Last month, around 50 Marvel visual effects workers — many of whom create the magic behind the studio’s biggest films and TV shows — voted to unionize. That vote marked the first time any VFX workers have unionized with the crafts union, hoping to gain fair pay, healthcare and a safer and more sustainable working environment .
On Tuesday, Disney VFX workers joined Marvel and voted in favor of unionization. In a 13-0 result, VFX workers at Walt Disney Pictures voted to join IATSE.
In recent years, VFX artists have been facing increased workloads and tighter deadlines, even tighter turnaround times and longer working hours without the protections a union can offer. Until now.
The two votes promise to lead to even more VFX workers seeking union protections, said “Tenet” VFX artist Mark Patch, who has been vocal about the crushing workload and was key to the organizing effort. “We’re organizing more...
On Tuesday, Disney VFX workers joined Marvel and voted in favor of unionization. In a 13-0 result, VFX workers at Walt Disney Pictures voted to join IATSE.
In recent years, VFX artists have been facing increased workloads and tighter deadlines, even tighter turnaround times and longer working hours without the protections a union can offer. Until now.
The two votes promise to lead to even more VFX workers seeking union protections, said “Tenet” VFX artist Mark Patch, who has been vocal about the crushing workload and was key to the organizing effort. “We’re organizing more...
- 10/3/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The first ever visual effects union within IATSE has gotten a little stronger. In-house VFX workers at Walt Disney Pictures have unanimously voted to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, officially joining a newly established branch of VFX workers already made up of Marvel staffers.
Walt Disney Pictures has 18 VFX employees who were eligible to vote to unionize, and 13 of them voted in favor of the union with none opposed. The voters filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board back on August 28, mail-in ballots were sent out between September 8-28, and votes were counted on October 2.
When VFX employees at Marvel successfully voted last month to establish a union, it was the first time in history that VFX workers had managed to organize. VFX workers have largely remained non-union since the ’70s when the field was first established.
As IATSE VFX organizer Mark Patch...
Walt Disney Pictures has 18 VFX employees who were eligible to vote to unionize, and 13 of them voted in favor of the union with none opposed. The voters filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board back on August 28, mail-in ballots were sent out between September 8-28, and votes were counted on October 2.
When VFX employees at Marvel successfully voted last month to establish a union, it was the first time in history that VFX workers had managed to organize. VFX workers have largely remained non-union since the ’70s when the field was first established.
As IATSE VFX organizer Mark Patch...
- 10/3/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures — the in-house VFX employees including data wranglers, witness camera operators, and other production staff — voted unanimously by a vote of 13-0 to unionize under IATSE in an election held by the National Labor Relations Board.
“These workers’ collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry,” said IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb in a released statement. “This unanimous vote sends a clear message that the demands of VFX workers for dignity, respect, and fairness must be heard.”
Similarly, last month, roughly 50 in-house VFX workers at Marvel Studios voted unanimously to unionize. Both efforts involve pros employed directly by the studio; they currently do not cover the thousands of artists who work on Marvel movies through third-party VFX studios. Both votes also were expected to pass, as many of the workers had already signed union...
“These workers’ collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry,” said IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb in a released statement. “This unanimous vote sends a clear message that the demands of VFX workers for dignity, respect, and fairness must be heard.”
Similarly, last month, roughly 50 in-house VFX workers at Marvel Studios voted unanimously to unionize. Both efforts involve pros employed directly by the studio; they currently do not cover the thousands of artists who work on Marvel movies through third-party VFX studios. Both votes also were expected to pass, as many of the workers had already signed union...
- 10/3/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Walt Disney Pictures’ in-house VFX workers voted unanimously to unionize in a labor board election this week. The tally was 13-0. They join the visual effects artists at Marvel Studios as only the second dedicated VFX unit to unionize with IATSE ever.
Mack Robinson, a VFX Senior Coordinator remarked on historic nature of the vote, “For so long we’ve wanted the same protections as everyone else, but there was no hope in sight. Winning this election was a long fight, but I’m proud to say it’s been won by each and every VFX worker wanting a brighter, sustainable future.”
The in-house VFX artists at Walt Disney Pictures are responsible for spectacle-driven live-action films like “The Little Mermaid,” “Haunted Mansion” and the upcoming “Snow White” starring Rachel Zegler.
IATSE VFX organizer Mark Patch added, “Today’s unanimous victory shows that VFX workers everywhere have a clear path to...
Mack Robinson, a VFX Senior Coordinator remarked on historic nature of the vote, “For so long we’ve wanted the same protections as everyone else, but there was no hope in sight. Winning this election was a long fight, but I’m proud to say it’s been won by each and every VFX worker wanting a brighter, sustainable future.”
