‘Saturday Night Live’ VFX artists join IATSE union

A significant milestone for SNL’s visual effects team

In a groundbreaking move, sixteen visual effects artists working on pre-recorded digital shorts for ‘Saturday Night Live’ have officially unionized with IATSE. This unionization has garnered recognition from both series producer Broadway Video and media giant NBCUniversal.

IATSE, an influential union, confirmed the development on Monday. This news follows the union’s victorious effort to organize ‘SNL’ editors in October 2022, who subsequently ratified their first contract in May 2023. The unionization was solidified when NBCUniversal acknowledged IATSE as the official bargaining agent following the presentation of signed authorization cards by ‘SNL’ VFX workers that showcased 100% support for unionization.

Many ‘SNL’ staffers stress the importance of union protections, especially as the visual effects work for this iconic NBC late-night show has grown significantly in recent years. IATSE is actively working to organize prominent VFX firms and shows like ‘SNL’, aiming to correct long-standing classification issues within the industry.

A collaborative and evolving VFX environment

One of ‘SNL’s’ veteran VFX artists, reflecting on his multi-season experience, shared insightful comments about the evolution of the VFX department:

“Over the six seasons I’ve worked at ‘SNL’, I’ve seen the VFX department transform from a small group into a tightly integrated team capable of delivering hundreds of complex shots within a 24-hour period. It’s an intense, collaborative, and immensely enjoyable environment that constantly tests our skills, versatility, and ability to form coherent sentences after long hours in front of a screen.”

This statement underscores the critical role that VFX artists play in the show’s success, and emphasizes the importance of negotiating a contract that reflects their substantial contribution. As the show approaches its 50th season, these artists look forward to becoming part of ‘SNL’s’ rich tradition of supporting union labor.

The unique challenges and rewards of VFX work on SNL

Hannah S. Kim, a VFX lead at ‘SNL’ for four years, also shared her perspective on the rewarding yet challenging nature of the job.

“The creative challenges we face as a team are made enjoyable by the wonderful individuals that work within ‘SNL’s’ demanding weekly time constraints,” Kim said. “Working side by side with my VFX teammates is a great honor, and this is precisely why I firmly believe in unionizing. It’s essential to build a more sustainable work environment for the humans behind the art. Our expertise and roles should be recognized as an integral part of ‘SNL’s’ production, not overlooked.”

Kim’s reflection encapsulates the dedication and teamwork necessary to produce high-quality VFX under tight deadlines, highlighting the necessity for recognition and support through unionization.

The broader impact and future outlook

The unionization of ‘SNL’ VFX artists with IATSE marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to bring greater equity and protection to technical roles within the entertainment industry. This move not only benefits the artists themselves but also sets a precedent for other VFX teams and production houses.

As the demand for intricate visual effects continues to rise, especially in high-profile shows like ‘SNL’, the acknowledgment of VFX artists’ contributions becomes increasingly critical. By securing union representation, these artists are not only advocating for fair treatment and sustainable working conditions but are also paving the way for future generations in the industry.

the unionization of ‘Saturday Night Live’ VFX artists with IATSE is a landmark achievement that showcases the growing recognition of their pivotal role in television production. As they continue to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, their unionization ensures they have the support and resources necessary to thrive.

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