Produce workers on the animated TV shows American Dad and The Simpsons! Family Guy and 20th Television Animation have given their parents voluntary recognition to be a part of The Animation Guild.
A statement by the union stated that “the production workers won with 90% support across both of these shows.”
Workers stated that they hope to be able to get benefits such as retirement and health care, and to see the industry in a different light.
Sometimes jobs like writers assistant, coordinator, and production supervisor are seen as stepping stones, according to Ashley Cooper, a Simpsons production manager. However, they are essential in making sure that shows get on air.
These jobs can be a career for many.
Cooper said that people could spend many years doing something they see as a job for young people to do for six months.
Unionizing isn’t rare in animation. All members of the guilds include animators, actors, and writers. However, production work is not included in these unions. Production workers are often denied better benefits than their union counterparts every day they work to bring the show on air.
Laura Smalec (Family Guy’s production coordinator) said that it doesn’t feel as if everything is equal. Production workers are essential to a successful show. That’s my conclusion.
Recently, smaller numbers of production workers at different workplaces have unified aEUR,” these include Titmouse Animation Studio, Rick & Morty, and Solar Opposites.
Jason Jones, American Dad!’s production supervisor, stated that he hopes the move will be a beacon for other animation production workers. “I hope it inspires others to recognize their self-worth and to not be influenced by the old studio belief that production is a way to better careers.
Jones says that many of them are happy with the job they have. They aren’t looking to change jobs.
