What is Overflow and Who is it for?

The Overflow List was created to give our Keys and Best Boys a pool of qualified New Mexicans to hire from when they exhaust our Roster and still have positions to fill.  It is for people who would like to join the Union, but do not have previous IATSE work experience.

To get on the Overflow List you must supply us with the following:

• A one-page resume which includes all current contact information (name, address, phone, e-mail), work history with dates and contacts, two references (with contact information) and any current certifications or union affiliations.  Your resume should note which craft you are pursuing (for a list of covered crafts, click on the link at the right).
• Two letters of recommendation
• A copy of your New Mexico Driver's License

This information can be faxed, e-mailed, sent via snail mail or dropped off at our office.  When we receive the above-mentioned items, we will schedule you for the next available General Safety Class, an OSHA course that is geared towards the film and television industry.  It’s a one-time class and costs $50.

Once you complete the course, you’ll be added to the Overflow List.
            
When you’re on the Overflow List, you are eligible to be hired on a contract production.  If a production has exhausted our roster, they turn to the Overflow List to hire qualified people.  If a union member in a hiring capacity wants to give you a job, they must call our Business Agent and get approval from him before hiring you.  Once you have worked 15 days in a Union-covered craft on a contract production, have at least one letter of recommendation from a 480 member and send us pay stubs as verification, you may be eligible to apply for membership.  After 30 days of work, you must submit an application or you will be removed from any contract production.  Until then, you owe no money.

Overflow applicants have 2 obligations to remain on the overflow list:
          1.     Keep your address and phone listing current.
          2.     Respond within 10 days to notices sent out by Local 480.

 
Joining IATSE Local 480 is a multi-step process that will take some time to complete.  Those who pass the General Membership vote must then be approved by our parent organization, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada.  Joining the Local is not a free process.   The initiation fee is $600.00 and quarterly dues are $70.00, which apply regardless of your employment status.   In addition to these fees, when working on a production you owe 4% of your gross wages to the Local.
There are two things that you should consider carefully before applying to the Local.  First, we are not a hiring hall.  You will be responsible for finding work for yourself. Our responsibility is to protect you once you are working. Second, once you join the Local, you will be a member for life. If you are expelled or take an honorable withdrawal, you will owe back dues to the Local and to the International. You will have to pay these intervening dues if you wish to rejoin the Local at a later date. These are not matters to be taken lightly. Please make sure you understand the consequences of your request.

PO Box 5351, Santa Fe, NM 87502-5351      membershipinquiry@iatselocal480.com      Phone: 505-986-9512     Fax: 505-986-9513