The in-house VFX artists at Walt Disney Pictures are responsible for spectacle-driven live-action films like “The Little Mermaid,” “Haunted Mansion” and the upcoming “Snow White” starring Rachel Zegler.
IATSE VFX organizer Mark Patch added, “Today’s unanimous victory shows that VFX workers everywhere have a clear path to...
- 10/3/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures have voted unanimously in favor of unionizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in an election held by the National Labor Relations Board (Nlrb).
The 13-0 vote comes just weeks after VFX workers at Marvel Studios voted to unionize with IATSE and comes amid the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, as the guilds continue to seek fair contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Mack Robinson, a VFX senior coordinator said, “For so long we’ve wanted the same protections as everyone else, but there was no hope in sight. Winning this election was a long fight, but I’m proud to say it’s been won by each and every VFX worker wanting a brighter, sustainable future.”
Mark Patch, IATSE VFX Organizer added, “Today’s unanimous victory shows that VFX workers everywhere have a clear path...
The 13-0 vote comes just weeks after VFX workers at Marvel Studios voted to unionize with IATSE and comes amid the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, as the guilds continue to seek fair contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Mack Robinson, a VFX senior coordinator said, “For so long we’ve wanted the same protections as everyone else, but there was no hope in sight. Winning this election was a long fight, but I’m proud to say it’s been won by each and every VFX worker wanting a brighter, sustainable future.”
Mark Patch, IATSE VFX Organizer added, “Today’s unanimous victory shows that VFX workers everywhere have a clear path...
- 10/3/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Patch, a veteran visual effects coordinator (“Tenet”), joined IATSE last fall as a full-time organizer for visual effects workers. However, dating back to his earliest work as a Pa, Patch asked his colleagues questions as to why VFX workers didn’t have a union like almost everyone else on the call sheet. He got answers, but never believed them.
Among the excuses: The employer had all the power. Companies like Rhythm and Hues, which went bankrupt after winning the Oscar for “Life of Pi,” were proof it couldn’t work. The industry already faced massive layoffs and paycuts. Jobs could just as easily move overseas.
Still, even Eric Roth, former head of the Visual Effects Society, recently lamented: “This cannot be the model to get the most and the best out of such talented artists.” And now, against all odds, VFX workers now have a union.
Marvel’s VFX...
Among the excuses: The employer had all the power. Companies like Rhythm and Hues, which went bankrupt after winning the Oscar for “Life of Pi,” were proof it couldn’t work. The industry already faced massive layoffs and paycuts. Jobs could just as easily move overseas.
Still, even Eric Roth, former head of the Visual Effects Society, recently lamented: “This cannot be the model to get the most and the best out of such talented artists.” And now, against all odds, VFX workers now have a union.
Marvel’s VFX...
- 9/19/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Visual effects workers at Marvel Studios and seven of its subsidiaries have voted 32-0 to unionize with IATSE in an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. The union called the unanimous vote an “historic first” for the industry’s VFX workforce.
The next step for IATSE is to engage in collective bargaining with Marvel to negotiate a first contract covering the studio’s VFX workers, 42 of whom were eligible to vote. VFX staffers at Walt Disney Pictures, meanwhile, aren’t far behind and are now voting in their own Nlrb election, with the results expected on October 2.
“Today’s count demonstrates the unprecedented demand for unionization across new sectors of the entertainment industry is very real,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. “To these VFX workers, I congratulate you on your historic victory. Your bravery, determination, and unity are a beacon for workers not just in VFX, not just in entertainment,...
The next step for IATSE is to engage in collective bargaining with Marvel to negotiate a first contract covering the studio’s VFX workers, 42 of whom were eligible to vote. VFX staffers at Walt Disney Pictures, meanwhile, aren’t far behind and are now voting in their own Nlrb election, with the results expected on October 2.
“Today’s count demonstrates the unprecedented demand for unionization across new sectors of the entertainment industry is very real,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. “To these VFX workers, I congratulate you on your historic victory. Your bravery, determination, and unity are a beacon for workers not just in VFX, not just in entertainment,...
- 9/13/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Visual effects workers at Marvel Studios have voted to form a first-of-its-kind union with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
The Marvel VFX shop not only enjoyed a historic victory, but a landslide one as well: All votes cast in the election — held by mail between Aug. 21 and Sept. 11 — were in favor of unionizing, with none against. Anna George, an assistant coordinator at Marvel, spoke about watching the votes get tallied yesterday, saying, “It was so emotional hearing the yes’s and knowing we were fighting for what we deserve.
