Animation Guild members reject studio deal over AI concerns

The Animation Guild faces internal disagreement over artificial intelligence provisions in its latest contract proposal with major studios, highlighting growing concerns about AI’s impact on creative industries.

Key developments: The Animation Guild has reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers that includes new AI-related provisions, but faces opposition from several prominent committee members.

• Three high-profile negotiating committee members have publicly opposed the deal, including Michael Rianda (director of “The Mitchells vs. the Machines”), Kelly Lynne D’Angelo (television writer), and Joey Clift (writer on Netflix’s “Spirit Rangers”)
• The guild’s executive board maintains strong support for the agreement, noting that over 90% of the negotiating committee backs the deal
• Members have until December 22 to cast their votes on the proposed contract

Contract specifics: The three-year agreement includes both traditional labor provisions and new technology protections, though some argue these safeguards are insufficient.

• The deal incorporates wage increases and establishes notification and consultation requirements regarding AI use
• Critics argue the agreement lacks concrete staffing minimums and robust AI protections needed to prevent job displacement
• Industry research suggests significant potential impact, with estimates indicating up to 62,000 entertainment industry jobs could be lost to AI within three years

Union dynamics: The Animation Guild, representing over 6,000 animation industry professionals, finds itself at a crucial decision point.

• If members reject the current proposal, the union would need to return to negotiations
• A failed ratification could potentially lead to a strike authorization vote
• The debate reflects broader industry concerns about maintaining creative control and job security in an AI-enhanced future

Looking ahead: The outcome of this vote could set important precedents for how creative unions approach AI protections in future contract negotiations, with implications extending well beyond animation to the broader entertainment industry.