Union representing camera operators and grips in California — mandatory for major US productions. Negotiates rates, hours, and equipment standards.
Anyone working as a cinematographer, grip, or in the camera department in California can't avoid Local 659 — at least not on productions with a real budget. The union not only regulates who can work where, but also determines how much they earn, how long the workday is, and what standards apply to equipment. Without a card, you're limited to low-budget, independent, or out-of-state projects. The major studios, streaming services, and established production companies work almost exclusively with Local 659 members — not for ideological reasons, but because their contracts stipulate it and insurance requires it.
The power of Local 659 lies in its Collective Bargaining Agreements — detailed contracts that set minimum rates for various positions (DP, Focus Puller, Steadicam, Key Grip, Best Boy), daily rates, turnaround times between shooting days, overtime regulations, and even specify the maximum weight of equipment. A camera assistant doesn't earn what the producer offers them — they earn what Local 659 negotiated for that role this year. This creates stability and prevents productions from calculating based on wage dumping. At the same time, the union is pragmatic: there are different agreement levels for studio features, independent productions below certain budget thresholds, and streaming deals.
Practically speaking: those who want to join Local 659 usually need to already have references and documented experience — it's not open access. The card itself costs initiation fees and monthly dues. In return, you benefit from job boards, pension plans, health insurance, and the security that working conditions cannot be arbitrarily worsened. On large sets, the 1st AC and Key Grip are often Local 659 members; they also unofficially ensure that working hours are adhered to. The fact that a production wants to implement 16-hour days only works if the union agrees or ignores it — and the latter doesn't happen often. Local 659 has learned that exhaustion leads to poorer shots.
Negotiations with the studios are tough: in 2023, Local 659 was ready to join the IATSE strikes if demands regarding hours and streaming rates were not met. This shows their bite. For a DoP, Local 659 is not directly relevant — they usually fall under DGA or other categories — but managing the camera department means accounting for the union's structures and rates. Working with Californian crews means de facto working with Local 659.