To individuals not currently a member of IATSE 477:

We are pleased that you are interested in joining I.A.T.S.E. Local 477 - the representative body for Florida's professional filmworkers.

Local 477 is a studio mechanics local representing motion picture workers involved in feature film, television, and commercial production. It is part of the I.A.T.S.E. (the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts, of the United States, it's Territories, and Canada) - the 160,000 member-strong "Union behind Entertainment" headquartered in New York, New York, with regional offfices in Los Angeles, California, Toronto, and Vancouver, Canada. For more information about our parent organization, visit the International website here.

Florida filmworkers who wish to build a career working on the best productions, alongside the best technicians, should strongly consider joining Local 477. We offer the safety and skills training so necessary to maintaining a 21st century production workforce; networking opportunities to broaden the relationships that are critical to finding work; health insurance for today and retirement and pension plans for the future; a commitment to equality of opportunity and the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and a brotherhood based on respect and dignity in the workplace.

Local 477 has no restrictions or limitations regarding members working for “non-union” employers.  We do expect our members, however, to notify us of all employment opportunities so we may provide effective and comprehensive representation throughout our entire State of Florida jurisdiction. 

I.A.T.S.E. Local 477 is a 501 3c not for profit organization and is recognized as such by the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Florida Department of Revenue.  However, we incur administrative costs while providing the services and employee representation mandated by our charter, which are paid by the membership through quarterly dues (stamps) and work assessments.

The following information explains how to join I.A.T.S.E. Local 477.  If you have any questions, email Local 477 President Chris Ranung at chrisranung@aol.com or Business Manager James "Jimmy" Roberts at jroberts477.bm@gmail.com, or call us at 305/594-8585 extension 3.

There are 3 ways to join IATSE Local 477:

1) Demonstrate that you have worked in your job classification within the past 12 months on productions which took place in the State of Florida. Provide documentation that you have been a Florida resident for at least 18 months. Complete and submit the four-page application available on this website and pay the full initiation, application and training fees, and two quarterly stamps (totaling $1150).

 - OR -

2) Provide documentation that you have graduated from a college-level Florida film school program (Bachelors or AA degree) within the past two years.  Demonstrate a Florida residence. Complete and submit the four-page application available on this website and pay the special half-price initiation fee, the application fee, and two quarterly stamps (totaling $625).

- OR -

3) Join Local 477 when working on a non-I.A.T.S.E. production at the time that it becomes organized (“goes Union”). If you help an organizing effort, you will be offered immediate membership into our Local and the initial membership fees may be lowered by as much as 80% off the standard amount.

If you wish to join Local 477 and are currently working on non-I.A.T.S.E. productions, call 305/594-8585 extension 3 or email jroberts477.bm@gmail.com. A representative from Local 477 will contact you for more information and to discuss the possibility of organizing that production. Your name will be kept completely confidential and will never be disclosed to the employer. 

To become a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 477 simply fill out the New Member Application Packet, scan the documents and email to staff@ia477.org, or mail them to: I.A.T.S.E. Local 477 Miami, 3780 SW 30th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312.  You can pay the application fee at the PayPal button located at the bottom of the Public Resources tab on this website or by check to our office. We will contact you to confirm receipt and begin the process of making you a member of the world's largest labor organization in the entertainment industry.

Questions about joining?? Call 305/594-8585 or email chrisranung@aol.com or jroberts477.bm@gmail.com.