Animation Guild Fires Up Members at Pre-Negotiations Rally: “We’re Going to Win Our Industry Back”

As a seasoned animator with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of solidarity and concern for the state of our industry. The American animation industry is not just a job for us; it’s our passion, our creative outlet, and our livelihood. It’s where countless hours of hard work, late nights, and endless cups of coffee have brought to life some of the most beloved characters and stories that have touched millions around the world.

At a crowded union gathering in Burbank over the weekend, advocates and professionals within the animation field expressed concerns that recent technological and commercial changes have placed their profession in a precarious position. One speaker emphasized the potential impact on the U.S. animation industry by stating, “The future of American animation is at risk.”

Before initiating negotiations for a fresh three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) held an event to discuss pressing matters like AI and outsourcing. On a scorching day, with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees, participants assembled in the parking lot of IATSE Local 80. Leaders from the guild, local politicians, union members, and notable figures such as director Guillermo del Toro (who sent a rallying message urging workers to “fight like hell”) addressed the crowd, underscoring the significance and importance of this year’s contract negotiations.

In my perspective as an ardent supporter, Jeanette Moreno King, the union president, encapsulated the essence of our current situation in the industry when she said, “We find ourselves at a critical juncture, facing uncertainties we’ve never encountered before.” She emphasized this to the crowd, further explaining, “We’re not merely safeguarding our jobs; we’re preserving the very essence of this industry.”

Top of mind for both attendees and speakers was the threat of generative AI to animation workers. Addressing the audience, emcee Mike Rianda compared the plot of his 2021 film The Mitchells vs. the Machines to the situation that today’s union members face. “It’s funny that I’m [now] part of a group of actual human underdogs who are fighting a very real threat of robot replacement with AI,” he joked. Legendary character animator James Baxter (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King) emphasized in a short speech that art is made by humans. “If someone tells you that AI is just another tool, is just another paintbrush, they are wrong,” he said.

Representing over 5,000 animation workers, the union has publicly declared that regulating generative AI is a key focus for their upcoming negotiations in 2024. Furthermore, they aim to tackle significant layoffs affecting the industry, with estimates suggesting that roughly one-third of their members have lost their jobs in the past year alone. The union also plans to confront the issue of outsourcing work to foreign countries during these discussions. At the recent rally, union representative Steve Kaplan emphasized that wage and benefit enhancements will be under consideration as well.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m eagerly awaiting the start of negotiations at the AMPTP’s Sherman Oaks office, kicking off on Monday and running all week long, wrapping up on Friday – the last day of our union’s contract extension. Let’s hope for a fruitful conversation!

At a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Joey Clift – a member of the negotiating committee and writer known for PAW Patrol and Spirit Rangers – emphasized that the union is fiercely battling to protect the livelihoods of both existing and upcoming animation workers. In his words, “This negotiation phase feels critical and potentially decisive for us.”

Bill Wolkoff, a member of both the Writers Guild of America (Dual) and the Animation Guild (TAG), highlighted his observation that animation workers have never been more energized. Having been a TAG member since 2009, he expressed enthusiasm about this level of engagement, stating, “I’ve never seen TAG members as engaged as I am now, and I’m thrilled to be here for this reason and contribute to it.”

At Saturday’s event, the turnout was significantly greater compared to the gathering at a similar function organized by the guild two years back, during their previous contract talks. Although specific figures weren’t yet disclosed, as per Clift who is part of the negotiating committee, this year, the union had over 2,000 confirmations of attendance as of Friday, which is more than twice the number that attended the event in 2022.

The speech delivered by Julia Prescott, the writer of Rock, Paper, Scissors, resonated deeply with the audience. She passionately argued that the union must act swiftly and make significant adjustments to the contract to prevent irreversible damage. “The future of American animation hangs in the balance, and even our cherished cartoon characters won’t back down without a fight,” she emphasized. Similarly, Nora Meek and Charlie Jackson, renowned storyboard artists for The Patrick Star Show, also garnered attention with their joint statement. Jackson concluded, “This contract battle isn’t just about slowing the descent into industry decline; it’s about reclaiming our industry.”

In a fiery speech, Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything), a member of the Writers Guild of America West board, stirred up cheers among the audience. He urged animation workers to stand firm during negotiations without seeking approval from corporations. “Don’t worry about their respect,” he emphasized, “because they’ll never give it to you. Their opinion doesn’t matter. What truly matters is your self-respect. If you have enough self-respect to say, ‘I won’t work for you until I get what I deserve,’ then you will triumph.”

2024-08-11 09:24

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