I'm aspiring to be a Director of Photography and I live in the Dallas. I want to package myself as a DP who can also edit/fx work as well as color grade. I've done everything from student work and non union freelance gigs, to salaried corporate work. Though I still can't seem to get any type of feature work outside of the ProsumerHD realm. I was advised by a good friend of mine that our local unions might be the next logical step. But the only unions in DFW are all theatrical unions (IATSE 126 & 127). The only thing close to a motion picture union in Texas is the Local 484 in Austin, which is a "live non-non recording" union (VTR and Live Cam OP). I also inquired into the Local 600 in LA but apparently the only way to get on the industry experience roster is to have either 30 days paid union work at your desired position or to have 100 days non-union work (for which my previous experience is invalid). So I'm trying to make the best of my situtation.
My question is this: What can I do in a theatrical union that would help me in my endeavors to be a DP? Will doing this type of work help or hurt me in the long run (ei should I just be trying to get legitimate production work instead?)
I kinda figured this might be the case. I just want to use my time efficiently. I want to join the Local 600 industry experience roster, but the only way to do so is to have union credit work. The only avenue for union work for somebody basically just starting out is through the theatrical unions working as an electrician.