How to Join the Makeup Artist Union

USA, West Coast Union: Local 707 There are two ways to get into the Union. There is what is referred to as the 60-60-60 and “Off-Roster.” It sounds complicated so try not to get overwhelmed by the explanation. Basically, in order to go the 60-60-60 route, you will need to work on a non-union film, network television show, video, or television production for sixty-day periods and it has to happen within a three-year period within a five-year term, AND it has to happen within Los Angeles County.

Directly from the website for Local 706, here are the ways you can apply:

Industry Experience Roster Status (as per I.A.T.S.E. Contract, Paragraph 68)

It is first necessary to become eligible for the Industry Experience Roster. An individual is eligible for Industry Experience Roster Status upon the completion of sixty days of Non-Roster work experience in each of three (3) years, within the last five (5) years (from first day of hire), in Los Angeles County. This would include network television, videos, or non-union film or television production.

Applying for Roster Status:

Applicant must request verification of the three periods of 60 days employment from the production payroll companies to be sent to Contract Services Administration Trust Fund, 2800 Winona Avenue, Burbank, CA 91504 CSATF: (818) 565-0550

When Contract Services Administration Trust Fund receives the payroll verification, they will request that you come to their offices: complete application; show original forms of identification and employment eligibility documents for Form I-9; and bring payroll check stubs. All hair stylists must bring a current cosmetologist license and all make-up artists must pass a color blindness examination. For more information: www.csatf.org

Upon complying with these steps, and verification of days, you will receive a letter from Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Local 706 letting you know that you have been elevated to the level of trainee on the Industry Experience Roster.

After receiving your letter from Local 706, call and make an appointment to come in and fill out your application and pay your initiation fee.

Qualifying for “Off-Roster”

In order to qualify for “Off-Roster” membership, an artist must work (30) thirty days within a calendar year of 365 days with one or more producers. It is a lot less complicated in terms of keeping track but sometimes, difficult to stay on a production for that amount of time (not impossible, just requiring patience like everything in film and entertainment). To apply for “Off-Roster” benefits, please refer to the application requirements taken directly from the website:

Applying for Roster Status for Film, Television or Commercial:

Applicant must request verification of 30 days union employment from the production payroll company to be sent to Contract Services Administration Trust Fund, 2800 Winona Avenue, Burbank, CA 91504 CSATF: (818) 565-0550.

When Contract Services Administration Trust Fund receives the payroll verification, they will request that you come to their offices: show original forms of identification and employment eligibility documents for Form I-9; and bring payroll check stubs. All hair stylists must bring a current Cosmetologist License and all make-up artists must pass a color-blindness examination. For more information: www.csatf.org.

Upon complying with these steps, and verification of days, you will receive a letter from Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Local 706 letting you know that you have been elevated to the level of trainee on the Industry Experience Roster.

After receiving your letter from Local 706, call and make an appointment to come in and fill out your application and pay your initiation fee.

Applying for Network Broadcasting Television, or Legitimate Theater Status:

Make an appointment to come to Local 706. Show verification of 30 days union employment in Los Angeles County in the appropriate industry with check stubs or employment records, fill out your applicant and pay your initiation fee and dues. Hair Stylists applying for Network Broadcasting Television must bring a current Cosmetologist License.

Local 706 Members can qualify for excellent Medical and Pension Benefits.

Directly from the website of Local 798, here are the requirements to apply for Union benefits:

As of July 30, 2009, you must be an active resident within the 5 Districts for at least 18 months before you can apply. You can visit the website for a breakdown of districting. Here is the requirement list for applying:

1. You MUST choose to apply to be EITHER a Makeup Artist OR Hairstylist, you cannot do both and once submitted, cannot change the paperwork.
2. For Hairstylist jobs, you have to include a notarized current Cosmetology license.
3. W2 forms and/or 1099 forms proving that you have worked in the entertainment business for at least 120 days in the last 2 years in your chosen craft (rather Makeup or Hair). *Note that if you have worked or have been paid for BOTH crafts, you can submit those records and though they will be considered, you can still only apply for one craft.