The Marvel VFX shop not only enjoyed a historic victory, but a landslide one as well: All votes cast in the election — held by mail between Aug. 21 and Sept. 11 — were in favor of unionizing, with none against. Anna George, an assistant coordinator at Marvel, spoke about watching the votes get tallied yesterday, saying, “It was so emotional hearing the yes’s and knowing we were fighting for what we deserve.
- 9/13/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Marvel Studios’ visual effects (VFX) workers have unanimously voted in favor of unionizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union announced on Wednesday.
This marks the first time that a unit of solely VFX Workers has unionized with IATSE since visual effects were pioneered nearly a half-century ago. All votes were in favor of Marvel Studios’ VFX workers unionizing with IATSE, with zero against.
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This marks the first time that a unit of solely VFX Workers has unionized with IATSE since visual effects were pioneered nearly a half-century ago. All votes were in favor of Marvel Studios’ VFX workers unionizing with IATSE, with zero against.
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- 9/13/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Visual effects workers for the first time in history will have union representation. On Wednesday, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) announced that Marvel VFX workers successfully passed a National Labor Relations Board (Nlrb) ballot and will now join IATSE.
The vote comes after a supermajority of Marvel’s 50+ internal VFX workers first signed authorization cards with the union on Aug. 7. IATSE says that because Marvel had declined voluntary recognition of the union, a vote with the Nlrb was necessary. With the vote passing, it’s the first time any people who work in the visual effects space across Hollywood will have any sort of representation from a union.
A simple majority of Marvel’s internal VFX staff was required in order to IATSE to represent them, but the union was of course seeking a strong number of votes to strengthen the resolve of the new branch within IATSE.
The vote comes after a supermajority of Marvel’s 50+ internal VFX workers first signed authorization cards with the union on Aug. 7. IATSE says that because Marvel had declined voluntary recognition of the union, a vote with the Nlrb was necessary. With the vote passing, it’s the first time any people who work in the visual effects space across Hollywood will have any sort of representation from a union.
A simple majority of Marvel’s internal VFX staff was required in order to IATSE to represent them, but the union was of course seeking a strong number of votes to strengthen the resolve of the new branch within IATSE.
- 9/13/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
In a historic move, Marvel Studios’ visual effects workers unanimously voted in favor of unionizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in an election held by the National Labor Relations Board (Nlrb), the company announced Wednesday.
This marks the first time a unit of solely VFX workers has unionized with IATSE.
The Marvel Studios workers initially filed for the election on Aug. 7, and votes were cast and collected between Aug. 21 and Sept. 11. During the count on Sept. 12, all votes were in favor of unionizing with IATSE and zero were against.
“Today, VFX workers at Marvel Studios spoke with a unanimous, collective voice, demanding fair pay for the hours they work, healthcare, a safe and sustainable working environment, and respect for the work they do,” Mark Patch, VFX organizer for IATSE, said in a statement. “There could be no stronger statement highlighting the overwhelming need for us to...
This marks the first time a unit of solely VFX workers has unionized with IATSE.
The Marvel Studios workers initially filed for the election on Aug. 7, and votes were cast and collected between Aug. 21 and Sept. 11. During the count on Sept. 12, all votes were in favor of unionizing with IATSE and zero were against.
“Today, VFX workers at Marvel Studios spoke with a unanimous, collective voice, demanding fair pay for the hours they work, healthcare, a safe and sustainable working environment, and respect for the work they do,” Mark Patch, VFX organizer for IATSE, said in a statement. “There could be no stronger statement highlighting the overwhelming need for us to...
- 9/13/2023
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Marvel Studios visual effects workers have voted unanimously to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the union announced on Wednesday. The election held by the National Labor Relations Board marks the first time a unit made up solely of visual effects artists has unionized with IATSE in the VFX industry’s entire history.
“Today, VFX workers at Marvel Studios spoke with a unanimous, collective voice, demanding fair pay for the hours they work, healthcare, a safe and sustainable working environment and respect for the work they do,” Mark Patch, VFX Organizer for IATSE, said in a statement. “There could be no stronger statement highlighting the overwhelming need for us to continue our work and bring union protections and standards to all VFX workers across the industry. And there could be no stronger example of the courage and solidarity of these workers than each and every one of them declaring ‘union Yes!
“Today, VFX workers at Marvel Studios spoke with a unanimous, collective voice, demanding fair pay for the hours they work, healthcare, a safe and sustainable working environment and respect for the work they do,” Mark Patch, VFX Organizer for IATSE, said in a statement. “There could be no stronger statement highlighting the overwhelming need for us to continue our work and bring union protections and standards to all VFX workers across the industry. And there could be no stronger example of the courage and solidarity of these workers than each and every one of them declaring ‘union Yes!
