Since May 2024, The Animation Guild (IATSE 839) has been battling AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers). These workers are strictly against using generative AI in the industry. While animators fought for their jobs, more unfortunate news struck them. On August 16th, the AMPTP Master’s Agreement expired, forcing The Animation Guild to march on during September and October. Their new strategy is a petition for a fair work contract.
The Animation Guild vs. AMPTP
Back on May 27th, The Animation Guild posted a video on social media informing the public about the industry’s crisis. As stated, the AMPTP was waiting for the Master’s Agreement to expire on August 16th. Once the date is reached, AI will replace human workers to save a studio’s budget. During that time, animation production companies laid off over one-third of industry workers including writers and show producers.
Then on the week of the Master’s Agreement expiration, TAG gathered over 5,000 industry workers including artists, writers, directors, and voice actors. Unfortunately, AMPTP disagreed to offer AI protection, better worker benefits, and job security. TAG later scheduled another negotiation date for Sept. 16th.
Union representative Steve Kaplan and union president Jeanette Moreno King informed the press about providing new additions. Along with AI protection, TAG also calls for equal gender pay and entry-level animator opportunities. On Sept. 23rd, The Hollywood Reporter stated that the negotiations had extended to Nov. 1st. TAG managed to break some ground, yet still no improvement in fair worker benefits and pay.
Netflix Dropping Animation
While counting the days, Netflix planned to remove most of its animation content. Comic Book Resource reported the streaming distributor will be selectively removing animated properties in 4 months. This includes Netflix Originals such as Voltron: Legendary Defenders, and most recently, Arcane and Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance.
For some shows, it was due to the lack of viewership. For a couple like Arcane, production and advertisement costs were high. Netflix shown to cause a discourse for a couple of their partners as well. Sunrise separated from the streaming service after Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance’s failure. Netflix is also competing with HBO Max to provide live-action and reality content. HBO Max has been abandoning and canceling animation content since August 2022.
These projects include Batman: Caped Crusader, Close Enough, and Infinity Train. What’s heartbreaking for many of these shows is that they were exclusives. They couldn’t be preserved unless they were rescued by another streaming platform. This holds true for Batman: Caped Crusader after HBO Max canceled the project for two seasons. Bruce Timm felt thankful for Amazon Prime Video for saving the show from becoming lost media.
Animation vs. The Streaming Wars
On Oct. 7th, Jelly Box Studios put out a new video for Animation Workers Ignited’s Instagram. It claims that Netflix and other streaming platforms are taking out animated content based on popularity. Their goal is to try and appease the algorithm to increase viewership. This includes shows that were cut from production before and after airing. As previously mentioned, streaming services are competing to provide live-action and reality TV content. The Animation Guild will now be fighting for fair contracts and animation preservation.
From there, TAG continues to spread their efforts with IATSE. On Oct. 24th, the union marched towards Netflix for their “March On The Boss” initiative. Their goal is to show animation studios and distributors they are against AI work. TAG also informs people about the union’s petition campaign. If they reach 100,000 signatures, the AMPTP must comply and create a fair work contract, job security, and regulated AI protection.
Negotiation Progress
After Keplan offered improvements such as including worker benefits, AMPTP extended their discussion for Nov. 19th and Dec. 2nd. The Animation Guild’s efforts have grown stronger since their outcry back in May. However, the use of generative AI has grown at an alarming rate. Recently, many artists moved away from social media sites to protect their work from AI collecting their images.
On the bright side, TAG and IATSE are pushing for better regulation against it. TAG’s petition collected over 57,000 signatures, showing how much people care for animation. Reaching 100,000 will also help writers and actors for improved job security. If you are interested in joining the cause, you can read more information on TAG’s website.
