Why Join? 

Hello and thank you for your interest in becoming a member of IATSE Local 490. 

We are a professional organization of the film and entertainment industry located in the State of Minnesota.  Our membership represents local craftsman from various departments within the industry. 

Our Executive board and members are committed to organizing jobs under Local 490 contract while maintaining a high level of professionalism, both as a member of local 490 and a representative of our craft.  

Individuals

The benefits of joining our local are : 

• Included on our official online roster accessible to all productions looking for crew.
• Opportunity to work on jobs covered by a union contract:
  • Business agent to negotiate and/or oversee maintenance of contract.
  • Payment of health and retirement benefits when job is under union contract.
  • Workers Compensation Insurance provided in union contract.
  • Union jobs are payed through a payroll company not a 1099. All taxes and insurance is taken out by the employer.
  • Eligible for Unemployment Insurance when out of work. (1099 jobs do not count toward unemployment insurance).
• Monthly meetings and networking.
• Workshops and job skills training and events.
• Local legislative committee to lobby on your behalf to Government and Industry leaders.
• Discounts to Local and National companies, click here to see link. 

  MEETINGS:

  Meetings are once a month, usually on the last Monday at 7:30pm. It is an event to become informed about up and coming projects, discuss old and new business, and voice your opinion if you feel the need. It also is a good opportunity to network, connect with other crew members.

Signatories

Signing up as a union signatory lets the film industry in the city of your production know that you are operating at the highest standards available. It signals to the technicians, talent, camera and direction you are interested in health and welfare of the employees before, during and after the shoot. It allows you access to a union roster that has vetted their membership. Being a signatory means you are seeking to produce the highest quality project, a professional experience for all and a safe job for the labor. We applaud the union signatories who work in Minnesota and trust 490 to assist them in making the best in Minnesota film, video and web content.