WHY

BECOME A MEMBER?

As a member of the ADU you have access to a countrywide network of ADs working under the Anglo-American and German systems. You will be able to exchange ideas and experiences and compare notes on any topic concerning our department, our work and our working conditions, follow the online forum threads, post, become active, browse our employment site and much more. Furthermore we will counsel you with regards to salary negotiations and provide advice and support.

We regularly organise meetings for our members, in order to foster direct and personal communication. These meetings alternate between Berlin and Munich. We aim to ensure a better quality of work within our professional category and to unify the system in the long run.In dialogue with the persons in authority we want to improve working conditions and enforce fair wages and rates.

In order to keep our members abreast of the latest developments and state of knowledge and to promote their professional advancement, various training opportunities and further education offers are available and we want to expand and develop these further. In addition you will support the professionalization of our occupation.

At the moment the ADU does not offer legal advice for its members. However, we can put you in touch with experienced lawyers, specialising in legal issues faced by filmmakers.

LIABILITIES

As a member of the ADU I commit myself to …

  1. perform my duties as AD | RA | AD-PA according to the job profiles and the quality standards of the ADU.
  2. adhere to the standards and minimum rates as defined by the ADU.
  3. exhibit solidarity towards the other ADU members, to support them, and not to divest them of their basis of negotiation by “underbidding” rates below those defined by the ADU as minimum rates.
  4. fulfilling references required for membership and stating them truthfully. Furthermore I commit to naming referees and a warrantor.
  5. ensuring that the profession of AD and Junior AD is promoted.
  6. acting according to the ADU statute.
  7. paying my membership fee on time.

FAQ

Why does the ADU require references from a direct superior and a warrantor?

This reference system is well known internationally. Only in Germany it is barely established and therefore uncommon. In foreign parts each CV lists at least three referees – usually with Email address and phone number.

The ADA, the British equivalent of the ADU, demands the following for instance:
“Applicants must provide two references from ADA members… If you have difficulty providing these references, please inform us so a committee member can contact you.”

If we wish to boost our profession outwardly, we need clear criteria of admission. We are unable to admit colleagues, who might have added certain job titles to their CV, but are unable to fulfil the job requirements.

The only way to convince production companies and producers of our worth and the added value of the AD system is via members that are acknowledged and qualified professionals. And we require a stable network in order to publicly represent our members confidently and competently.

Who counts as a direct superior in order to act as a referee?

That depends on your position.

1st AD | 1. RA  • direct superiors – Production Managers, Line Producers, Producers, Directors

2nd AD | 2. RA • direct superiors – 1st AD, 1.RA, Production Managers or Unit Production Managers

3rd AD              • direct superiors- 1st AD, 2nd AD

AD PA               • direct superiors – 3rd AD, 2nd AD, 1st AD

Can I simply name a referee or do I need to submit a written reference?

It’s sufficient to list referees. However, please proceed on the assumption that we might contact and question your referees. Therefore referees should be chosen prudently. Only experienced and seasoned filmmakers can be accepted as referees.

What does it mean, “to name an ADU member as a warrantor”?

ADU warrantors are colleagues, who are already ADU members. ADU members are familiar with our requirements and our quality standards, so that a bond of trust already exists. For this reason their willingness to act as warrantor carries a lot of weight.

A warrantor does not necessarily have to be “higher up in the hierarchy”. It is quite possible, for instance, for a 2nd AD, who is already a member, to act as warrantor for a 1st AD.

The exception being: PAs and Junior ADs cannot act as warrantors.

If you do not know any ADU members, you should name 2 referees instead.

What is the procedure for the new registration and how does the payment of membership fees work?

Simply fill out the membership application, sign it and send it to us by Email with the header: “New Registration” to anmeldung@ad-union.org. Payments can be made by direct debit or by bank transfer. You will receive a membership number and the ADU bank details by Email as a confirmation of membership.

CONTACT