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Anna Keizer originally hails from the Chicagoland area. After receiving her B.A. in Film/Video from Columbia College Chicago, she moved to California and finished her M.A. in Film Studies from Chapman University. She has also graduated from UCLA’s Writing for Television Professional Program and is currently in post-production on the short She Had It Coming, which she wrote and is executive producing.
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
While the following organizations are not film or television unions or guilds, they are highly regarded within the industry and play significant roles in shaping standards, supporting professionals, and advocating for specific disciplines. For clarity, we’ve outlined several of these associations below to help you better understand who they represent and what they do.
As mentioned earlier, film and television unions exist primarily to represent their members in collective bargaining negotiations. On the other side of the table is the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)—the organization that negotiates with many of these unions on behalf of its member companies.
Representing more than 350 American film and television production companies, the AMPTP serves as the official bargaining representative in labor talks with major unions such as the Directors Guild of America (DGA), SAG-AFTRA, and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), among others.
Contact: (818) 995-3600 | amptp.org
While not a union, the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is one of the most prestigious organizations in the film industry. Founded to advance both the art and science of cinematography, the ASC is dedicated to promoting excellence in visual storytelling and supporting the creative and technical growth of cinematographers worldwide.
The organization has over 400 members—by invitation only—who are among the most accomplished directors of photography in the business. ASC members often collaborate closely with camera crews and other departments to push the boundaries of what’s visually possible in film and television.
Contact: (323) 969-4333 | theasc.com
While not a union or guild, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a major force in the music and entertainment industries—including film and television.
ASCAP is a performance rights organization (PRO) that represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers. It collects licensing fees from those who use its members’ music—such as film and TV productions, broadcasters, and streaming platforms—and distributes royalties accordingly.
This makes ASCAP a key player for anyone producing content that includes music, whether it's an original score or licensed tracks.
Contact: (323) 883-1000 | ascap.com
While talent agents represent actors, writers, directors, and other creatives in film and television, the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) represents the agencies themselves.
The ATA is a nonprofit trade association that advocates on behalf of talent agencies in the entertainment industry. It helps shape industry standards, negotiates agency-related agreements, and provides a unified voice for agencies on legal, legislative, and business matters affecting their operations.
Whether you're hiring talent or navigating agency relationships, understanding the ATA’s role can provide valuable context for how representation works in Hollywood.
Contact: (310) 274-0628 | agentassociation.com
The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) is not a union, but it is a respected professional organization that represents location professionals working in film, television, and commercial production around the world.
Members of the LMGI often belong to other unions and guilds—such as the Teamsters (Local 399) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA)—but the Guild itself functions as a non-union association that promotes excellence in location work and advocates for the craft.
LMGI members include:
The organization also recognizes outstanding location work through its annual LMGI Awards and supports professional development, mentorship, and education within the field.
Contact: (310) 967-2007 | locationmanagers.org
Despite its familiar name, the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) is not a film union. Instead, it is an honorary society dedicated to recognizing, educating, and advocating for professionals in the field of sound editing.
MPSE members include top-tier sound editors working in feature films, television, animation, and gaming. The organization’s mission is to promote the artistic and technical excellence of sound editing, foster professional development, and elevate awareness of the craft’s vital role in storytelling.
MPSE is also well known for its annual Golden Reel Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements in sound editing across multiple formats.
Contact: (818) 616-3142 | mpse.org
Yes, we know—it has “guild” in the name. But despite the title, the Producers Guild of America (PGA) is not a union or a traditional guild. Instead, it’s a highly respected trade association representing the interests of producers in film, television, and new media.
With over 8,400 members worldwide, the PGA advocates for the role of producers and promotes standards that support creative and logistical excellence in the industry.
While the PGA doesn’t negotiate collective bargaining agreements, it offers many benefits typically associated with unions or guilds, including:
For producers—especially those newer to the field—PGA membership can be a valuable step toward building a credible, connected career in entertainment.
Contact: (310) 358-9020 | producersguild.org
While not a union or guild, the Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA) is a highly respected organization within the entertainment industry. Closely affiliated with IATSE Local 44, the SDSA supports professionals working in set decoration for film, television, and streaming media.
