ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the differences and similarities between union and non-union work. Union productions have a specific requirement as to the crew positions that must be filled within the camera department as well. The most typical jobs that a beginning filmmaker encounters are independent non-union productions. Many of these are low-budget productions and are often first-time productions by a company or individual. Camera assistants may be asked to take a written and hands-on test to demonstrate their knowledge of certain cameras and the camera department responsibilities, or they may simply be asked to submit a resume of their previous non-union work as evidence of their experience. It all depends on the region in which camera assistants reside and where they apply for membership. When they start looking for production jobs, camera assistants may need to accept jobs for little or no pay just to prove that they are a hard worker and know what they are doing.
