If there is one thing the studios are afraid of is another union that could potentially shut down film and television production with the threat of a strike. Perhaps that's why there has been so little traction in the formation of a visual effects union. Many people believe that it will only chase the studios away from companies here in the United States, seeking lower rates in third world countries where no unions exists. Many supporters of the idea of unionization believe that once one country unionizes , it will create a domino effect and eventually they too will Unionize their workers. It's hard to say for sure what will happen but one thing is for certain, it wont come without great resistance.
One possible solution would be to absorb digital animators into IATSE locals in their respective states. VFX producers/coordinators could be unionized through the DGA. Their negotiations regarding contracts, wages and benefits etc could be handled by representatives through a special division of that local who specializes in digital animators salaries, etc.
This is not the first time this has happened. The video playback and video assist operators on film crews are unionized through the sound union division and their rates are determined by that section of the sound union.
This proposal helps alleviate the confusion and bureaucracy that will undoubtably occur with the quick creation of a new union within Hollywood which the studio heads will no doubt resist.
The unionization of these workers is inevitable but hopefully there will be a compromise that everyone will be able to live with.
While I'm not a huge proponent of unions, I think this one is much needed, Cool. With everything I've been reading on your site about how VFX studios are being shut down and workers laid off, it makes sense that they should have a strong, unified voice when it comes to matters of employment. Effects and movies go hand in hand, so it's about time studios treat these artisans like the integral part of the industry that they are and have always been. Great idea and I'll cross my fingers that it happens soon.
ReplyDeleteVXF, it seems like the Academy Award have really started to bring this fight to a head. Instead of seeking a simple solution that may have some holes in it (unionizing), you turn the focus to absorption. Your solution may need some refining, but it's a great start and perhaps the beginning of the end for this conflict.
ReplyDeleteVFX, this was a very pertinent and thought provoking write-up. I believe that Editors are part of a union, so why not those who design visual effects? So much of that field is thinking outside of the box and looking at things with a second set of eyes, I do believe they should have a more unified say.
ReplyDelete-Spinach