As the Animation Guild (TAG) resumes negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), they are also bringing attention to a crucial issue through their AI Task Force. The task force has released a comprehensive study titled "Critical Crossroads: The Impact of Generative AI and the Importance of Protecting the Animation Workforce." This report discusses the potential harm that Generative AI (GenAI) could have on both animation workers and the industry as a whole.

A diverse group of Guild members representing different crafts came together as the AI Task Force and convened regularly for a year. They also sought input from a variety of experts and leaders in relevant fields. Here are some of the findings from their report:

·     AI has become the foremost negotiation priority for members of the Animation Guild, highlighting the need to incorporate these concerns into the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

·     A comprehensive strategy will be necessary to tackle the effects of GenAI and safeguard human-created art and labor in animation, encompassing initiatives such as public policy, organized labor, and awareness campaigns.

·     It is anticipated that entry-level positions will be particularly vulnerable to consolidation or elimination due to AI systems, disproportionately impacting individuals from less privileged backgrounds and marginalized communities who have historically utilized such roles as a path toward economic advancement.

Check out the abridged report on AI and animation at: https://animationguild.org/ai-and-animation/.