The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees threatened to go on strike in October for better residuals and protections for on-set breaks. The members of IATSE Local 839, also known as The Animation Guild, were separate from the discussions. Their efforts to ensure that animation writers are paid fairly for their work have been put on hold.
After the holidays, the negotiations between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the TAG will continue. The expectation was that things would be resolved before the weekend ended. The agreement with AMPTP expired in July and was extended until October.
The pay disparity between animation and live action productions has been highlighted by the TAG in their negotiations for a new contract, and they have taken to social media to advocate for animation writers to be paid on par with the writers of live action productions. The minimum wage for animation writers is $2,064 a week, whereas live action writers make between $4,063 and $5,185. If you follow anyone who works in animation on social media, chances are you have seen them ask for fans to show their support with the #NewDealforAnimation.
TAG pointed out how animation managed to avoid a complete standstill like the rest of Hollywood during the first year of the Pandemic after their discussions for better pay. TAG wrote in their pinned tweet that they are a valuable part of the industry. It is time for our pay to reflect that we are doing the same work as our live-action counterparts.
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