Groundbreaking Move: Marvel VFX Workers Unite to Revolutionize the Industry at Disney
Marvel VFX workers unite! Witness a groundbreaking moment in the filmmaking industry as they vote to unionize at Disney, paving the way for unprecedented changes in the world of visual effects
Summary
Marvel VFX workers are voting to unionize due to overwork and unrealistic deadlines, highlighting the need for improved working conditions in the industry.
The unionization has the potential to ignite a broader movement, where more artists will advocate for improved treatment and resist studio demands.
This advancement mirrors the ongoing labor strikes in Hollywood, as various groups strive for better working conditions, indicating the necessity for industry-wide change.
VFX workers involved in Marvel Cinematic Universe projects are supporting the idea of forming a union. Recently, there has been criticism regarding the quality of VFX in Marvel Studios productions. In addition, many VFX artists have shared their experiences of being overworked and facing unrealistic deadlines. This is happening amidst ongoing labor strikes in Hollywood, with the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA demanding improved working conditions.
According to Vulture, VFX workers who have worked on Marvel Studios projects are now seeking to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). A petition has been filed by a group of over 50 on-set employees, requesting an election to be hosted by IATSE as early as August 21. If successful, this would enable the artists to be represented by the labor union and the National Labor Relations Board. Mark Patch, the VFX organizer for IATSE, described this as a significant milestone for VFX workers.
How Marvel VFX Workers Unionizing Would Change The Filmmaking Industry
After years of being overlooked and undervalued, visual-effects (VFX) workers have finally taken a bold step towards securing the rights and privileges that their counterparts in the film industry have long enjoyed. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of a unified front for VFX professionals, as we assert our collective voice and demand the recognition and respect that our craft deserves.
The potential unionization of VFX workers serves as yet another wakeup call for Hollywood executives, highlighting the dire need for significant improvement in working conditions across the board for those involved in television shows and movies. Recent controversies surrounding the excessive hours endured by VFX artists during certain MCU productions have yielded mixed reactions to the final on-screen results. While the global COVID-19 pandemic played a substantial role in 2020, ongoing issues stem from inadequate behind-the-scenes organization, ultimately impacting the post-production teams.
If the demands of the Marvel VFX workers are met, it could pave the way for other artists to join unions and resist the demands imposed by studios. The strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA have likely played a role in this significant moment, as it becomes a larger battle for the future of Hollywood. It is unacceptable for artists who dedicate countless hours to create these visual worlds to endure unreasonable working conditions in 2023.
After August 21, we will see how the unionization of VFX artists affects Marvel Studios' Phases 5 and 6 projects, most of which have not started filming yet. Undoubtedly, this is the path Hollywood must take, considering that the working standards have been problematic for far too long. For now, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of the proper unionization of MCU VFX workers.
Source: Vulture
