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The majority of the entertainment industry is governed and regulated by unions and guilds. Depending upon where you get hired you may find yourself faced with the decision of whether or not to join.

There are advantages and disadvantages to union membership. The old addage about there being “strength in numbers” is absolutely true, and as a member of a union you can have the collective might of the whole union (and often the backing of other sympathetic unions) to help you fight the battles that crop up on the job. This is especially the case when it comes down to the issues of wages, safety, and working conditions. On the other hand, being a union member may mean turning down nonunion work that is offered to you.

Even if you never join a union at any time during your career you will still be impacted in some way by the rules, regulations, and actions of guilds and unions, for the simple fact that whatever has an affect on one area of the industry affects all areas of the industry. You only have to think back to the writers and actors strikes of the past few decades to realize how true this is.

Below is a list of some of the unions, guilds, and professional organizations that you should familiarize yourself with. One way or another, either directly or indirectly, their presence will be felt in your life. Even the games industry is touched by this, because which movies and TV shows get made and how they get made influences which games get produced and how.

So take the time to check out these unions and see what they are all about. It is also a smart idea to find out which effects and animation houses are unionized. Don’t assume that all the prominent companies are governed by unions. For example, ILM and Disney are, but Pixar and Tippett are not.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

8949 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Ph. 1-310-247-3000

www.oscars.org

Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

5220 Lankershim Boulevard

North Hollywood, CA 91601-3109

Ph. 1-818-754-2800

Fax 1-818-761-2827

www.emmys.org

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (A.F.T.R.A.)