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Become a member of our ever-expanding network that creates opportunities for veterans working in film, television, theater, documentaries, music, new media, gaming and more. Below are the details on how to apply. There is a one-time fee of $25 for us to verify your service but we do not charge annual dues.

FACT: THERE IS NO DEFINITIVE ROADMAP TO A CAREER IN MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT. Every individual's path is unique, which is why having a peer group, access to more experienced members, and finding mentors is crucial for your growth, regardless of your career stage. Whether you are a veteran or currently serving in Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, VME will help expand your network for professional development.

FACT: NO ONE SHOULD PUT MORE EFFORT INTO YOUR CAREER & ON-GOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THAN YOU. VME is a robust network of members either working in the industry or aspiring to break in. But live everything else in life; you have to earn your place. The entertainment industry is highly competitive, and it requires constant work to stay on top of your game as you transition and climb the ranks. VME provides a place for veterans to meet and support each other and serve as an ongoing source of education and events, but it does not promise a job, internship, or gig. 

FACT: VME connects our members to professional resources and industry allies dedicated to supporting veterans in the industry. Many studios, streamers, production companies, etc., have initiatives focused on helping veterans reach their next career goal. With 85% of all jobs landed through networking, and over 75% of executives stating that mentoring played a key role in their career development, VME serves as a bridge to the success of veterans transitioning to the civilian sector after active duty.

FACT: WE HAVE NOT CHARGED ANNUAL DUES SINCE OUR INCEPTION IN 2012, Although this commitment creates pressure on our primarily volunteer-led team (we have no part or full-time employees) to keep hustling on fundraising, we have done our best to maintain this policy for the following reasons:

• We encourage career path exploration which, quite frankly, takes time. Often, it takes a minimum of a few years to find your footing in the industry. Thus, we encourage all our members to explore as many industry career paths as possible (corporate, above or below the line, union, non-union, etc.) to find the best fit.

• Keeps more experienced Members involved (especially as mentors). We want more experienced members to come and go between projects such as TV writers, film producers, actors, camera operators, stunt workers, etc. as many studios and streamers film in Eastern Europe, India or Australia for budget or tax purposes). These members serves as a source of information and mentorship support for newer members.

• Support Active Duty Members to learn about the industry before leaving service. We want our members who are on Active Duty to learn as much as they can from veterans who are already in the business before they leave service and enter the industry. Through our VME Connect platform active service members can reach out to veterans in all walks of the industry to ask questions and build a network before they arrive in Los Angeles, New York, DC, Atlanta, etc.

• Support are Members who are Active Duty, Reserve or National Guard while on deployment. We support our members who are deployed overseas, recognizing their deployments are often for a year, and that our VME online classes and meetups provide more than on-going education and professional development, but an important sense of connection and camraderie as well.

• Support our Senior Members. Veterans honor their own, and we want our senior members always to feel welcome and included in all our programs and events as thanks for their service, even if they were decades ago. Our senior members have a wealth of industry knowledge and life experience to share with the next generation of veterans. Most of all, they exemplify, “If I can do it, so can you.” Also, many seniors are on fixed incomes and do not have access to the same service benefits as given to Post 9/11 veterans. For example, when our Vietnam Veterans transitioned from military service to Hollywood, they did so during a very turbulent time in our country, and, sadly, they were often made to feel unwelcome or even persecuted for being drafted into military service. These Vietnam veterans teach us lessons of perseverance and resilience as they still pursue their passions in the arts. Many had meaningful careers as writers, actors, producers, lawyers, teamsters, and even comic book artists. Or some found us much later in life but have impactful stories to tell that remind us of how far our nation has come. We honor their service, life experience, and wisdom by ensuring they have a place in our ranks.

Membership is open to all U.S. Military Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve or National Guard. A VME membership includes:

• Exclusive Newsletter & Email Updates - for job opportunities, internships, casting notices, screenings, classes, roundtables, workshops, and other opportunities.

• Create a personalized online profile

• List your profile in the veteran directory

• Attend exclusive events and red carpet events

• Access to free screenings, classes, roundtables, and workshops

• Access to VME job board and database announcements

• Access to VME Connect an exclusive database. VME Connect includes a job board, resources, groups, and mentorship.

• …and more!

TO JOIN YOU WILL NEED TO:

1. Complete the application below.

2. A copy of your DD214 / military (redacted SSN) ***SUBMIT ANY PAGE EXCEPT PAGE 1***

3. Submit a one-time $25 application fee (so we can verify your service).