What is the significance of 30 days at Kimmel? I am now eligible to join IATSE Union 728. This is important, because it can certainly lead to more work in town, which isn't a bad thing. Over the past two years, since I've been home, I've been refused a couple of jobs because I wasn't union. It's always a strange phone call when they say, "We need a lighting programmer, you're 728 right?"
"Nope."
"Uh, never mind. Talk to you later."
I know I posted a couple of years ago that I was in IATSE Union 33. I was grandfathered in because I needed to be part of that Union to work on the MTV Video Music Awards. And all I've gotten out of them since then is no work, and a lot of mail regarding $125 they took out of my paychecks for a 401k they have for me. Guess I'll have some money when I retire.
728 is the union I want to be in. They are the electricians union and my talents are needed there. 33 is a broader union, and lighting programmers are not high on the list. Not to mention a very strange "tier" program they have. And since I'm on the lowest tier, I doubt there will ever be work for me.
Fingers crossed I can process the paperwork for 728 quickly and my phone will start ringing. I hear it takes 1 to 2 months for the paperwork to push through, for them to take my initial "dues" and hand me a card. I'm sure I'll blog about that when it happens.
Today is also my last day on the talk show stage here at Kimmel. It's been a fun two weeks. I was here for a power outage and the show being filmed on a laptop computer; the Lakers basketball team the day after winning the championships; and for Tom Cruise zip lining over Hollywood boulevard.
They're going on a two week break followed by 4 weeks without the outside stage, then another 2 week break. Guess I won't be seeing this building again until September. By then, I'll be 728.
Fingers crossed.
...
2 comments:
Good luck with them processing the paperwork quickly!
the dawn of a new era!
Post a Comment