WIP Afternoon Tea - Union vs. Non-Union Production

It is getting more challenging to make non-union independent movies within the 1M - 4M budget range without being flipped throughout production. If a movie on this budget level has to be fully union (with IATSE) then due to all the union fees and the various regulations that need to be followed the budget will dry up quickly. There will not be much money left to spend on the actual production value that the audience will see on the screen. Moreover, the crew still would only be a less seasoned union team vs. a knowledgeable non-union team who advocates for the project. So what is the point to be union on this budget level if staying non-union with a supportive and skilled cast/crew can achieve the same quality?

I will share how my latest fiction film did stay non-union (only SAG and Teamsters were involved) and still achieved a high production value with a knowledgeable crew and how I plan to do a similar approach with my upcoming feature film.

After my brief presentation I would be fascinated to discuss your experience, thoughts, suggestions on the dilemma hiring non-union versus union crew and how you explain this scenario to financiers. Have you ever been threatened to be flipped throughout production? What happened after the flip? Look forward to exchange ideas with You!

The session will be recorded so if you are not able to attend you can watch the discussion afterwards.