstances.
Again, please understand, there is no guarantee for steady income as you state is your main plan. You are not in the appropriate major, either. And in order to do weddings and events to fill in work gaps, you'd have to go to Esthetician School and become licensed.
Do not hesitate to inquire here about this. The questions you're asking are important and reflect that your Art Major is not preparing you. I am very happy to give advice that will lead you down the best avenue for a successful career and one that you would enjoy. There's a lot to learn and know for this career.