If you’ve been paying close attention to the recent reports of VFX workers being overworked and underpaid and you’re aware of labor disputes in American history, you had to know that sooner or later the VFX crews would take the next logical step—unionizing. And that’s exactly what a group of VFX workers at Marvel Studios have done, as they have started a petition to begin the unionization process and become recognized members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
According to Vulture, more than 50 VFX workers all signed a petition to begin the process of forming a union that will help with negotiation with Marvel Studios. The idea is, as with any union, that a united force can help negotiate better pay and more favorable working conditions for its members. This comes on the heels of multiple reports from disgruntled VFX workers about the recent conditions working with Marvel Studios, where deadlines are rushed, hours are long and grueling, and the pay isn’t worth it.
“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,” VFX organizer for IATSE Mark Patch said. “This is a historic first step for VFX workers coming together with a collective voice demanding respect for what we do.”
VFX coordinator Bella Huffman added, “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.”
We’ve seen the effects of these VFX issues in recent films and TV series. Over at Marvel, there have been plenty of instances where subpar VFX (noticed by fans in “Thor: Love & Thunder” and the recent “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”) have been a detriment to the finished projects. And instead of blaming the VFX artists, it’s becoming clear that studios (not just Marvel) are demanding so much more from these workers.
“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 International president Matthew D. Loeb. “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. I urge Marvel Studios to voluntarily recognize their union immediately.”
Obviously, when you think of unions in Hollywood, you are immediately thinking about strikes. Currently, two of the biggest labor unions in the industry, WGA and SAG, are striking, leading to work stoppages throughout Hollywood. Could a strike be the next step? That’s still too soon to know. That said, if there is a VFX strike, you better believe it would have a massive impact on every major Hollywood production. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.