Much like the MPSE does for sound editors, the SDSA exists to educate, connect, and advocate for its members, helping elevate the craft of set decoration through:
The SDSA also works to promote greater appreciation for the role of set decorators in visual storytelling—an often under-recognized but essential department on any production.
Contact: (818) 255-2425 | setdecorators.org
Let’s not forget the camera operators—the professionals who quite literally help shape what we see on screen.
The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) is an honorary professional organization that supports camera operators working in film, television, and live events. While it is not a union, the SOC plays an important role in advancing the craft and championing the contributions of its members.
The organization focuses on:
SOC members often work closely with cinematographers, directors, and crew to capture the director’s vision with precision and artistry.
Contact: (818) 563-9117 | soc.org
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is a non-profit professional organization with a long-standing reputation in the entertainment and media technology industries. Founded in 1916 (originally as the Society of Motion Picture Engineers), SMPTE has played a critical role in setting technical standards that have shaped the evolution of film, television, and digital media.
Unlike guilds or unions, SMPTE is an open-membership association, welcoming professionals and enthusiasts from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
SMPTE offers its members access to a global network of peers, as well as educational programs, technical papers, conferences, and certification opportunities. Its work helps drive innovation and maintain interoperability across the rapidly evolving landscape of content creation and distribution.
Contact: (914) 761-1100 | smpte.org
If they’re doing their job right, you’ll never realize they’re not the actor they’re doubling for.
The Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures is an exclusive honorary society dedicated to the art and craft of stunt performance in film and television. Its membership includes highly skilled professionals such as:
Unlike other non-union professional organizations, membership in the Stuntmen’s Association is by invitation only. Additionally, all members must already be part of SAG-AFTRA, as the work they perform falls under union jurisdiction.
The Association promotes safety, excellence, and professionalism within the stunt community, while also preserving the legacy of its members' contributions to some of Hollywood’s most iconic action moments.
Contact: (818) 766-4334 | stuntmen.com
That’s right—there’s also a dedicated organization for female stunt professionals: the Stuntwomen’s Association of Motion Pictures.
Founded to advocate for the unique contributions and challenges faced by women in the stunt community, the Association supports its members across film, television, and even video game production. Like its male counterpart, the group promotes professionalism, safety, and visibility within a highly specialized and physically demanding field.
Members include:
The Stuntwomen’s Association also helps ensure fair representation and equitable opportunities for women in action-based roles, often working closely with SAG-AFTRA and other industry stakeholders.
Contact: (818) 762-0907 | stuntwomens.com
While you don’t need to be an expert on every union or guild, understanding who they represent can lead to smoother communication and more productive collaborations on set. Knowing the basics helps you avoid compliance issues and build stronger relationships with your crew.
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Working in the film industry—especially as a producer or executive—often means collaborating with unions and guilds, each with its own acronym, rules, and jurisdiction.
Familiarizing yourself with these organizations is essential for navigating production smoothly, particularly in Los Angeles, where many are based. While this guide isn’t exhaustive, it covers the major film and TV unions and guilds in the U.S., many of which operate nationally or even internationally.
Whether you're hiring crew, budgeting a project, or planning a shoot, this overview is a solid starting point.
In general, unions represent employees, while guilds represent independent contractors.
Sounds straightforward—but in practice, the terms aren’t always used consistently.
Some organizations with “guild” in the name, such as SAG-AFTRA or the International Cinematographers Guild, are technically unions. Despite the naming quirks, the core purpose is the same: to advocate for fair pay, safe working conditions, and proper representation.
For simplicity, we’re including both unions and guilds in this guide, focusing primarily on those active in Hollywood.
Let’s dive in.
The American Federation of Musicians is the largest organization representing professional instrumental musicians in the world with jurisdiction in both the United States and Canada. In film and television, AFM covers musicians involved in scoring sessions, live performances, and recording work.