- 9/13/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Walt Disney Pictures visual effects crews are one step closer to becoming unionized. Disney crews filed with the National Labor Relations Board Monday for a vote to unionize, marking the second visual effects team, after Marvel Studios, to take strides for union representation with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). A supermajority of 18 in-house Disney visual effects workers, or more than 80 percent of members, signed authorization cards with demands for fair compensation for hours worked, adequate health care, and retirement benefits.
“With an overwhelming supermajority of these crews...
“With an overwhelming supermajority of these crews...
- 8/28/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures are seeking to unionize with IATSE, which says that a supermajority of the 18 in-house VFX crewmembers employed there have signed cards with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to be represented by the union. Walt Disney Pictures is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios.
IATSE, which called it an “historic move,” noted that this is the second time this month that VFX workers at a major company have voted to unionize. On August 7, more than 50 VFX workers at Marvel Studios filed for a similar unionization election.
“The determination of these VFX workers is not just commendable, it’s groundbreaking,” said IATSE President Matt Loeb. “Their collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry. The chorus of voices demanding change is unprecedented and demonstrates our united movement is not about any one company but about setting a precedent of dignity,...
IATSE, which called it an “historic move,” noted that this is the second time this month that VFX workers at a major company have voted to unionize. On August 7, more than 50 VFX workers at Marvel Studios filed for a similar unionization election.
“The determination of these VFX workers is not just commendable, it’s groundbreaking,” said IATSE President Matt Loeb. “Their collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry. The chorus of voices demanding change is unprecedented and demonstrates our united movement is not about any one company but about setting a precedent of dignity,...
- 8/28/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures have filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board that could allow them to unionize with IATSE. The news comes as Disney-owned Marvel VFX workers are currently in the midst of their own union election and amid the writers and actors strikes.
Already, roughly 80 percent of the 18 in-house VFX workers at Walt Disney Pictures signed union authorization cards, which express their desire to unionize under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the union reports. In both the Disney and Marvel unionization efforts, this involves pros employed directly by the studio; it doesn’t include the thousands of artists who work on Marvel movies through third-party VFX studios.
After filing with the Nlrb, an election could occur in two to three weeks for these Disney workers, according to IATSE. If a majority of workers vote to unionize, the studio would then...
Already, roughly 80 percent of the 18 in-house VFX workers at Walt Disney Pictures signed union authorization cards, which express their desire to unionize under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the union reports. In both the Disney and Marvel unionization efforts, this involves pros employed directly by the studio; it doesn’t include the thousands of artists who work on Marvel movies through third-party VFX studios.
After filing with the Nlrb, an election could occur in two to three weeks for these Disney workers, according to IATSE. If a majority of workers vote to unionize, the studio would then...
- 8/28/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina and Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Visual effects crews at Walt Disney Studios have taken a significant step to unionize after filing with the National Labor Relations Board (Nlrb) for an election to unionize.
A supermajority (over 80%) of the 18 in-house VFX crew members at Walt Disney Pictures signed authorization cards signaling their desire to unionize.
The historical move is the second time in history that VFX professionals have joined together to demand the same protections and rights as their colleagues. Earlier this month, VFX crews at Marvel Studios voted to unionize beginning Aug. 21. Ballots are due on Sept. 11, and the vote count will take place on Sept. 12.
“Today, courageous Visual Effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures overcame the fear and silence that have kept our community from having a voice on the job for decades. With an overwhelming supermajority of these crews demanding an end to ‘the way VFX has always been,’ this is a clear...
A supermajority (over 80%) of the 18 in-house VFX crew members at Walt Disney Pictures signed authorization cards signaling their desire to unionize.
The historical move is the second time in history that VFX professionals have joined together to demand the same protections and rights as their colleagues. Earlier this month, VFX crews at Marvel Studios voted to unionize beginning Aug. 21. Ballots are due on Sept. 11, and the vote count will take place on Sept. 12.
“Today, courageous Visual Effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures overcame the fear and silence that have kept our community from having a voice on the job for decades. With an overwhelming supermajority of these crews demanding an end to ‘the way VFX has always been,’ this is a clear...
- 8/28/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
When Mark Patch started as a visual effects coordinator on WandaVision, he saw it as a great opportunity. It was November 2020, and he’d been out of work for four months due to the pandemic. Working on Marvel’s first scripted show for Disney+, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, felt like working on a 10-hour movie in half the time, Patch says. He worked 16-hour shifts, skipping break periods and spending his lunchtime scanning set designs and costumes while the crew enjoyed their midday meals. Patch quit after just eight days.
