TAG committees were busy in May. Read on to get updates and find out what they’ve been up to, as well as upcoming meetings and events they have planned.
Artificial Intelligence Committee
This month, the AI Committee remained deeply engaged in protecting animators regarding artificial intelligence by representing the field within the Creators Coalition on AI and collaborating with the LA Fed to advance legislation regulating workplace AI surveillance. Key activities included participating in a DAIR Luddite Lab to share labor union strategies, conducting a mandatory studio meeting with Amazon to monitor their AI integration plans, and reviewing new AI language in industry agreements, such as the WGA’s. The AI Committee is also responding to media inquiries and is hearing member reports of AI usage across the various signatory studios.
On June 8th, a hearing about bill AB-412 will be held in Sacramento. The bill would force AI developers to document any copyrighted materials used in their datasets. If you are a TAG member who would be able to attend and testify as to how this would benefit you as an artist, please reach out to the committee so they can connect you with other advocates. The AI Committee will continue to hold weekly meetings at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. Please email the committee if you would like to attend. These meetings are open to all members.
Contac the AI Committee at ai@tag839.org.
Design Committee
The Design Committee will meet on Thursday, June 4 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attend the meeting on Zoom here.
On June 12 at 7 p.m., the Design Committee is hosting an educational cross-craft mixer with the Storyboard Committee and Production Workers Committee at the Lincoln Beer Company in Burbank. The event is open to TAG members (Active and Honorable Withdrawal) who regularly work as a Designer, Production Worker, or Storyboard Artist. Plus ones are welcome. Please RSVP at least 24 hours in advance of the event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue. RSVP here.
Memorial Committee
Each year, the Memorial Committee plans and organizes the beloved Afternoon of Remembrance, at which we honor many of those in the industry who passed away during the previous year. At this year’s event, 84 animation professionals, including many Guild members, were honored by colleagues, friends, and family in short personal reflections and video tributes. They shared tears, laughter, and a lovely lunch at which attendees could catch up with old friends and meet new friends.
While the official monthly committee meetings begin in early August, keeping track of those who have passed away happens throughout the year. The committee researches credits, creates short bios, locates photos, and most importantly, reaches out to potential speakers to offer tributes and reflections. It is incredibly rewarding work. At this writing, there are already 21 people on the memorial list for 2026.
One day, we will all be on the list, and we hope that our colleagues will remember us then as we remember those who have gone before us now. We are currently preparing for the next Afternoon of Remembrance in Spring of 2027. Anyone who wishes to contribute their time and talents to the good work of this committee is encouraged to read out.
Contact the Memorial Committee at aor@tag839.org.
Young Workers Committee – New York City
The Young Workers Committee in New York City hosted a casual Drink-n-Draw at the food hall in Pier 57 to celebrate the ratification of their successor contract. This event also served as an opportunity to ask any lingering questions about next steps and what the near future will look like, as well talk about finding solutions to gaps and changes they will be seeing in their contract.
The YWC wants to raise awareness and educate their members on how they can all be more engaged within the Union and really tailor the committee to benefit them more. During June and July, they will be taking a bit of a break to reassess the approach of the committee and how they can better serve their unit. At the end of July, the committee will be attended the Young Workers Conference, and they hope to come back with insight from other Locals on making the NYC YWC more effective in engaging and educating their unit.
Contact the NYC Young Workers Committee at nycywc839@gmail.com.