AFM negotiates collective bargaining agreements that secure fair wages, pension and health benefits, and protect musicians’ rights—especially when it comes to the use and reuse of their recorded work across different media formats. For producers, working with AFM musicians often means complying with specific session rules, buyout structures, and reporting requirements.
Whether you’re planning an orchestral score or hiring a small ensemble, understanding AFM agreements can help you budget accurately and avoid costly compliance issues.
Contact: (323) 462-2161 | afm.org
With over 19,500 members, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) is one of the most influential labor organizations in the entertainment industry. Founded in 1936 as the Screen Directors Guild, it has since grown to represent a wide range of professionals involved in the direction and management of productions.
DGA members include:
The Guild’s jurisdiction covers film, television, commercials, new media, documentaries, live events, news, and sports programming—both within the U.S. and internationally.
For producers, working with DGA-covered roles means complying with collective bargaining agreements that regulate work hours, credit placement, residuals, safety standards, and more. Productions that include DGA members typically must become signatory to the Guild, which involves specific reporting, hiring, and financial obligations.
Contact: (310) 289-2000 | dga.org
IATSE is one of the largest and most powerful labor unions in the film and television industry, representing over 170,000 technicians, artisans, and craftspersons across a wide range of departments—including camera, grip, electric, costume, set design, sound, hair and makeup, editing, and more.
Originally founded in 1893, IATSE now encompasses approximately 360 “Locals”—individual unions organized by craft and geographic region. Each Local has its own leadership, jurisdiction, and contract terms, though all operate under the broader umbrella of IATSE.
For producers, understanding which IATSE Local covers which crew positions is critical for hiring, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with union rules. Each Local enforces its own collective bargaining agreement, setting conditions like minimum pay rates, turnaround times, overtime, and health and pension benefits.
Many IATSE Locals also participate in national agreements for feature films, television, and streaming projects, and may have additional requirements for union signatories, daily call sheets, and payroll reporting.
Contact: (818) 281-2300 | iatse.net
While not a complete list, the Locals below highlight some of IATSE’s presence in the L.A. production community.
Based in Los Angeles and representing over 7,400 members, IATSE Local 44 covers a wide range of professionals involved in set decoration and property-related crafts for film and television productions.
Members of Local 44 include:
Local 44 ensures fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions for its members, while also maintaining high standards in set aesthetics and functionality.
Contact: (818) 769-2500 | local44.org
Based in Los Angeles, IATSE Local 800—known as the Art Directors Guild—represents approximately 3,300 creative professionals working in visual design and art direction for film, television, and other media.
Covered roles within Local 800 include:
While Local 800 covers professionals working in Southern California, those in similar roles based in New York typically fall under IATSE Local 829, which has its own jurisdiction and agreements.
The ADG ensures that its members receive fair pay, benefits, and protections while advocating for high standards in visual storytelling and design across all types of productions.
Contact: (818) 762-9995 | adg.org
IATSE Local 892, known as the Costume Designers Guild, represents over 1,200 members working across film, television, and commercials in the U.S. and internationally. Based in Los Angeles, the Guild advocates for creative professionals responsible for the design and visual storytelling of wardrobe on screen.
Roles represented by Local 892 include:
Members of the CDG are essential in shaping a character’s look, supporting narrative tone, and collaborating closely with directors, producers, and other department heads. The Guild ensures fair wages, creative rights, proper credit, and access to benefits for its members.
Contact: (818) 848-2800 | costumedesignersguild.com
Despite its name, the International Cinematographers Guild is technically a union—representing around 10,000 members working in film, television, and commercial production across the U.S.
Local 600 covers key roles in the camera department, including:
The ICG plays a vital role in ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to health and pension benefits for its members—especially on demanding shoots with long hours and complex technical setups.
For producers, working with Local 600 means understanding rules around equipment handling, crew classifications, and turnaround times—all of which can significantly impact scheduling and budgeting.
Contact: (323) 876-0160 | icg600.com
Based in Los Angeles, IATSE Local 706 represents over 2,300 professionals working in makeup and hair styling across a wide range of entertainment mediums—including film, television, commercials, theater, and live events.