- 8/16/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
Visual effects (VFX) crews at Marvel Studios will begin to vote to unionize on Aug. 21. Ballots are due on Sept. 11, and the vote count will take place on Sept. 12.
A press release sent Aug. 7 notes that “A supermajority of Marvel’s more than 50-worker crew had signed authorization cards indicating they wished to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).”
“For almost half a century, workers in the visual effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers and crewmates have relied upon since the beginning of the Hollywood film industry,” said Mark Patch, VFX organizer for IATSE, in a statement announcing the filing. “This is a historic first step for VFX workers coming together with a collective voice demanding respect for the work we do.”
The unionization effort marks the first time VFX professionals have banded together in such a fashion, as...
A press release sent Aug. 7 notes that “A supermajority of Marvel’s more than 50-worker crew had signed authorization cards indicating they wished to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).”
“For almost half a century, workers in the visual effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers and crewmates have relied upon since the beginning of the Hollywood film industry,” said Mark Patch, VFX organizer for IATSE, in a statement announcing the filing. “This is a historic first step for VFX workers coming together with a collective voice demanding respect for the work we do.”
The unionization effort marks the first time VFX professionals have banded together in such a fashion, as...
- 8/15/2023
- by Angelique Jackson and Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Marvel Studios has agreed with IATSE to hold a unionization election for its VFX artists from August 21 to September 11, the below-the-line workers union has confirmed to TheWrap.
The dates come a week after IATSE announced that a supermajority of the VFX artists employed directly by Marvel Studios, which exceeds 50 employees, have signed cards stating their intent to unionize. The results of the election will be certified on Sept. 12.
While the union election will not include VFX artists from third-party vendors that are hired by Marvel Studios, IATSE sees the election as a key first step to unionizing more VFX artists and including them in the labor benefits that other below-the-line workers, from film editors to makeup artists, already earn as part of IATSE’s bargaining agreements with Hollywood studios.
“For almost half a century, workers in the visual effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers...
The dates come a week after IATSE announced that a supermajority of the VFX artists employed directly by Marvel Studios, which exceeds 50 employees, have signed cards stating their intent to unionize. The results of the election will be certified on Sept. 12.
While the union election will not include VFX artists from third-party vendors that are hired by Marvel Studios, IATSE sees the election as a key first step to unionizing more VFX artists and including them in the labor benefits that other below-the-line workers, from film editors to makeup artists, already earn as part of IATSE’s bargaining agreements with Hollywood studios.
“For almost half a century, workers in the visual effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers...
- 8/15/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Updated, 1:34 Pm: Visual effects crews at Marvel Studios have set the dates for a vote to unionize. IATSE chief Matthew Loeb confirmed to Deadline that the National Labor Relations Board will conduct the balloting from August 21 to September 11 and that ballots will be counted on September 12. Read details below.
Previously, August 7: Visual effects crews at Marvel Studios today filed for a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board, with a supermajority of Marvel’s more than 50-worker crew having signed authorization cards saying they want to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of solidarity that’s breaking down old barriers in the industry and proving we’re all in this fight together,” said IATSE President Matthew Loeb. “That doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Entertainment workers everywhere are sticking up for each other’s rights, that’s...
Previously, August 7: Visual effects crews at Marvel Studios today filed for a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board, with a supermajority of Marvel’s more than 50-worker crew having signed authorization cards saying they want to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of solidarity that’s breaking down old barriers in the industry and proving we’re all in this fight together,” said IATSE President Matthew Loeb. “That doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Entertainment workers everywhere are sticking up for each other’s rights, that’s...
- 8/15/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Disney/Marvel have reached a stipulated election agreement, allowing Marvel’s in-house visual effects workers to vote on whether they wish to unionize, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
An election date of Aug. 21 has been set and workers will need to return their ballots by a Sept. 11 deadline. Ballots would be tallied by a third party, and if the vote passes, the union would be certified, IATSE organizer Mark Patch tells THR.
A supermajority of Marvel’s roughly 50-worker VFX crew has already signed authorization cards indicating they wished to be represented by the union, and last week they filed for a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board.
According to Patch, Disney and IATSE agreed to this speedier election format (“We are proceeding with our election and we’re confident it will prevail,” he says), but a neutrality agreement hasn’t been granted.
