Production workers at Netflix Animation, animation artists at SpindleHorse and production workers at “Ted” have made the movie to unionize with Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 (TAG).
These campaigns underscore the significant momentum for labor organizing across the animation industry, from streaming features to prime-time productions to independent studios.
A group of 60 production workers at Netflix Animation Studios (feature productions) has submitted a request for union recognition to the studio. “Production workers in animation deserve the same protections as artists—we deserve to fight for sustainable careers,” says Ana Tessier, production coordinator at Netflix. “I’m so thrilled that now we’ll have a seat at the negotiating table. I’m equally inspired by organizing efforts at other studios—the more studios start to unionize, the more we can
create a stable future for the animation industry at large.”
A group of 12 production workers on the series “Ted” (DreamWorks/NBC Universal) also requested to join The Animation Guild and The Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700.
“We’ve been hard at work the last two months trying to get this show on the road and it’s incredible to see what we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time – and to see all the bravery and camaraderie that’s come along with it!” says “Ted” production coordinator Kelly Simmons. “It’s been inspiring to see so many production teams joining the union over the last few years. I hope others will find our efforts equally inspiring and feel encouraged to fight for positive change in their own workplaces.”
“For the last five years, production workers at almost every major animation studio in Southern California have demanded recognition for the essential role they play keeping the animation pipeline flowing,” says Organizer Allison Smartt. “Many union production workers are negotiating their second contracts, proof that this movement is here to stay. From DreamWorks to Disney to Nickelodeon, they continue to fight for living wages, demand respect for their crafts, and negotiate strong contracts. Now it’s time for production workers at Netflix and Ted to join this community and access the same opportunities.”
Most animation artists, writers, and technicians working on Los Angeles-based projects have traditionally
been represented by TAG; there are some independent studios that are not working under a union contract.
Animation artists at SpindleHorse requested and received voluntary recognition on Sept. 16 from
the independent studio founded by creator and TAG member Vivienne Medrano. Known for working on the Prime Video series “Hazbin Hotel” in collaboration with Bento Box, SpindleHorse also produces “Helluva Boss,” whose third season premiered on Sept. 10. The upcoming second season of “Hazbin Hotel” will premiere on Oct. 29. This unit includes 106 artists across multiple crafts—storyboard artists, background designers, illustrators, 2D FX artists, and more—who are looking forward to negotiating a first contract.
“SpindleHorse is leading the charge in the indie animation industry by pushing for stability for its passionate and highly creative team. We look forward to working with SpindleHorse to overcome boundaries and show what dedicated artists can achieve in the indie scene!” says Melanie An, Clean Up/Renderer.
Adds Storyboard Artist Amelia Kasten: “I am so thrilled for us to move forward with negotiating a collective bargaining agreement that will not only elevate Spindle as a studio but will also allow these incredible employees to take ownership of their careers and build a more sustainable community at our home studio that benefits all!”
SpindleHorse artists work remotely across the U.S and outside of LA County on LA-based projects. Often, remote workers are not provided the same wages and benefits as artists working on the same projects at union-covered studios.
“As a national local, TAG has the backs of animation workers regardless of their ZIP codes so long as they are willing to stand up for themselves and their co-workers,” says TAG organizer Ben Speight.
