Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1347035
THE ARTISAN SPRING 2021 • 17 Once upon a time, roster make-up artists and hair stylists were required to be a 'journeyman' to head a depart- ment on a film or television production (and before that, a journeyman make-up artist often ran both departments). Thanks to changes in our Basic Agreement two decades ago, this is no longer the case. However, whether we are a 'trainee' or a 'journeyman,' being a department head requires a different skill set than being a working artist, and comes with higher expectations and a lot of responsi- bility—from the employer, from the union, from your crew. The employer expects our department heads to be the 'team leader'—and to be responsible for their crew; this alone is a tall order. Department heads are expected to assign duties, schedule employees, order supplies, oversee safe working conditions, train and manage their department—and maintain 'quality control.' To assist our members, we have developed an 'Outline of Duties' docu- ment for department heads to assist you in defining tasks and delineating expectations; you can edit and adapt it to your own preferences. If you have hired someone who is new to membership, this document can clearly explain what is expected of them; we find that communication is key to a smooth running department, and clearly outlining duties and responsibilities at the beginning of employment can eliminate future issues. We also have a 'Know Your Contract' document that covers the FAQs about each con- tract, and we have created flyers for 'Cancellation of Calls,' 'NDBs,' 'French Hours,' 'Turnarounds,' etc. (these are available on our website—or contact Polly Lucke for a word .doc or pdf). If you have questions about your contract or your role as a department head— contact us! The union holds our department heads to a higher stan- dard, and we expect department heads to be "the steward of their production." This means alerting us to any issues or breaches of the contract, and to handle union issues within their department. We expect our department heads to report their employment—as well as the crew they are hiring, send us a call sheet on day one, and notify us of any changes in the employment of the crew. If you are doing the hiring, the Local 706 office should be notified. Something dangerous on set occurs? New actress arrives with her own make-up artist and hair stylist—and she's getting done in her trailer? Producers asking about a Star Waiver or Special Skills Request? Contact us! Your crew expects you to hear their concerns—whether it is a paycheck problem, a dispute with a co-worker or a COVID-compliance issue—and to direct them to the appropriate person to rectify the situation. If a member of your crew has an accusation of harassment, bullying or micro-aggression, or has an impending maternity issue— it is your concern. If you don't know the answers— contact us! Both Polly and Randy are always available to support our department heads—from pre-production through post. We are here to answer contract questions, advise on Human Resources issues or personality conflicts, and steer you around the pitfalls of the job. We are here to see that you succeed as a department head! So, you want to be a DEPARTMENT HEAD…? by Polly Lucke, Roster Business Representative, and Randy Sayer, Business Representative GUILD NEWS GUILD NEWS