An election date of Aug. 21 has been set and workers will need to return their ballots by a Sept. 11 deadline. Ballots would be tallied by a third party, and if the vote passes, the union would be certified, IATSE organizer Mark Patch tells THR.
A supermajority of Marvel’s roughly 50-worker VFX crew has already signed authorization cards indicating they wished to be represented by the union, and last week they filed for a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board.
According to Patch, Disney and IATSE agreed to this speedier election format (“We are proceeding with our election and we’re confident it will prevail,” he says), but a neutrality agreement hasn’t been granted.
- 8/15/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The VFX department at Marvel is banding together to unionize amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
On Monday, a group of more than 50 on-set employees gathered to petition for an election to be represented by the Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) with the National Labor Relations Board, reports Vulture. The election is hoped to be held as early as August 21.
Read More: Striking Writers And Studios Will Meet This Week To Discuss Restarting Negotiations Following Hefty Donations From 15 Hollywood Superstars
This petition is a historical highlight, making the first time a VFX department has ever demanded the same rights, wage protections and professional watchdog oversight that most entertainment industry experiences.
VFX organizer for IATSE, Mark Patch, said, “For almost half a century, workers in the visual-effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers and crewmates have relied upon since the beginning of the Hollywood film industry.
On Monday, a group of more than 50 on-set employees gathered to petition for an election to be represented by the Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) with the National Labor Relations Board, reports Vulture. The election is hoped to be held as early as August 21.
Read More: Striking Writers And Studios Will Meet This Week To Discuss Restarting Negotiations Following Hefty Donations From 15 Hollywood Superstars
This petition is a historical highlight, making the first time a VFX department has ever demanded the same rights, wage protections and professional watchdog oversight that most entertainment industry experiences.
VFX organizer for IATSE, Mark Patch, said, “For almost half a century, workers in the visual-effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers and crewmates have relied upon since the beginning of the Hollywood film industry.
- 8/8/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
VFX artists at Marvel Studios announced today that they have voted to unionize and say that they want to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Over the years, we’ve heard horror stories from Marvel VFX artists about the poor working conditions, where much of the crew are overworked and underpaid, so this move to unionize should come as no surprise. “We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of solidarity that’s breaking down old barriers in the industry and proving we’re all in this fight together,” IATSE President Matthew Loeb said. “That doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Entertainment workers everywhere are sticking up for each other’s rights, that’s what our movement is all about. I congratulate these workers on taking this important step and using their collective voice.“
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Over the years, we’ve heard horror stories from Marvel VFX artists about the poor working conditions, where much of the crew are overworked and underpaid, so this move to unionize should come as no surprise. “We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of solidarity that’s breaking down old barriers in the industry and proving we’re all in this fight together,” IATSE President Matthew Loeb said. “That doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Entertainment workers everywhere are sticking up for each other’s rights, that’s what our movement is all about. I congratulate these workers on taking this important step and using their collective voice.“
Related The Marvels: New trailer takes you on an intergalactic adventure higher, further,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Visual effects (VFX) crews at Marvel are laying down Thor’s hammer and have voted to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union announced August 7.
VFX workers have been without a union for decades but have grown more vocal about representation in recent months. On Monday, IATSE announced that a “supermajority” of Marvel’s more than 50-worker crew have signed authorization cards saying they wanted to be represented by the union.
They would join other below-the-line crews with representation through IATSE such as production designers/art directors, camera operators, sound, editors, hair and makeup artists, costumes/wardrobe, script supervisors, grips, lighting, props, and paint.
“For almost half a century, workers in the visual effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers and crewmates have relied upon since the beginning of the Hollywood film industry,” Mark Patch, VFX organizer for IATSE, said in a statement.
VFX workers have been without a union for decades but have grown more vocal about representation in recent months. On Monday, IATSE announced that a “supermajority” of Marvel’s more than 50-worker crew have signed authorization cards saying they wanted to be represented by the union.
They would join other below-the-line crews with representation through IATSE such as production designers/art directors, camera operators, sound, editors, hair and makeup artists, costumes/wardrobe, script supervisors, grips, lighting, props, and paint.
“For almost half a century, workers in the visual effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers and crewmates have relied upon since the beginning of the Hollywood film industry,” Mark Patch, VFX organizer for IATSE, said in a statement.
- 8/7/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
IATSE is opening up another front in its Hollywood unionization endeavors, as more than 50 visual effects artists at Marvel Studios have filed a petition to join the below-the-line labor organization.
In a statement Monday, VFX coordinator Bella Huffman said that unionization was necessary to protect VFX artists from such abuses by guaranteeing the same benefits that other below-the-line workers, from lighting technicians to makeup artists, have enjoyed as IATSE members for decades.
