Joining a Film Union · IATSE
Production sound: how to join IATSE
Production sound captures clean audio on set: the mixer, the boom operators, and the utility who wrangles cable and wires talent. It's IATSE, Local 695 in Los Angeles, joined through documented days on covered productions.
Good to know
Production sound is IATSE Local 695 in Los Angeles, covering the mixer, boom operators, and utility. Almost no one starts on the mixer's cart: the standard way in is utility (cable, wiring talent, second boom), banking covered days until you can move up.
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
- Production sound is IATSE Local 695 in LA.
- It covers the mixer, boom operators, and utility.
Start as utility
- Almost no one starts on the cart: utility (cable, wiring talent, second boom) is the way in.
- Learn the gear and the workflow on smaller shows.
Work covered days
- In LA, covered days register through Contract Services; elsewhere, apply to the local.
- Non-union productions are where those first days come from.
Roster and join
- Documented days put you on the roster to join Local 695.
- 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.