Marvel Studios’ VFX Crew Votes to Unionize

Demanding Respect and Fair Working Conditions

Headline: Marvel Studios’ VFX Crew Votes to Unionize, Demanding Respect and Fair Working Conditions

In a groundbreaking move, the Visual Effects (VFX) crews at Marvel Studios have chosen to unionize, as announced by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) on Monday.

The decision comes after a supermajority of Marvel’s over 50-worker crew signed authorization cards, expressing their desire to be represented by IATSE. Mark Patch, VFX organizer for IATSE, emphasized that this marks a historic first step for VFX workers, who have been denied the same protections and benefits that their colleagues in other departments have enjoyed since the early days of Hollywood.

The VFX industry has long remained non-unionized, but this recent move shows a shift in the trend. IATSE, representing more than 168,000 technicians, artisans, and craftspersons in the movie and TV industry, has historically represented various positions but not those in VFX classifications.

VFX coordinator Bella Huffman shed light on the issues faced by the VFX artists, stating that turnaround times, protected hours, and pay equity have not been applicable to them. She emphasized the need for a sustainable and safe working environment, ensuring that both veterans and newcomers in the industry are not exploited.

The decision to unionize comes amidst a broader wave of union activity in the entertainment industry. Writers and actors have been marching the picket lines in a historic double strike, showing unprecedented solidarity.

IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb applauded the timing of the vote, stating that the wave of solidarity is breaking down old barriers in the industry. He congratulated the VFX workers for using their collective voice to stand up for their rights and emphasized the importance of entertainment workers supporting each other.

Marvel’s VFX artists have been making headlines in recent months due to the criticism received for the visual effects in recent film and TV projects, including “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “Thor: Love and Thunder,” “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” and “Secret Invasion.” Simultaneously, a wave of artists has come forward, alleging poor working conditions for Marvel projects. Reports have highlighted demanding post-production schedules, excessive overtime, chronic understaffing, and the pressure to meet constantly changing deadlines, leading to concerns about delivering substandard work.

The unionization of Marvel’s VFX crews signals a significant step towards ensuring fair treatment, respect, and improved working conditions for VFX professionals within the industry.