“Turnaround times don’t apply to us, protected hours don’t apply to us, and pay
equity doesn’t apply to us. Visual Effects must become a sustainable and safe
department for everyone who’s suffered far too long and for all newcomers who need to know they won’t be exploited,” Huffman said.
The petition was first reported by Vulture, which earlier this year reported on how VFX artists have complained about higher workloads for lower pay...
In a statement Monday, VFX coordinator Bella Huffman said that unionization was necessary to protect VFX artists from such abuses by guaranteeing the same benefits that other below-the-line workers, from lighting technicians to makeup artists, have enjoyed as IATSE members for decades.
“Turnaround times don’t apply to us, protected hours don’t apply to us, and pay
equity doesn’t apply to us. Visual Effects must become a sustainable and safe
department for everyone who’s suffered far too long and for all newcomers who need to know they won’t be exploited,” Huffman said.
The petition was first reported by Vulture, which earlier this year reported on how VFX artists have complained about higher workloads for lower pay...
- 8/7/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
In the summer of 2022, it became widespread knowledge that Marvel Studios was playing swiftly and unfairly with its many, many visual effects teams. News spread that visual effects houses became engaged in bitter underbidding wars; various VFX vendors had to lowball Marvel in order to get the work they needed. What's more, many of Marvel's higher-ups infamously made a lot of last-minute requests of said VFX teams, leading to the coining of the phrase "being pixel-****ed." VFX artists were often asked to scrap work they had spent weeks on, only to redo everything at the last minute. This has become the accepted reason why the VFX on "Thor: Love and Thunder," and "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law," had such cheap-looking visuals.
This is not unique to Marvel, either. Many VFX artists working for major studios have been pushed to their limits, fixing performances in post and doing giant amounts of work under the gun.
This is not unique to Marvel, either. Many VFX artists working for major studios have been pushed to their limits, fixing performances in post and doing giant amounts of work under the gun.
- 8/7/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Hollywood’s long, hot union summer is getting superheroic.
Visual effects crews at Marvel Studios filed Monday for a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board, according to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
The labor organization said Marvel’s more than 50-worker crew had signed authorization cards indicating they wished to be represented by the union. These are VFX pros employed directly by Marvel and generally work in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. It doesn’t include the thousands of VFX artists who work on Marvel movies through third-party VFX studios. Marvel has not yet voluntarily recognized the union effort, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Marvel didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The VFX industry has been mostly non-union since Star Wars ushered in the modern era of visual effects in the late 1970s, and IATSE, at least, believes a major shift in the labor landscape is overdue.
Visual effects crews at Marvel Studios filed Monday for a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board, according to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
The labor organization said Marvel’s more than 50-worker crew had signed authorization cards indicating they wished to be represented by the union. These are VFX pros employed directly by Marvel and generally work in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. It doesn’t include the thousands of VFX artists who work on Marvel movies through third-party VFX studios. Marvel has not yet voluntarily recognized the union effort, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Marvel didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The VFX industry has been mostly non-union since Star Wars ushered in the modern era of visual effects in the late 1970s, and IATSE, at least, believes a major shift in the labor landscape is overdue.
- 8/7/2023
- by Borys Kit and Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees released a survey Wednesday finding that visual effects workers lack access to portable health insurance and retirement plans.
The survey found that among visual effects workers who work on the “client side” of the business, only 12% have a health insurance plan that they can take from job to job. Another 45% get healthcare only for the duration of their project, while 43% do not have health insurance at all.
The union released the results as it wages a campaign to organize VFX workers, who have not had labor representation. The survey also highlighted the lack of other benefits that come with union jobs, including employer-sponsored retirement plans, breaks and rest periods, and overtime pay. The survey found that some workers on the lower end of the pay scale barely make minimum wage, when unpaid overtime is factored in.
The survey differentiated between “client-side” VFX workers,...
The survey found that among visual effects workers who work on the “client side” of the business, only 12% have a health insurance plan that they can take from job to job. Another 45% get healthcare only for the duration of their project, while 43% do not have health insurance at all.
The union released the results as it wages a campaign to organize VFX workers, who have not had labor representation. The survey also highlighted the lack of other benefits that come with union jobs, including employer-sponsored retirement plans, breaks and rest periods, and overtime pay. The survey found that some workers on the lower end of the pay scale barely make minimum wage, when unpaid overtime is factored in.
The survey differentiated between “client-side” VFX workers,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
It’s not just cutting corners on the new “Ant-Man” movie. Visual effects workers across the industry, roughly two-thirds to be precise, believe their working conditions are not sustainable due to a severe lack of health care, retirement options, overtime pay, and training in their field.
