New York, New York – United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE—the Local Union protecting Designers, Artists, and Administrative staff working across the nation in the entertainment industry—released results from an internal survey of its members working as Costume and Art Department Coordinators. The survey collected information from Local USA 829 Coordinators on their demographics, work experience, and salary to better demonstrate prevailing inequities that exist within the Costume Department.
“The work of Costume Department Coordinators is essential to every production,” said Carl Mulert, National Business Agent, Local USA 829, IATSE. “These workers are a vital part of the crew, efficiently aiding and running the Costume Department from start to finish. Local USA 829 remains committed to equity for all working in the entertainment industry and ensuring that our members are paid fairly for their work, talent, and dedication to the success of their show.”
The survey found that the majority of those working as Costume Department Coordinators are traditionally underrepresented, with 83% of participants self-identifying as female and 45% as LGBTQIA+. This is telling, particularly in an industry where just 21% of film crews identify as female and only 2.3% of all entry level positions are nationally held by women who identify as LGBTQIA+.
“We know that Costume Department Coordinators are among the least represented and least paid professionals working in the entertainment industry,” said Local USA 829 member Alex Hoffman. “Not only must we do better to diversify the industry, welcoming more people from underrepresented communities, but we must ensure equity for those who take on such a challenging job.”
Survey participants revealed that CDCs, a position that is comparable to that of Art Department Coordinators, will make on average over 70% less than their colleagues. Yet CDCs are responsible for significant financial, administrative, and logistical duties—all which begin before production and end after shooting has wrapped.
Why are we releasing the data now? At the time of the initial survey in 2021, our Local was compiling data in preparation for the USA 829 Major Motion Picture Agreement negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). CDCs were organized by Local USA 829 in a hard-fought two year campaign culminating by filing a NLRB representation petition and were granted voluntary recognition. Thereafter, many (but not all) studios were made to negotiate with the union. This resulted in the USA 829 Costume Department Coordinator Agreement of 2016. We then targeted certain studios into signing the new CDC Agreement and added CDCs into other IATSE Agreements applicable in the NYC region.
In 2022, Local USA 829 made meaningful strides to value and recognize the work of the Costume Department and further our efforts toward equity for CDCs in the most recent iteration of our Majors Agreement. By adding Costume Department Coordinators into the Majors Agreement—who are now included in every New York region motion picture contract—our Negotiation Committee achieved one small but critical step in addressing an equity issue for our newest member category within the Costume Department. Still, Local USA 829's recognizes that there is much more work to do to achieve equity.
“The job of a Costume Department Coordinator is extensive and overwhelming,” said Local USA 829 member Katie Irish. “CDCs often serve beyond their typical duties to make sure that not only the Costume Department runs effectively, but that the whole production is able to efficiently function. The work of Costume Department Coordinators is paramount to the success of any production.”
You can access the pamphlet and data here.
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ABOUT LOCAL USA 829
United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE, is the national representative voice of designers and scenic artists in the entertainment industry. In solidarity and under the jurisdiction of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Local USA 829 advocates for and negotiates inclusive, equitable, and safe working conditions, wages, and benefits for workers in the film, television, and live performance sectors. The union represents a broad range of diverse crafts and artists—including scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and projection designers as well as computer artists, art and costume department coordinators, and industrial workers—whose dedication and artistry is crucial in bringing stories to the stage and screen. Local USA 829 stands firm and united in creating inclusive, anti-racist workplaces that fosters transparency, opportunity for all, and equity among workers.