As a seasoned casting assistant who’s been navigating the chaotic and unpredictable world of Hollywood for years, I can’t help but cheer for my fellow colleagues as they take a bold step towards unionization! The journey through this industry is filled with long hours, last-minute changes, and an endless pursuit of that perfect talent to bring our visions to life.
Casting helpers who work independently in New York and Los Angeles have collectively decided to join forces with two local branches of the Teamsters Union.
In a recent vote supervised by the National Labor Relations Board, 91 casting assistants working for leading studios chose to unionize with Local 399 and 817 affiliates of the Teamsters. The election took place between July 19 and August 9, allowing any casting assistant who had worked for a major studio on at least 15 days throughout a year to participate. Casting assistants working on projects by Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producer members or Netflix (which has its own unique contract with the Teamsters regarding casting directors) were all eligible to vote.
Approximately 150-200 casting assistants might eventually become part of the union, as projected by Teamsters Local 399.
“The success of this organization demonstrates that Teamsters handle casting duties in both Los Angeles and New York. I am proud not just of the assistants who are striving for better career prospects and living conditions, but also of our 399 and 817 members who showed solidarity in supporting this group during their struggle.” – Lindsay Dougherty, Local 399 principal officer.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to the AMPTP for comment.
More to come.
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2024-08-13 03:24