Talks between The Animation Guild (TAG) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have concluded without an agreement after a week of negotiations. On August 10, guild members and their allies participated in the “Stand With Animation Rally,” kicking off TAG’s negotiations with the AMPTP, which began on August 12. These discussions, primarily focused on renewing the animators’ three-year master contract and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry, will resume in September.
While the Hollywood Teamsters and Basic Crafts unions recently finalized new three-year deals with the AMPTP, TAG’s negotiations have faced obstacles. One of the central issues in the discussions is the use of AI in the entertainment industry. Like many sectors, Hollywood is grappling with the potential implications of AI on the job market, particularly in animation.
A study conducted earlier this year by TAG, alongside the Concept Art Association, The Human Artistry Campaign, and The National Cartoonists Society Foundation, explored the possible impacts of generative AI (GenAI) on industry employment. The report, titled “Future Unscripted: The Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Entertainment Industry Jobs,” surveyed industry executives and found that approximately 21.4% of positions in film, television, and animation could be affected by AI by 2026. This could lead to the consolidation, replacement, or elimination of around 118,500 jobs in the U.S.
Generative AI refers to systems that are trained on existing content and are capable of producing new content, raising concerns about the potential displacement of human artists and animators.
In addition to AI, the negotiations between TAG and AMPTP have also addressed other challenges, including the outsourcing of animation work to companies outside the United States and industry-wide layoffs. Over the past year, major players like DreamWorks Animation and Netflix have reduced their animation staff, compounding job security concerns among animators.
TAG, which represents around 5,000 animation workers, is pushing for stronger protections and clearer guidelines in its new contract to address these emerging threats. Their previous master contract expired on August 16, and until a new agreement is reached, the future of many animation jobs remains uncertain.
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