Can it be done?

For many beginning filmmakers, using union talent and crew is simply not an option. If you have $10,000 to shoot a feature, you”d better believe every penny needs to end up on screen. This means calling in every favor you can for talent, crew, equipment and craft services. The #1 rule to any film set (especially free labor sets) is to have great craft service. If people are well fed, they will work well (and with fewer complaints). So get your mom to make some food and be prepared to go through a lot of it.

Pros

• Cost: The biggest benefit of going non-union is the cost element. Volunteer work force means putting money where it is most needed – in equipment and production value items. There can be tax implications of having an all volunteer work force. Consult a CPA friend or relative to make sure you are covering your bases.
• Trial & Error: This is the time to make all of your mistakes. Even a poorly made feature for $10,000 is still an amazing feat! People will cut you a lot of slack at this level.
• Eager Talent & Crew: When working non-union, crews are usually eager and enthusiastic about working on a film set. They are there to learn and gain experience to advance their career. They will put up with a lot more than someone who has been around for 20 years.

Cons

• Quality: Non-union talent and crews are the least experienced. Actors are usually wooden or flat and crews can take a long time to try to figure out how to set up a shot (and may still not get it right). Both can result in a lower quality film.
• Politics: On most micro-budget films, you can get by without using a union even in a union state. However, if you start approaching a high enough budget, you might find union picketers at your set. Or worse, your crew might unionize on you. Either case is a major issue and soils your reputation with the local unions.

The Reality

The reality is that you should try to use as many union workers as your budget will allow. Not only will you not burn bridges, but you will have a better looking film. Rule of Thumb: Professionals should hire professionals. If this means utilizing SAG and IATSE members, but not WGA, DGA or Teamsters, so be it. But make sure your finances support the use and exclusion of said unions.