At IATSE Local 873, our goal is to supply every production in Toronto with the most skilled and experienced film technicians available in the industry. If you believe you have what it takes and would like to join IATSE 873, your first step is to apply for permit status. An IATSE 873 permit is someone who is working towards becoming a member by providing invaluable support and back-up to the membership during our busiest periods.

If you belong to another industry guild or union, you still must apply for permit status to join IATSE 873.

All applicants who are interested in permit status MUST submit an online application. Please read through all of the steps below.
Printed copies of applications will not be accepted at the office.

If you are already an IATSE 873 permit, you can apply for membership.

Applying for Permit Status

1. Please apply to only ONE department. Do not submit a second application for another department, as there is a different process for additional departments once you are a permit. For your department of choice, first review the minimum requirements and required kit (where applicable):

   Boom  minimum requirements

   Construction  minimum requirements  required kit

   Craftservice  minimum requirements

   Electric  minimum requirements  required kit

   Grip  minimum requirements  required kit

   Hair  minimum requirements  required kit

   Make-up  minimum requirements  required kit

   Paint  minimum requirements  required kit

   Props / Set Dec / Greens  minimum requirements  required kit

   Script  minimum requirements

   Sound  minimum requirements

   Special Effects  minimum requirements  required kit

   Transportation  minimum requirements

   Wardrobe  minimum requirements  required kit
    

2. The application process varies by department and you may be required to complete multiple online forms regarding certifications, education, skills, and experience before your application can be submitted for review.

   Please note that IATSE 873 accepts certificates of training from other schools and safety training centres. We do not accept online or virtual training on any safety tickets (WHMIS and Health & Safety Awareness excepted). If you intend to apply for permit status and do not have the required mandatory safety tickets, please review our Training page. The Training page is not viewable to the public, but you will be able to access it once you have created your account in the first step of the application process.

   Once you have created your account, you can save your application as unsubmitted and then log back in later to upload additional certificates should you need more time to acquire the mandatory requirements.

   We offer the following training courses to IATSE 873 applicants:
   Elevating Work Platforms Operator: Scissor Lift and Boom Lift
   Forklift
   Propane
   Transportation of Dangerous Goods
   WHMIS
   Worker Health & Safety Awareness
   Working at Heights
    

3. Once you have completed your application, submit it for review. The speed of the review process is dependent upon our need for new permits in each department. When we are busy and in need of technicians, the most qualified technicians will be contacted first.
   When your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Within 30 days of submission, you will receive an email advising you of the status of your application.
    
4. Upon review of your application, you may be invited to attend our Toronto Film Industry Orientation Workshop. This workshop is mandatory for all applicants with less than 8 years' experience working on a film set. This two-day weekend workshop is an introduction to the working environment of technicians in the Toronto film industry. It covers all aspects of on-set protocol, health and safety issues, and basic film-making principles that all crew members must be familiar with. Successful completion of this workshop is a mandatory requirement for permit status.The course cost is $150.00 and is payable prior to the course date. Payment options include Money Order, Visa, or MasterCard.
    
5. Please note: Successful completion of the workshop does not guarantee work in the film industry nor does it guarantee automatic permit status with IATSE 873.

   We thank you for your interest in becoming a permit with IATSE 873, however only those who are qualified will be invited to attend the Toronto Film Orientation Workshop.
    

6. To start the application process, please proceed to the online application.

    

Applying for Membership

If you are an IATSE 873 permit and wish to become a member, please ensure you are logged in, and then apply for membership. This link also appears under your "My873" tab.