Supporting Artists · Film & TV · UK
A simple guide created by Supporting Artists to help others join the FAA union through BECTU.
Learn How To JoinBenefits
The Film Artistes' Association (FAA) is the union for Supporting Artists working in film and television in the UK, operating as a branch of BECTU. Membership gives you real protections and a collective voice in an industry where that matters.
FAA negotiates industry-wide pay agreements ensuring you receive fair rates for your work on productions.
Have a collective voice in the industry. The FAA represents Supporting Artists in negotiations with employers and production companies.
Access support and advice if you face issues on set — from unsafe conditions to disputes over pay or treatment.
Connect with fellow Supporting Artists who understand the realities of the job and are working to improve conditions for everyone.
Union membership is increasingly recognised across productions as a mark of professionalism and commitment to industry standards.
Access the Prospect Plus scheme with savings on Apple, Dell, travel insurance, airport parking, gym memberships, foreign exchange, and much more.
Purchase a TOTUM Pro card (formerly NUS card) for access to hundreds of discounts on the high street and online — including 10% at Co-op, ASOS, Deliveroo, Disney+, BT and more.
BECTU members save £5 on BFI membership. Quote "Bectu" by phone or at the BFI counter. BFI members get priority access to film tickets and exclusive screenings in London.
Step by Step
Go to bectu.org.uk/join and follow the 6 stages below. We have filled in exactly what to write at each step so there is no guesswork.
How would you describe your employment status?
Write: Self Employed / Freelancer
Name or membership number of person who asked you to join — optional, share who told you if you would like to.
You will see a box where BECTU states it may not be able to help with problems that occurred before you became a member (other than in exceptional circumstances). This is standard — just proceed.
Fill in your personal details: Title, First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Gender.
Personal Email, Work Email (optional), tick your preferred email box, Special Offers tick box, Address, Phone Number.
Check your email afterwards to confirm your address.
Job Title: FILM ARTISTE
Department: Leave blank
Which Area Do You Work In? TV PRODUCTION & FILM (LONDON)
Branch: FAA
How Much Are You Paid Yearly: Enter your annual SA income (e.g. £1000)
BECTU's form jumps directly from Stage 4 to Stage 6. There is nothing to fill in here — just continue to the next page.
Discount Code: Leave blank
How Would You Like To Pay? Direct Debit (£5 a month)
Your Personal Account? Yes
Enter your Account Name, Account Number and Sort Code.
Accept the Terms & Conditions and submit. A brief optional diversity questionnaire follows.
You will receive a confirmation email, a Direct Debit will be set up, and your new membership number will follow. Welcome to the FAA! 🎬
What To Expect
Joining is just the beginning. Here is what to expect once your membership is confirmed.
You'll receive a membership confirmation from BECTU with your membership number and login details for the member portal.
Log in to manage your subscription, update your details, and access the full FAA-PACT agreement (member only).
You can reference your FAA membership on productions straight away. Report non-FAA deals to deals@bectu.org.uk.
Attend FAA branch meetings and vote on negotiations. The more members engage, the stronger the union becomes.
If you have a workplace dispute or pay issue, contact BECTU's support team. Members have access to legal support and representation.
BECTU members receive discounts via the Prospect Plus scheme — including savings on Apple, travel insurance, gym memberships, and more.
Who We Are
This project was created by working Supporting Artists who wanted to make the joining process clearer and more accessible for everyone in our community.
Navigating union membership for the first time can feel daunting. We have been through it ourselves and put this guide together so you do not have to figure it out alone. No jargon, no gatekeeping — just straightforward information from people who do the same work you do.
Common Questions
The questions Supporting Artists actually ask when considering joining the FAA.
No — you do not need to be currently on a booking or have a certain number of credits to join. The FAA is open to anyone working as a Supporting Artist in UK film and TV. Joining early means you are protected from day one when work comes in.
Yes. Being registered with a supporting artist agency and being a union member are completely separate things. Your agency places you in work; the union protects your rights and pay when you are on set. You can — and should — be both.
Not exactly. The FAA (Film Artistes' Association) is a specialist branch within BECTU specifically for Supporting Artists. When you join the FAA, you join through BECTU and become a member of both. BECTU is the wider union covering many areas of media and entertainment.
Not all productions require FAA membership, but those that have signed the FAA-PACT agreement are required to hire through the FAA and pay FAA rates. These are typically the larger, higher-budget productions. As union membership grows, more productions come under the agreement.
If you believe a production covered by the FAA-PACT agreement is not paying correct rates, you can report it to BECTU at deals@bectu.org.uk. Collective reporting has real impact — this is one of the key reasons membership matters.
Yes. BECTU membership can be cancelled at any time by contacting the membership team at membership@bectu.org.uk or calling 0300 600 1878. Note that you will lose access to member support and protections upon cancellation.
No. This is an independent project run by Supporting Artists to help others navigate the joining process. It is not affiliated with BECTU, the FAA, or any union. For official information, always refer to bectu.org.uk.
Further Reading
Links to help you learn more about the FAA, BECTU, and your rights as a Supporting Artist.
The official BECTU membership page — start your application here and select the FAA branch.
bectu.org.uk/join →The current FAA-PACT rate cards showing minimum pay rates for Supporting Artists on covered productions.
View Ratecards →Have a question about joining the FAA branch specifically? Email the team directly at joinfaa@bectu.org.uk.
Email FAA →Independent Project — Not Affiliated with BECTU or Any Union. This website is an independent resource created by Supporting Artists. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to BECTU, the Film Artistes' Association, or any other trade union or industry body. All information is provided in good faith for guidance purposes only. Membership fees and rates are subject to change — always verify the latest information at bectu.org.uk. This is a voluntary, community-run project. Last reviewed April 2026.