ABOUT LOCAL 52
IATSE Local 52 is the first Labor Union Local in the world dedicated to filmmaking, and is home to Tradespeople who craft the finest in global entertainment.
Chartered in 1924, our work represents the mechanics behind all major motion picture production conducted in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Greater Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware for over 100 years.
ELECTRICAL
A Local 52 Electrician is armed with the expertise necessary to power massive film sets and the artistry required to paint them with light.
They are responsible for building the electrical infrastructure of sets, both on stage and on location, including electrical tie-ins, cable runs, and load balancing — as well as placing and focusing the cinematic lights required by motion picture productions.
GRIP
Local 52 Grips are responsible for everything associated with the camera's movement, and are also tasked with manipulating light to create cinematic effect.
They place and operate camera dollies, mounts, trailers, and cranes -- and provide any additional support equipment (like snowmobiles & boats) needed to get film equipment to its destination.
MEDIC
Local 52 Medics are always on standby to provide aid to anyone — from bandaging small injuries to expertly delivering critical care at a time when seconds matter, our Medics give us the assurance needed to repeatedly deliver with confidence.
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SHOP CRAFT
The Local 52 Shop Craft Department supervises the fabrication and physical integrity of sets needed by movies and TV shows -- from enough walls to fill a replica city to the infrastructure necessary to imitate an ocean.
SOUND
The Sound Department is responsible for the aural half of any motion picture, recording all sound necessary for the telling of a story, including dialogue and other sound elements. Not only do they capture sound in the highest fidelity possible using a variety of specialized equipment, they also play music and other recordings back on set to aid in the filmmaking behind the scenes.
PROPS
From renaissance furniture to fantastic spy gadgets, the procurement of all objects that make the built world is the responsibility of the Local 52 Props Department. Members of the Prop Department also safely orchestrate on-set explosions, handle firearms, and oversee the use of living and artificial plants.
VIDEO
The Video Department is tasked with using video to aid the filmmaking process in every way possible. They ensure the director and the rest of the crew can see any camera feeds, assist with any scenes that contain screen graphics and deploy massive video walls that act as entire sets.
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