Associations/Unions

These organizations provide support and resources for film professionals:

• Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences
  Although Academy membership is by invitation only, check out their resources like the Center for Motion Picture Study and the Student Academy Awards.
  
  
• Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
  For people actively engaged in production or distribution of works for television, this is the association that gives out the Emmy Awards.
  
  
• Actors' Equity Association
  Find information on joining the 40,000-member AEA, as well as locations of regional offices.
  
  
• American Association of Producers
  Information on joining, as well as a database of members to search if you need help in staffing a show.
  
  
  
  
  
• American Film Institute
  Dedicated to preserving the heritage of film, identifying new talent and increasing understanding of the moving image as an art form.
  
  
• American Film Marketing Association
  Provides the independent motion picture industry with marketing support.
  
  
• American Society of Cinematographers
  Get advice from members and read articles from American Cinematographer magazine.
  
  
• Artists Rights Foundation
  Dedicated to preserving artists works as they were made.
  
  
• Center for Independent Documentary
  Many resources for the documentary filmmaker, including how to submit a proposal to the center.
  
  
• Directors Guild of America
  Learn specific information about the benefits of guild membership, including the health and pension plans.
  
  
• Filmmakers Alliance
  A Los Angeles-based collective offering mentorship, seminars and workshops.
  
  
• International Cinematographers Guild
  Union for camera professionals.
  
  
• International Federation of Film Critics
  Defends the rights and interests of professional film critics and the improvement of conditions in which they carry out their work.
  
  
• Motion Picture Association of America
  Serve as a global advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries.
  
  
• Motion Picture Editors Guild
  Union for motion picture editors.
  
  
• National Film Preservation Board
  Established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988.
  
  
• Screen Actors Guild
  The SAG site offers membership information, news and hot topics like diversity and performers with disabilities.
  
  
• Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
  Supports efforts of engineers, film editors, technicians and production professionals.
  
  
• Society of Operating Cameramen
  Nurtures excellence in the field of camera operation.
  
  
• Sundance Institute
  Supports independent filmmaking.
  
  
• Writers Guild of America
  Script registration and a free e-newsletter are two of the features the WGA site offers.