In Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feburary 10, 1997, the General Executive Board of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E) issued a Studio Mechanics Charter to a group of film and video technicians in the St. Louis area. They were previously known as the Saint  Louis Film and Video Production Guild.

Now, with over 80 members and still growing, IA Local 493 represents members in the following crafts:

Electric, Grip, Scenic Artists, Set Construction, Props, Greensperson, Set Dressers, Sound, VTR, Teleprompters, Script Supervisors, Wardrobe, Makeup, Hairstylist, Prosthetics, Craft Service, Locations, Production Coordinators, Medics and Special Effects.

In the short history of it's existence, IA493 has signed over 200 national and local contracts.