Guild members specialize in a variety of areas, including:
Local 706 ensures fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members, while also upholding high creative and safety standards—especially important on projects with complex looks, period styling, or prosthetics.
For producers, working with Local 706 means understanding hiring classifications, turnaround rules, and kit rental agreements, all of which are critical to accurate budgeting and scheduling.
Contact: (818) 295-3933 | local706.org
IATSE Local 700, known as the Motion Picture Editors Guild, represents over 8,000 post-production professionals. While headquartered in Los Angeles, the Guild has national jurisdiction and supports its members across the U.S. working in film, television, and digital media.
Local 700 covers a broad range of post-production roles, including:
MPEG advocates for fair pay, healthcare and pension benefits, and safe working conditions, while also negotiating agreements that reflect the evolving demands of post-production workflows—especially in a digital and remote-first environment.
For producers and post supervisors, working with Local 700 means understanding staffing classifications, turnaround times, and deliverable requirements under union terms. It also often requires early coordination to ensure union compliance in post schedules and budgets.
Contact: (323) 876-4770 | editorsguild.com
Based in Los Angeles, IATSE Local 695 represents over 2,100 professionals encompassing a wide range of technical roles in production sound and video engineering across film, television, live events, and broadcast environments.
Local 695 covers a diverse group of professionals, including:
These technicians are critical to ensuring high-quality production audio and on-set video workflows. Local 695 advocates for fair compensation, workplace safety, proper classification, and access to benefits for all its members.
For producers, working with Local 695 means understanding the division of responsibilities within the sound and video teams, managing proper crew ratios, and complying with union-specific rules around equipment handling, overtime, and turnaround.
Contact: (818) 985-9204 | local695.com
Note: This list again only scratches the surface—there are many more IATSE Locals that represent the diverse and highly skilled professionals who help bring a production to life. If you’re crewing up, chances are there’s a Local for just about every on-set or behind-the-scenes role.
Now that we've covered IATSE and its many Locals, let’s shift to another major force in the entertainment labor landscape: SAG-AFTRA.
Even if you're only loosely familiar with film and TV unions, you've almost certainly heard of SAG-AFTRA. This powerful union was formed by the 2012 merger of two legacy organizations: the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). Today, it represents over 175,000 professionals across various sectors of media and performance.
SAG-AFTRA members include:
SAG-AFTRA is also a member of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States, underscoring its national significance and bargaining power. And while its name includes the word “guild,” it is unequivocally a union—with robust contracts that cover everything from on-set safety and residuals to new media rights and AI protections.
Contact: (855) 724-2387 | sagaftra.org
While not exclusive to the entertainment industry, the Teamsters Union is one of the most powerful labor organizations in North America, representing approximately 1.3 million members across a wide range of industries. Founded in 1903, the union’s presence in film and television is especially strong in production hubs like Los Angeles.
Within the entertainment sector, Teamsters members are organized under Local 399, which serves as the primary branch for those working in Hollywood and the surrounding areas.
Local 399 represents approximately 6,500 professionals essential to production logistics and operations, including:
Teamsters Local 399 plays a crucial role in keeping productions running smoothly—handling everything from talent transportation to on-location logistics. For producers, working with Teamsters means navigating specific labor agreements that cover work hours, equipment usage, and location prep, along with payroll, turnaround, and overtime rules.
Contact: (818) 985-7374 | ht399.org
The Writers Guild of America—commonly referred to as the WGA—is actually composed of two sister unions: the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), headquartered in Los Angeles, and the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), based in New York City. Together, they represent more than 32,000 professional writers working across film, television, news, and new media.
While the two guilds operate independently in terms of governance and membership, they negotiate collective bargaining agreements jointly, ensuring unified standards across the country.
WGA members include:
The WGA advocates for fair compensation, creative rights, proper crediting, residuals, and protections around emerging issues like artificial intelligence and streaming transparency.
For producers, working with WGA writers means becoming a signatory to WGA agreements and complying with guidelines on script submissions, rewrites, minimum compensation, and credit arbitration. Understanding the guild's terms is essential—especially during periods of negotiation or strike activity.
Contact: (323) 951-4000 | wga.org
