International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Visit RSTA
Posted on 12/06/2022
Written by Adam Gould and Gavi Escamilla-Salomon
On Wednesday, November 9th, members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees came to Cambridge Rindge and Latin’s Media Arts Studio for a panel discussion. Adam Gould, a senior in the Media Technology RSTA program, moderated the discussion. Chris O’Donnell, Business Representative of IATSE, presented a slideshow on the role of unions in production and how large productions happen right here in the Boston area. After the presentation, members of the union engaged in discussion on questions asked by CRLS students ranging from their favorite productions they’ve worked on to how CRLS students should get involved in this exciting industry. Miriam, a senior in film studies commented “They each came to it in different ways, some of them went to college some didn’t… they all saw it as a really accessible and interesting field.” In addition she mentioned, “It was really interesting to hear them talk about how the union had such a huge benefit, from the community to the financial benefit.” Musie, a freshman taking Freshman Film, commented, “The union panel felt very organized and the workers were very detailed with their insights”, He mentioned that this made it “Very enjoyable to hear”.
Students who attended are members of Media Classes including Freshman Film, Multimedia Sports Reporting, Sound Design and students from the Visual and Performing Arts’ Film Studies class as well as crew from Theater Tech. In the end, students were also able to engage with the panelists with questions ranging from their favorite productions they’ve worked on to how CRLS students should get involved in this exciting industry. Many students noted that this was the first time they had learned the positive contributions of unions in creating safe work environments and job opportunities. In all industries, unions provide the means for collective bargaining, meaning that individual workers can come together and advocate for their rights such as fair and equitable pay, safe working conditions, job security, and access to affordable healthcare. In the film and TV production industry, where long hours have often been the norm, unions have played a large role.
Accompanying Photos
Credit: Joshua Arevalo, Media Arts Studio
Media Arts Studio hosted Local 481 IATSE Members to talk with students interested in careers behind the scene of production