Animation Guild negotiates AI rules in extended contract talks

AI negotiations extend Animation Guild contract: The Animation Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have agreed to extend their contract negotiations through December 2, 2023, as discussions continue over artificial intelligence regulations in the industry.

• The contract, which was set to expire on November 1, 2023, has been extended to allow for further bargaining on AI guardrails.
• Negotiations began on August 12, 2023, and have been ongoing intermittently since then.
• While some progress has been made, the two sides have not yet reached a final agreement.

Key players and industry context: The Animation Guild, representing approximately 5,000 artists, writers, and technicians, is seeking improved terms for its members amid industry-wide challenges and the growing influence of AI technology.

• The union, also known as Local 839 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), is navigating negotiations during a period of high unemployment in the animation sector.
• The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) represents the major studios and production companies in these negotiations.
• The animation industry is facing a unique threat from AI technology, which has the potential to significantly impact animators’ job security and creative roles.

Previous agreements and AI concerns: The Animation Guild is looking to build upon and improve AI-related terms established in earlier industry agreements, particularly those negotiated by IATSE.

• IATSE’s Basic Agreement, ratified in June 2023 with 86% support, included some general AI protections for workers.
• Key provisions in the IATSE agreement include the right to request consultations on AI use, restrictions on outsourcing AI work to non-union labor, and the establishment of an AI training committee.
• The IATSE contract also stipulates severance and retraining entitlements for workers who lose their jobs due to AI implementation.
• Some IATSE members felt these terms were insufficient, prompting the Animation Guild to seek stronger protections specific to their sector.

Negotiation priorities and union actions: Beyond AI regulations, the Animation Guild is focusing on improving overall working conditions and demonstrating solidarity as talks continue.

• The union is pushing for better pay and increased job security for its members.
• AI remains a central point of contention in the negotiations, reflecting its potential to fundamentally alter the animation industry.
• To show support for their negotiating team, Animation Guild members held a demonstration outside Netflix offices in Burbank, California.

Industry-wide implications: The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching effects on how AI is integrated into the animation industry and potentially set precedents for other creative sectors.

• The extended negotiations highlight the complexity of addressing AI in labor agreements and the importance placed on this issue by both the union and producers.
• The final terms agreed upon could influence future contracts in related industries grappling with the impact of AI on creative work.
• The animation sector’s approach to AI regulation may serve as a model for other entertainment guilds and unions facing similar challenges.

Looking ahead: As the December 2 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Animation Guild and AMPTP to see if they can reach a mutually beneficial agreement that addresses the challenges posed by AI while supporting the creative workforce.

• Additional negotiation sessions are expected to be scheduled in the lead-up to the new contract expiration date.
• The final agreement will likely need to balance the industry’s desire to leverage new technologies with the union’s goal of protecting jobs and creative integrity.
• The outcome of these talks could significantly shape the future of the animation industry and its workforce in the age of AI.