Film Organizations

Film organizations offer a wealth of peer resources to those in the industry
By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter Film organizations are a group of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. Members are exposed to networking opportunities with peers and experts. Whether they come from a television, film or audio background, members benefit from talking and learning from each other.

Members of film groups share their sales strategies, challenges, technical information and success stories. The organization itself is a wealth of information, representation and leadership with ultimately one goal: to grow the film industry. Professional development and partnerships are encouraged. Consider:

1. Using a film distributors association to forge relationships and grow as an individual.

2. Paying annual dues to film groups to cover the resources offered.

3. Membership benefits to range from events and conferences to job banks and newsletters.

Use specialized film organizations to network and further your career

A film distributors association offers an opportunity for individual and professional growth. It promotes partnerships and offers resources to make you a more successful professional in the film or television industry.
Try:  Directors Guild of America (DGA) has more than 13,000 members who work in industrial, theatrical, documentary and educational films, and television. The group protects directorial teams' artistic and legal rights, promotes their creative freedom and strengthens their ability to grow their careers. View the "Basics" link to get membership information. Motion Picture Editors Guild is a national trade association that represents more than 6,000 post-production professionals.

Pay annual dues to belong to a film association

Whether you join a film and television association, dance film association or movie association, each one has different membership dues and levels.
Try:  Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA) is a trade organization for the North American entertainment technology industry. Members include manufacturers, service and production companies, dealers, reps, designers, scenic houses and consultants. Membership includes a job board, resources, membership board and cost savings. There are four membership options, depending on your profession. Join Entertainment Resources & Marketing Association (ERMA) if you work for an agency or corporation that provides entertainment resources to the filmed entertainment community, more commonly called the product placement industry. Members benefit from networking, websites, industry news and discounts. Review membership information and email if interested in joining ERMA.

Film organizations offer members a number of professional benefits

A film association brings you many resources and benefits. You get the chance to meet and talk with other industry professionals, participate in events, seminars and discussion forums, read educational literature and stay up-to-date on industry news.
Try:  Audio Engineering Society (AES) is the only trade organization devoted solely to audio technology. AES has three different membership levels and allows you to register online. Benefits include meetings, forums, networking opportunities and a subscription to the Journal of the AES. Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) is a video association that addresses the needs of commercial production companies. AICP was formed in 1972 and is open to commercial production companies and suppliers. Benefits include chapter meetings, events, discounts and stationary. Review the types of memberships and benefits online.

• Take advantage of everything that's offered by your film industry association. That's the best way to get the most out of the group and grow professionally.