Marvel VFX Workers Seek Unionization in Wake of Hollywood Strikes
The visual effects (VFX) industry plays a crucial role in bringing our favorite films and TV shows to life. From the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora in Avatar: The Way of the Water to the realistic jets in Top Gun: Maverick and the otherworldly weather of The Mandalorian, VFX artists work tirelessly behind the scenes to create stunning on-screen visuals. However, the growing demand for visual effects is putting a strain on these artists, leading them to seek unionization.
According to several research groups, the global VFX industry was estimated to reach a market size of more than $9 billion in 2022. Despite this booming industry, VFX workers face several challenges, including long working hours, low pay, and the outsourcing of jobs to companies outside the U.S. These issues have prompted VFX workers to look to unionization as a means to address their concerns and improve their working conditions.
Following the recent strikes by the Writers’ Guild of America and the actors’ guild SAG-AFTRA, more than 50 visual effects workers with Marvel Studios have filed a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board. This move marks a significant step forward for VFX workers, as they seek to join the same union that represents film and TV professionals.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union that represents film and TV workers, has shown support for the VFX workers’ unionization efforts. Matthew Loeb, the president of IATSE, highlighted the solidarity in the industry, stating that it breaks down old barriers and demonstrates that everyone is fighting for better conditions together.
Unionization would give VFX workers a stronger voice and bargaining power to negotiate better contracts and advocate for improved labor standards. By aligning themselves with film and TV workers, VFX artists hope to bring about positive changes that will enhance the lives of all entertainment professionals.
This isn’t the first time VFX workers have attempted to unionize. In 2014, artists tried to establish a VFX trade association to counter the outsourcing of work. However, financial difficulties, including thin profit margins and outsourcing, have plagued the VFX industry for years, even affecting major companies. The struggles faced by VFX workers are not only financial but also reflect the essential role they play in the creation of computer-generated imagery, despite the common misconception that it is solely computer-generated.
While the demand for VFX art continues to grow, the labor standards for VFX artists have yet to catch up. The unionization efforts by Marvel VFX workers could set a precedent for other artist groups in the industry to follow suit. With increased collective bargaining power, VFX workers could pave the way for better working conditions and fair treatment within the industry.
In conclusion, the unionization efforts by Marvel VFX workers in the wake of the recent Hollywood strikes are indicative of a growing demand for improved labor standards in the visual effects industry. By joining forces with film and TV professionals, VFX artists hope to address issues such as long hours, low pay, and outsourcing. Unionization would give them the opportunity to negotiate better contracts and advocate for fair treatment. This wave of solidarity within the industry has the potential to bring about positive changes and ensure that VFX workers receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
