🚧 IATSE478 | Join The Movement

Behind the Scenes, Ahead in Rights

The union behind studio mechanics in the south.

For almost 40 years, IATSE Local 478 has represented premier film and television studio mechanics throughout Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama. We champion the rights of our members, and contribute to the dynamic growth of our region's artistic landscape.

We Support our Members with a Variety of Benefits

Health & Well-Being

We prioritize our members' physical well-being through essential health benefits, including Workers’ Compensation for coverage in physically demanding roles, and our Family Leave Program, which supports family values and offers paid leave for childbirth and family obligations.

Insurance and Financial Security

We value the well-being and financial security of our members, offering various plans which provides supplemental healthcare assistance, life insurance coverage, death benefits, and hardship assistance programs.

Education & Training

We invest in the professional growth of our members, going beyond traditional benefits by offering an extensive array of training courses and educational programs. This commitment to education ensures that members have the tools and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic and evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

Support & Resources

Understanding the importance of support beyond the workplace, IATSE Local 478 offers a wealth of resources accessible online. This robust online platform serves as a valuable tool for members to access information, assistance, and additional support, reinforcing the sense of community within the union.

Reasons To Join

A Community that Amplifies Your Voice

Unlock unparalleled career development opportunities and resources tailored to your craft.

Better

Conditions

Joining a union ensures that members work reasonable hours and have safe working conditions.

Fair

Wages

Unions advocate for better compensation for their members. By joining a union, film studio mechanics can negotiate for fair pay and benefits.

Bargaining

Power

Union membership gives film studio mechanics collective bargaining power, leading to better work conditions and employment terms.

Covered Crafts & Classifications

Where Every Talent Shines

We pride ourselves on representing a broad and diverse array of talents in the entertainment industry. Our specialty spans across various crafts, from the visual artistry of the art department to the technical precision of sound and video assist, embracing every aspect of production.

How to Join

There are a few requirements in order to apply for membership. Begin the process today and become part of a vibrant community that champions the rights and interests of professionals in the industry.

01
Verify Eligibility
Ensure you're a resident within the jurisdictions of Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, or Mobile, Alabama for at least 18 months.
02
Provide Proof
Confirm specialization in a qualifying craft IATSE represents and prove 45 days of craft-specific work in the last 24 months, along with proof of those days made in the form of paycheck stubs with your name and the craft you performed clearly printed on them.
03
Complete Application
Download and complete the application packet. It includes a detailed form, the union constitution, By-Laws, and a production experience questionnaire.
04
Supply Documents
Provide proof of residency, a social security card, a digital photo, and the OSHA 10 / Safety Pass (or plan to obtain it).
05
Submit and Pay Fee
Complete the application with all required documents and pay the appropriate fee ($550 for new members, $450 for transfers).

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Classes & Events

Learn, engage, and grow in our vibrant community of entertainment professionals.

Upcoming
Classes & Events

By Date

By Type

Community Events

IATSE Local 478 Pop Up Sale

Back by popular demand, IATSE Local 478 is hosting another pop-up sale. For one day only, our vendors, IATSE members from our area locals, will be selling vintage clothing, costumes, set decor, props, delicious food, and more!

511 N Hennessey St
New Orleans, LA 70119

Community Events

General Member Meeting

511 N Hennessey St
New Orleans, LA 70119

Safety & Health

MEWP - Saturday

The MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) Training Class equips members with essential skills and knowledge to safely operate and manage aerial lifts used in production environments. This hands-on course covers key topics such as equipment inspection, safe operation practices, and hazard awareness, ensuring compliance with industry safety standards. Ideal for members seeking certification or to enhance their expertise, this training is a vital step toward mastering MEWP operations.

IATSE Training Room/Second Line Stages

Safety & Health

MEWP - Sunday

The MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) Training Class equips members with essential skills and knowledge to safely operate and manage aerial lifts used in production environments. This hands-on course covers key topics such as equipment inspection, safe operation practices, and hazard awareness, ensuring compliance with industry safety standards. Ideal for members seeking certification or to enhance their expertise, this training is a vital step toward mastering MEWP operations. This is a ONE DAY TRAINING.

IATSE Training Room/Second Line Stages

Specialized Workshops

Crackle Paint Technique

This hands-on training introduces participants to sodium silicate crackle painting—a versatile scenic finish used to simulate age, distress, and organic texture in theater and film scenery. Participants will explore the chemistry, tools, and techniques behind the effect, experiment with variables, and scale the process for large scenic applications.

TBD

Safety & Health

CPR/First Aid/AED

Blended Learning. 2-Hour Online Interactive Video coupled with a 2-hour In Person Skills Assessment, using HEARTSAVER course by American Heart Association. Registration is for the Skills Assessment – Video must be completed and certificate of completion needed to attend In Person Session.

IATSE Local 478 - Training Room
511 N Hennessey St
New Orleans, LA 70119

Safety & Health

Mental Health First Aid - Virtual Class

Community Events

General Member Meeting

IATSE Local 478 LoCicero Hall
511 N Hennessey St
New Orleans, LA 70119

Community Events

General Member Meeting

IATSE Local 478 LoCicero Hall
511 N Hennessey St
New Orleans, LA 70119

Community Events

General Member Meeting

IATSE Local 478 LoCicero Hall
511 N Hennessey St
New Orleans, LA 70119

IATSE News

Special insights into our community, culture, and mission.