In a significant development for the visual effects industry, a group of 50 visual effects workers from Marvel Studios, spread across Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, have taken the step to unionize. This marks a notable shift in an industry that has historically remained largely non-unionized since the inception of the first Star Wars movies in the 1970s. The workers have initiated this move by signing authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board, with the aim of becoming part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Amid their quest for unionization, these visual effects workers have expressed grievances about their working conditions within Marvel Studios. Complaints have centered around issues of overwork, excessive long hours, and seven-day workweeks. One anonymous worker shared their perspective on their experiences, stating, “I’m a VFX Artist, and I’m Tired of Getting ‘Pixel-F–ked’ by Marvel,” illustrating the challenges they face with intricate details in their work.
The IATSE VFX coordinator, Bella Huffman, highlighted the disparities faced by these workers in a news release, emphasizing that certain industry standards such as turnaround times, protected hours, and pay equity do not extend to them.
Union leaders assert that joining IATSE would provide visual effects workers with the same protections and benefits enjoyed by other crew members involved in film production, encompassing roles like production designers, art directors, camera operators, sound editors, and hair and makeup artists.
Mark Patch, an VFX organizer for IATSE, celebrated this step towards unionization as a historic moment for visual effects workers. He stated, “This is a historic first step for VFX workers coming together with a collective voice demanding respect for the work we do.”
The decision to unionize among visual effects workers is taking place against the backdrop of broader union actions within the entertainment industry. Screenwriters and actors, organized under the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, respectively, are currently on strike against major Hollywood studios. Their strikes are centered around demands for improved pay, higher residuals, and safeguards against the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
As the entertainment industry experiences these pivotal moments of unionization and collective action, the landscape of labor dynamics and worker representation is undergoing significant transformations.
