Thank you for your interest in our Assitant Camera Trainee program. We currently have a full roster of trainees. If you would like to be considered for the program when space is avaliable, please read the infomation below and submit an application. There is a $50 nonrefundable application processing fee, which does not guarantee you a spot in the program. We will contact you for an interview when we hold our next trainee course.

IATSE 669 Trainee Application

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Please note it is acceptable if the Film Industry Orientation & W.H.M.I.S. courses have been combined into one course.

Film Industry Orientation Course (include photocopy of certificate).Available via Capilano University & the Vancouver Film School. Please contact these institutions for upcoming courses.

W.H.M.I.S. (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)  Available online at http://www.virtualwhmis.com/

Safety Awareness Course - contact ActSafe at (604) 733-4682

ALBERTA

SASKATCHEWAN

SMPIA Set & Safety Protocol

MANITOBA

Film Training Manitoba

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

 If you are considering a career in the Camera Department, the questions below are designed to help you determine if becoming a Camera Trainee is the right job for you.

1. Do I like working in teams?

2. Am I willing to work at least 12 hours a day MINIMUM, sometimes 18+ hours?

3. Do I have valid Drivers License? Do I have a vehicle, and is it RELIABLE?

4. Am I willing to work shift work, including nights and weekends? 

5. Am I physically able to lift extremely heavy loads? 

6. Do I mind being employed sporadically during the year with no knowledge of when I might be working again? The Film Industry is market driven. There may be a waiting period between rotations, sometimes a month or more. 

7. Am I willing to work for minimum wage? 

8. Am I willing to work in all weather conditions? 

9. Am I willing to work in many different locations over the course of a job? 

10. Do I have a cell phone, and a voice mail? 

11. Can I follow VERBAL directions well? 

12. Can I multi-task? 

Should you think that the answers to the above are yes, please remember the following points about the Camera Trainee Program: 

1. Trainees are not members of the Local.  

2. The Trainee Program is aimed at those people who are interested in training toward becoming a 2^nd Assistant Cameraperson.  

3. As a union Camera Trainee your first work priority and obligation is to the IATSE 669 Trainee Program.

4. A minimum of 120 union Trainee days are required before applying to up-grade.  

5. Camera Trainees are ‘assigned’ onto rotations that are usually 4-5 weeks in duration. 

6. Previous On-Set Experience is essential in understanding the protocol.  

7. Creativity is a part of the industry, but NOT part of the Trainees job. 

8. No training course can guarantee professional work in the film industry. 

9. The International Photographers Guild, I.A.T.S.E. Local 669, does not function on a seniority system. We are a freelance organization. Members in good standing are responsible for procuring their own work. 

10. Some people will work only part-time in film for 2 or 3 years before their first full time opportunity arises. 

11. Film work has the potential to put strains on personal and family relationships, (very long hours, extremely high pressure and tension). 

12. Above all, working in film is not a job, IT IS A LIFESTYLE!