Transfer

For information on what I.A.T.S.E. Local 849 does, the geographic area covered in our jurisdiction, and the departments we represent, please visit our about page.

Transferring is only available for full members of I.A.T.S.E. locals - you can not transfer permit status or referral status to other locals, but hours worked in other jurisdictions may be able to be used towards an application for full membership


Transferring Out

If you are a full member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 849 and you would like to transfer your membership to another I.A.T.S.E. Local, please review that local's requirements for transferring before contacting the Local 849 office. You must meet all requirements the local has implemented and other I.A.T.S.E. locals are not required to accept transfers. 

Once it is needed, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to have a transfer card sent to the local you are transferring to. 


Transferring In

If you are a full member of another I.A.T.S.E. Local, you may be able to transfer your membership to Local 849. 

Membership with Local 849 has a range of benefits including access to a medical plan, a national RRSP plan, life insurance, hiring priority over non-members, access to union discounts on a vast selection of brands across a number of industries, training reimbursement programs & opportunities, the opportunity to contribute to the Local through committees and advocacy work, and more. For some details on the benefits of membership, please click here

This page contains all of the information on requirements for membership, the forms to transfer your membership, and details on the process of submitting an application for transfer. 

Important Considerations Before Applying

  • The film industry in Local 849's jurisdiction is sometimes still seasonal - some technicians who hold memberships in other I.A.T.S.E. Locals in busier jurisdictions prefer to maintain those memberships so they have options to more easily work elsewhere if they would like. 
  • You can maintain memberships in more than one I.A.T.S.E. Local, but you will be required to pay dues to any Local you are a full member of. 
  • Some I.A.T.S.E. Locals may have opportunities or benefits available to members that Local 849 may not offer, or vice versa. Be sure to review your local's benefits to be sure you would like to transfer. 
  • Members interested in transferring to Local 849 must meet the residency requirements as outlined in the departmental requirements below. If you do not meet those requirements yet, you can apply for Sister Status to get your name into our system. 
  • When transferring, technicians will only be able to transfer into departments they are already members of in their home local. 

Departmental Requirements for Incoming Transfers

 
  • Overview

    Each department has specific requirements in order to transfer your membership. Please select a department from the dropdown list above to view the requirements.

    If you have any questions about the requirements, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Animal Wrangler

    The Animal Wrangler Department is responsible for taking care of all animals that appear in front of the camera. They train the animals to perform the tasks required and handle them during the shooting of the scenes that the animals appear in.

    To make an application for membership in the Animal Wrangler department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Costumes

    The Costume Department is responsible for all clothes worn by the actors and extras in front of the camera. They are responsible for purchasing, renting and/or making all the clothes worn by the performers, both Actors and Background Players, working in consultation with the Director and the Actor. They provide several versions of one outfit if required to expedite shooting and provide clothing to keep performers warm and dry while they are on set rehearsing or waiting to shoot.

    To make an application for membership in the Costume department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Craft Service

    The Craft Service Department provides the nutritional and beverage needs, other than that provided as full meals, of all the production personnel, actors and extras (when specified) on set during the shooting day. Typically, the department will maintain a supply of hot & cold beverages and snack foods at all times on set, and and also substantial snacks to take the crew through to the meal break and wrap.

    To make an application for membership in the Craft Service department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • A Valid Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Certificate
    • A Valid Food Handlers Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Diving

    The Diving Department handles all work in and under the water including the safety of all the actors and other personnel working in and under the water and assisting in constructing platforms and rigging in or under the water. Working closely with the Marine Department, divers always work in pairs.

    To make an application for membership in the Diving department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • A Valid Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Certificate
    • A Minimum of a Rescue Diving Certificate
    • A Valid Oxygen Provider Course Certificate
    • Been deemed competent and fit in accordance with CSA Standards Z275.4-97 (Competency Standard for Diving Operations), Z275.2-92 9 (Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations) and the current Occupational Diving Regulations for the Province of Operation
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Greens

    The Greens Department are specialists who alter the look of locations with plants, trees and other landscaping materials.

    To make an application for membership in the Greens department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Grip

    The Grip Department works closely with the Lighting Department & Director of Photography to position & move the camera and blocking or diffusing light sources. The department is in charge of providing scaffolding for hanging the lights, add flags & silks to soften lights and create shade. They also provide means for creating high angle, low angle or unusual shots, and dollies & cranes for camera movement. Grips are also responsible for securing the camera in other situations such as on picture vehicles.

    To make an application for membership in the Grip department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Hair

    The Hair Department dress the hair of all performers, both Actors and Background Players, appropriate to their character and in consultation with the Director and the Actor. They also provide and dress wigs and sideburns when required, and aid the Costume Department in the placement of hats.

    To make an application for membership in the Hair department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • A Valid Provincial Hair Licence
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Lighting

    The Lighting Department works closely with the Grip Department and the Director of Photography to light each scene, as well as managing, supplying and distributing all electrical power to all departments that need it. The department handles all the lights on set, including anything that is attached to the lights. They may work with the Rigging team to build the grid for lights in a studio.

    To make an application for membership in the Lighting department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Makeup

    The Makeup Department is responsible for all facial and body makeup, including bruising and wounds, and facial hair on the performers, both Actors and Background Players. They are also responsible for any prosthetics required for special effects. They design the looks in consultation with the Director and the Actor.

