I am a former film industry worker and former member of Local 600 Cinematographers Guild. You have two incorrect assumptions here: 1. Non-union filmmaking is

I am a former film industry worker and former member of Local 600 Cinematographers Guild. You have two incorrect assumptions here: 1. Non-union filmmaking is absolutely a common thing. Most crew members start their careers on nonunion shoots. Further, not all filmmaking related unions prevent their members from participating in non-union shoots (though some do and others will encourage you to call the shoot in if the budget is high enough to justify union participation). 2. Most crew on a film are not working for a specific employer on an ongoing basis. Generally, crew are hired on a contract basis for individual projects.