Movies

Animation Guild ratifies contract with Hollywood studios despite AI concerns

BBG News

As a seasoned movie critic who’s witnessed the evolution of animation from cel-shaded masterpieces to breathtaking digital creations, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease as I read about this latest development in the Hollywood animation scene. The ratification of the new contract between The Animation Guild and the studios, while undeniably promising in terms of wage increases and holiday recognition, leaves me with concerns over the future of the artists who bring these magical worlds to life.

Despite reservations from certain key figures about the contract’s safeguards against AI usage, the union responsible for Hollywood animation workers approved their fresh agreement with the studios.

On Monday, The Animation Guild announced that their members overwhelmingly agreed to the provisional agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (studio representatives) in a landslide “yes” vote.

The member companies of the AMPTP extend their congratulations to The Animation Guild, its leaders, bargaining team, and members, as they’ve ratified a new three-year agreement. In a statement, the alliance highlighted that this deal brings significant wage increases, safeguards, and essential enhancements for the skilled and innovative workers represented by The Animation Guild.

Hollywood Inc.

Three representatives from the Animation Guild’s negotiating team have expressed their disagreement with the provisional contract that the union has proposed with major animation studios regarding AI-related work conditions.

I’m thrilled to share that our guild has highlighted numerous advantages in this three-year contract, such as boosts to our health and pension funds, along with wage increases – 7% in the first year, 4% in the second, and 3.5% in the third. This agreement also comes with safeguards for AI usage, ensuring notification and consultation rights; provisions for remote work security; and acknowledgement of Juneteenth as a recognized holiday.

Certain representatives from the negotiation team within the guild had expressed reservations about the agreement, arguing that the AI safety measures weren’t robust enough to avoid job losses. However, the executive board of the guild supported the three-year contract, maintaining that those advocating against it were a small group with an opposing viewpoint.

A recent study predicts that around 62,000 jobs in entertainment, particularly those involving 3-D modeling, character design, and environment creation, could be automated by AI within the next three years. This research was funded by organizations such as The Animation Guild, Concept Art Association, Human Artistry Campaign, and National Cartoonists Society Foundation.

Those concerns have boosted interest from workers in joining the guild, also known as IATSE Local 839. The guild represents more than 6,000 artists, technicians, writers and production workers in the animation industry.

The growing concern over artificial intelligence led to a surge of labor disputes within the entertainment sector, notably affecting jobs perceived as susceptible to technological advancements. Notably, the Actors’ Union SAG-AFTRA is still engaged in a strike against video game companies, with AI protection being their key remaining demand.

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2024-12-23 22:01

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