I just moved to LA and want to work on building sets and/or get into the set builders union. Where do I begin?

Question

I just moved to LA and want to work on building sets and/or get into the set builders union. Where do I begin?

Answer 1

google "cal jobs" online also in LA its who you know

not what you know i would go to conventions or job fairs to get to know people

Answer 2

That's a tough gig to get into.  The best thing to do would be to go to one of the studios as an intern or to know someone in the industry.  I believe you need to rack up something like 1,400 hours before becoming elligible to join the union, and some of those days may be 16-18 hours back to back.

Answer 3

Besides the very limited internships offered by the local carpenters union, your best bet is to send your resume to various production companies which are listed in the LA411.com directory as well as in the Pacific Coast Directory.

Good luck!

Answer 4

The IATSE local has this work all sewn up. Contact them to see what their rules are for getting in. It takes a long time unless you know the right people.

Answer 5

My boyfriend does that very thing.  You have to just come out and start working to build contacts.  If you're lucky, a show you're working on will "flip" meaning it turns union.  Then you can be brought onboard after completing a requisite number of hours.  So worth it.