Den Nic Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 Just joined Toronto's IATSE 873 Union and am now calling in my availability everyday via their automated phone system. I'm wondering what else I can do to get that 'first call' happen sooner? (Other than general Toronto FIlm Industry networking on Indie sets). Should I be calling up people from current shows seeing if there's a spot or just keep calling in my status and pray for rain? Thanks. Dennis Nicholson Quote
old school Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 Congrats Dennis on joining the IA. The age old answer is always... "somehow". Personally I think networking in its many forms is a respectable way to introducing yourself to the larger community in Toronto. Now that your in the local I imagine you have access to the phone numbers and address's, emails of the membership. Nothing wrong with a friendly email or letter introducing yourself. Good luck. CrewC Quote
SoundsLikeBret Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 Hi Dennis, congratulations! I just joined Local 52 in New York, so I'm in the same boat. I've been reaching out to everyone I know in the union, doing a little bit of cold-calling, and doing my best to keep myself on everyone's radar. Stick with it, and the rain will come! Best of luck, Bret Scheinfeld Quote
studiomprd Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 " calling in my availability everyday " probably overkill... I don't believe that Local is a hiring hall, so you'll still have to go find your own gigs... Networking is your top priority. make yourself available for last minute needs. Quote
Den Nic Posted November 21, 2011 Author Report Posted November 21, 2011 Thanks for advice guys. And for them calling in availability each day is how it works, you call in and confirm you're available for the next day, only way to do it. Also, 'hiring hall'? Could you elaborate? Quote
studiomprd Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 daily call: sorry, guess that is the daily procedure, "hiring hall": maybe it is... Do the "employers" call the union to hire sound crew, and then the union calls members, and sends them to the gig??. (hiring hall) or do the employers call to get a list of available members and they review the list and make individual contacts, and hiring decisions?? (referrals). Quote
Den Nic Posted November 21, 2011 Author Report Posted November 21, 2011 They operate as a hiring hall, the union makes calls to fill up positions Quote
studiomprd Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 Yep, call daily! Shows once again that each IATSE local operates as it chooses... Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.