Animation Guild Calls for AI Protections in Contract Negotiations

Published: September 25, 2024

Animation Guild Calls for AI Protections in Contract Negotiations

By Movieguide® Contributor

Negotiations between the Animation Guild and major studios are ongoing as the guild claims there are still “significant gaps” between the two sides’ proposals.

“While the two sides were making progress on reaching an agreement, the differences between the parties…require more days at the negotiating table,” The Hollywood Reporter noted, adding that a representative told the outlet the union “is currently preparing a response to the latest management proposal.”

While negotiations continue, the union’s contract has been extended until Nov. 1 to give both sides more time to come to a deal.

“The Negotiations Committee worked consistently and tirelessly to push the animation studios to recognize and address the priorities our members stated are in need of change,” the union’s business representative Steve Kaplan said in a statement. “While measured, and definitely slower than we wanted, progress has been made. I look forward to continuing to work with the committee and push the studios to make the moves necessary to reach an agreement for the next three years.”

One of the main issues the guild is focused on is AI, listing one of their top priorities as “addressing the rapidly evolving use of Generative AI technology and the need for protections that safeguard workers’ jobs.”

The guild also wants to ensure “stable employment opportunities across the industry,” as staff positions continue to be eliminated in favor of freelance roles.

“Not only does eliminating staff positions create a financially unstable environment, it also shuts up-and-coming writers out of the workforce almost entirely,” Deadline reported.

The outlet shared a quote from a veteran writer — “It’s a real barrier, especially to anybody who doesn’t come from a privileged background. Basically, if you don’t have a cushion, it becomes, frankly, a hobby, which is not what we want. It’s not good for the industry. It’s not good for the shows. It’s not good for the writers. It’s not good for [anyone].”

Movieguide® previously reported on the Animation Guild’s negotiation efforts:

AI protection and job security sit at the forefront of negotiations as The Animation Guild (TAG) renews its contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

TAG’s contract with most major Hollywood studios expired on Friday, allowing the union to negotiate a new contract covering the next three years. The union’s negotiation committee has announced it will focus on three issues that are jeopardizing job security for animators: AI, layoffs and outsourcing.

Having control over the use of AI is something creatives have fought for across the industry. During last year’s dual strikes, this was a sticking point for both the writers and actors, and they ultimately wrangled control of the technology from the AMPTP. TAG hopes to do the same for its members and stabilize the estimated 29% of animation jobs predicted to be disrupted by the technology in the next three years.

Many in the industry equate the introduction of AI into the animation space as similar to the switch from hand-drawn animation to computer animation in the 1980s.

“There [has] always [been] a cadre of executives who rub their hands together with glee at the thought of getting rid of a lot of artists,” former TAG president and USC School of Cinematic Art professor Tom Sito told The Hollywood Reporter. However, the tools from computers still need talented artists and have only strengthened the abilities that animators now have. “Today, similar claims are being made about AI. We shall see,” he added.