Hannah Kim and Danny Behar, Visual Effects Artists at Saturday Night Live, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their successful unionization efforts with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. The duo shared insights on the organizing process, key contract provisions and the evolving role of visual effects in television production.
Kim and Behar detailed the journey to unionization, which began with Kim's initiative to organize the 15-member VFX team. Despite initial missteps, the group successfully formed a union in May and ratified their first contract. The artists emphasized the importance of union protection in an industry where VFX work often goes unnoticed, yet is crucial to production quality. They highlighted how unionization addresses last-minute work cancellations and ensures fair treatment in a fast-paced production environment.
The newly ratified contract includes significant protections against the potential misuse of artificial intelligence in VFX work. Kim explained that while AI can be a valuable tool, the contract language ensures it complements rather than replaces human artists. The agreement also mandates company-provided training on new technologies, safeguarding job security as the field evolves, she said. Additionally, they explained how the contract introduces "kill fees" to compensate artists for last-minute schedule changes, addressing a common issue in the unpredictable world of live television production.
Behar and Kim expressed optimism about the future of unionized VFX work at SNL and beyond. They noted the contract's three-year term and looked forward to seeing how new union protections, such as grievance procedures and labor management committees, would impact their work environment. The artists' success at SNL follows a trend of VFX unionization across the entertainment industry, including at major studios like Marvel and Walt Disney Pictures, signaling a shift towards better recognition and treatment of VFX professionals.
For more details on the SNL VFX team's unionization journey and contract highlights, listen to the full episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast.