One of the notable outcomes of Marvel incorporating post-credit scenes into their cinematic universe is that fans are given a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the extensive team effort required to create their beloved superhero movies. From production designers to camera operators, the list of below-the-line workers involved in the filmmaking process is extensive. Visual effects (VFX) studios, such as Framestore, The Third Floor, and Cinesite, also play a crucial role in bringing the space scenes and intricately detailed settings like Wakanda to life. However, unlike many other professionals in the industry, VFX artists have never been part of a professional union.
In a significant move, a supermajority of Marvel Studios’ VFX crew recently submitted union representation cards stating their desire to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). It is important to note that this group represents only a portion of the VFX artists within the industry, excluding those working at external VFX houses. Nonetheless, this development marks a significant shift in Hollywood, particularly given the ongoing strikes by other industry unions, such as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), who are seeking improved terms with major studios. For over a decade, VFX workers have been discussing the possibility of forming a union, making this step by Marvel’s VFX crew a momentous breakthrough, even if it represents a smaller faction.
The genesis of this movement can be traced back to 2013 when the VFX studio Rhythm & Hues, responsible for the visual effects in the movie “Life of Pi,” won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects while grappling with financial difficulties that eventually led to bankruptcy. During his acceptance speech, the movie’s VFX supervisor, Bill Westenhofer, expressed gratitude and then highlighted the financial struggles of Rhythm & Hues. However, as he began urging the audience to remember the plight of the company, his microphone was abruptly cut off, and the theme from “Jaws” started playing. Rhythm & Hues was not the only VFX studio facing hardships during this period, as 21 similar companies closed between 2003 and 2013. These closures were partially attributed to production delays as well as the outsourcing of jobs to foreign companies benefiting from tax incentives and subsidies. Since then, efforts to organize and unionize have been gradually gaining momentum, leading to the current breakthrough.
According to Bilali Mack, a VFX supervisor who has worked on projects like “The Whale” and “The Flash,” the move by Marvel’s VFX crew is significant. Mack asserts that discussions about unionization amongst VFX workers have been ongoing for more than a decade, making the step taken by this group monumental. The Union’s president, Matthew Loeb, echoed this sentiment, stating that the current wave of solidarity within the industry is breaking down longstanding barriers.
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This development is a crucial step towards addressing the challenges faced by VFX artists. The industry has experienced remarkable growth over the years, with the demand for visually stunning movies on the rise. However, the working conditions and pay scales for VFX artists have not necessarily kept pace with the industry’s expansion. The effort to form a union seeks to address these issues, ensuring fair treatment, improved working conditions, and better compensation for VFX professionals.
Ultimately, the move by Marvel’s VFX crew to unionize is indicative of a broader shift within the industry. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance and value of VFX artists and their integral role in creating the intricate visual worlds of superhero films. As Hollywood experiences this wave of solidarity and dismantles longstanding barriers, the hope is that it will lead to fairer conditions and greater recognition for all professionals working behind the scenes, including VFX artists.
