Motion Picture Editors Guild

I would really like to become part of the Motion Picture Editors Guild out here in the Los Angeles area. They help negotiate to protect their members’ safety and well being from producer exploitation. Being newer to this industry, I think it is important to have a negotiation partner who knows what the expectations are for pay rate in my profession. The benefits of being a member include health and pension plans as well as practice facilities and training courses to stay up to date with current software and technology.

Their health plan is rated as one of the best plans in the country, paid entirely by producer contributions. Benefits include comprehensive medical, hospital, prescription drug, vision, dental and life insurance coverage. In addition, contracted wellness programs offer you preventive screenings and educational programs. 

They offer two pension plans, The Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan (Pension Plan), and the Motion Picture Industry Individual Account Plan (IAP). Both are funded 100% through employer contributions.  The Pension Plan provides a fixed monthly benefit payable for the Participant’s lifetime after retirement.

Their post production practice facilities feature the most modern equipment, popular software, a comprehensive library and access to online training programs. While they offer training courses at participating facilities are also available to members in good standing. The cost for these training courses is subsidized, but many of the facilities waive the cost entirely.  Providing a place to further develop skills and practice your craft is an enticing benefit to becoming a member.

The union also offers plenty of networking opportunities and mixers as well as special screenings to members. They offer all prospective union employers 24/7 access to the Guild’s database of members’ resumes. The database search results include the member’s name, contact information, resume, skills, and references. Providing editors with an opportunity to share their skills with a broader audience. 
 

Their website offers detailed instructions for application procedures, initiation fees, and making appointments to join as well as breakdowns of pay rates for each role. Now, if I can just get a few projects that qualify for the hours necessary to become a member, I will also be able to take advantage of these great benefits.