    To make an application for membership in the Makeup department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Valid Make-Up Certificate or Diploma from a recognized Makeup School OR provide a portfolio of your work and a 300 word summary of your experience and self-directed study
    • Completed a practical exam organized by the Local 849 Makeup Department with a passing mark of 150 out of 200.
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Marine

    The Marine Department is responsible for providing and operating all marine equipment and for ensuring the safety of all marine activities as required by the production. The team generally consists of a Marine Coordinator, and a team of boat wranglers, safety swimmers and other assistants depending on the requirements of the show

    To make an application for membership in the Marine department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • A Valid Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Certificate
    • Marine Emergency Duties (MED) - A1 OR STCW 6.1 Basic Safety
    • Small Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP) Certificate
    • Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC)
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Props

    The Props Department handles anything an actor carries or handles. They work closely with the Set Decoration Department providing top dressing on a set if the actor is likely to handle it.

    To make an application for membership in the Props department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Scenic Paint

    The Scenic Paint Department alters surfaces to look different, aged, or as if made of other materials.

    To make an application for membership in the Scenic Paint department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Script Supervisor

    The Script Supervisor Department works with all departments on set to ensure that everything that is shot can be used by the Editor when cutting the film back into story continuity. They keep details of every shot, all action, camera details, length in time of shot, and any deviations from script. They provide slate numbers and circled prints. They keep a list of shots and wild sound owed. They provide the Production Office with a Daily Production Report, and they provide the Editor with a lined script that records all shots and a continuity report with the details of each set-up.

    To make an application for membership in the Script Supervisor department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Completed a Script Supervision Workshop recognized by at least two Script Supervisor members of Local 849.
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Set Construction

    The Set Construction Department builds sets, and alters the look of an existing location. This includes fabrication in wood, metal, foam, plastics and similar materials.

    To make an application for membership in the Set Construction department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Set Decoration

    The Set Decoration Department provides all furnishings, layering in various elements to help tell the story.

    To make an application for membership in the Set Decoration department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Sound

    The Sound Department records all sound on set; including dialogue, wild lines, wild sounds, roomtone, and more.

    To make an application for membership in the Sound department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Special Effects

    The Special Effects Department is in charge of any special effects on set such as explosions, fire, rain, atmosphere and smoke.

    To make an application for membership in the Special Effects department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • A Valid Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A minimum of six months training or equivalent experience, as approved by the department in a minimum of five of the following: Mechanical, Pyrotechnics with an Occasional User Theatrical Artist Pyro Card, Scenic Carpentry, Weapon Handling Firearms Acquisition Certificate, Electric or Electronic Plumbing, Welding.
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.
  • Transportation

    The Transportation Department is responsible to provide, maintain and operate all motor vehicles and trailers associated with a production. The department is responsible for safe operation of all vehicles and for timely movement of all personnel, film, equipment and supplies, as required.

    To make an application for membership in the Transportation department, an applicant must provide the following:
    • Updated Resume
    • A valid WHMIS Certificate
    • A Valid Driver’s License Equivalent to a Nova Scotia Class 4 (or better)
    • A Recent Driver’s Abstract (An Employer Abstract is all that's needed)
    • A Valid Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Certificate
    • Proof of having taken a recognized Set Etiquette Course
    • A valid piece of Photo ID
    • Established residency in one of the three Maritime Provinces for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the applicationbeing submitted. Applicants must provide two of the following documents to confirm their residency:
      1. Driver’s license from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      2. Health card from one of the three Maritime Provinces;
      3. Proof of having filed income tax for the previous year in one of the three Maritime Provinces.
      Should an applicant not be able to provide proof of residency as decribed above, the Executive Board may take other items into consideration.

 

Application Steps

Step 1: Submission of Application

The applicant is required to complete and submit an "Application for Transfer" form, along with all other materials as mentioned above. These materials can be submitted through email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Step 2: Application Package

Once the applicant's preliminary application form and all other materials have been received and their experience is confirmed, a physical application package of paperwork will be sent in the mail. The completed original forms are required to be returned to the Local 849 office. The required items include:

  • Completed Application for Transfer form (if not already on file)
  • Canada Life RRSP forms
  • Union Benefits medical plan forms

Additionally, the applicant will be required to make a $100 payment for a First Quarter Dues Deposit ($100). Payment information will be sent with the application package. 

NOTE: The application for membership will not proceed past this point until all completed forms and monies are received by the office.

Step 3: Vote on Application

The membership of Local 849 will vote on each of the applicants through the online member portal. Votes typically occur once per month and are usually sent out on the first Monday of the month. Members of Local 849 typically have three weeks to submit their votes.

At this time, the applicant can request a transfer card from their home local to be sent to Local 849. 

Step 4: Follow-up of Vote & Acceptance into the Local

Following the Membership Vote, the office will advise the applicant of the result and add them to the Membership Database. Once voted in as a member, and provided all paperwork is in order and all monies have been received, the transfer card sent from the applicant's home local will be completed by Local 849 and forwarded to the International office. The transfer acceptance date will be established by Local 849 when completing the transfer card. 

If the applicant does not get approved by the membership, they will have a chance to re-submit their application or additional materials for another membership vote. In most scenarios, applicants are accepted into membership on their first membership vote.

Step 5: Swearing-In

The newly transferred members should attend the next General Membership Meeting to be officially sworn into the Local. In some circumstances, if they can not attend, a member of Local 849's Executive Board may swear them in when possible. Once the transfer card is completed, new transfers are considered full members and are obligated to pay all necessary dues, even if they haven't been sworn in yet. 


Please review our Membership FAQs page for further details or answers to some questions. Any other questions regarding membership, requirements, or the process can be directed to the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IATSE Local 849

 
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Phone: 902-425-2739
Toll-Free: 1-877-425-2741

E-mail: admin@iatse849.com

      

1-617 Windmill Road, 2nd Floor
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1B6

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