That’s the opinion of hundreds of VFX professionals across Hollywood who participated in a survey launched by IATSE and published Wednesday in an effort to finally get VFX workers organized as a union.
Organizers on behalf of IATSE spoke to press Wednesday about the “alarming,” yet not surprising, survey results, which also revealed that nearly nine out of 10 VFX workers feel they have no means to negotiate for their rights or for solutions to burnout, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. Armed with this information, IATSE hopes to launch a formal VFX union later this year. The timing may be fortuitous given the other impending labor negotiations,...
That’s the opinion of hundreds of VFX professionals across Hollywood who participated in a survey launched by IATSE and published Wednesday in an effort to finally get VFX workers organized as a union.
Organizers on behalf of IATSE spoke to press Wednesday about the “alarming,” yet not surprising, survey results, which also revealed that nearly nine out of 10 VFX workers feel they have no means to negotiate for their rights or for solutions to burnout, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. Armed with this information, IATSE hopes to launch a formal VFX union later this year. The timing may be fortuitous given the other impending labor negotiations,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
A decade ago, the visual effects industry hit a creative high note when Ang Lee’s adaptation of Life of Pi — highlighted by an extraordinary photoreal CG Bengal tiger — won the VFX honor at the 2013 BAFTA awards. But the celebration quickly turned to devastation when, shortly after, in Los Angeles, the film’s lead VFX company, Rhythm & Hues (R&h), began calling artists to let them go. Recalls Academy member and former employee Gene Kozicki, “It didn’t matter if you were an Academy Award-winning VFX supervisor or a production manager with 13 years’ tenure — if you weren’t working on a show right then, you were laid off.” Weeks before its work collected the VFX honor at the Oscars, the 25-year-old studio filed for bankruptcy.
The shocking occurrence led to a reckoning in the VFX community, exposing to the world what looked like a broken business model, attributed to...
The shocking occurrence led to a reckoning in the VFX community, exposing to the world what looked like a broken business model, attributed to...
- 3/1/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny and Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is escalating its push to get visual effects workers to organize as a union, launching a survey on Monday that is designed to study working conditions and pay rates for VFX talent in Hollywood compared to other industry standards.
Though other inquiries into this area have been made before, the survey is the first time IATSE has sponsored an official VFX study. The survey, which is open to all those in the VFX space, including non-iatse members, is available here. It polls industry workers on salary, workplace safety, overtime pay, available resources, and more.
“VFX is integral to almost every film and television production made today. Yet the workers who make VFX possible are among the only film and TV workers not represented by a union today,” IATSE organizer and VFX worker Mark Patch said in an official statement. “Knowing our worth...
Though other inquiries into this area have been made before, the survey is the first time IATSE has sponsored an official VFX study. The survey, which is open to all those in the VFX space, including non-iatse members, is available here. It polls industry workers on salary, workplace safety, overtime pay, available resources, and more.
“VFX is integral to almost every film and television production made today. Yet the workers who make VFX possible are among the only film and TV workers not represented by a union today,” IATSE organizer and VFX worker Mark Patch said in an official statement. “Knowing our worth...
- 12/12/2022
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
IATSE is studying how VFX workers’ rates and conditions compare to industry standards for the first time, The Union Behind Entertainment announced Monday.
“VFX is integral to almost every film and television production made today, Yet the workers who make VFX possible are among the only film & tv workers not represented by a union today,” said IATSE Organizer and VFX Worker Mark Patch.
“Knowing our worth is an essential step towards building a more sustainable VFX industry.”
This marks the first time the union has sponsored an official VFX study.
IATSE Communications Director Jonas Loeb explained that the Union’s involvement is intended to drive higher participation than ever before. Said Loeb, “The more in the VFX community that participate, the more representative the study will be.”
The survey is open to all who work in the VFX space, including non-iatse members. All submissions will be anonymized and tallied with aggregated totals.
“VFX is integral to almost every film and television production made today, Yet the workers who make VFX possible are among the only film & tv workers not represented by a union today,” said IATSE Organizer and VFX Worker Mark Patch.
“Knowing our worth is an essential step towards building a more sustainable VFX industry.”
This marks the first time the union has sponsored an official VFX study.
IATSE Communications Director Jonas Loeb explained that the Union’s involvement is intended to drive higher participation than ever before. Said Loeb, “The more in the VFX community that participate, the more representative the study will be.”
The survey is open to all who work in the VFX space, including non-iatse members. All submissions will be anonymized and tallied with aggregated totals.
- 12/12/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
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