AI Committee In August the AI Committee participated in the CCAI Standards summit, met with The LA Fed AI working group regarding upcoming legislation, and connected with Jillian Arnold, the new IATSE Labor & Technology Intelligence Officer. Additionally, they collaborated with the Hollywood Young Workers Committee to foster interlocal AI discussions and continued to monitor…

  Credit card debt is stressful, and navigating your way out of it can be daunting. For this August’s Lunch & Learn, Fixing Your Credit, we heard from experts from SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union, First Entertainment Credit Union, and Union Plus. In this summary you will find information about various types of loans and debt,…

Storyboard Artist Crystal Kan discusses why she’s a “comedy Swiss army knife” for her craft, the Guild experiences that led her to become a Shop Steward, and her commitment to being a safe space where TAG members can share their concerns. Name: Crystal Kan Job Title: Storyboard Artist Production: President Curtis Contact Info: stewards-prezcurt@tag839.org Tell us…

Timing Committee In July the Timing Committee held a meeting via Zoom with new and returning committee members. Since the removal of unit-rate pay, effective in the 2024-2027 TAG Master Agreement, working conditions for Timing Directors on active and recent productions have greatly improved. However, some studios have quietly invented new ways to effectively make…

Production Coordinator Liz Davalos shares how she views every animation project as a puzzle to be solved, her belief that production management is an art form, and her personal background that led her to become a DreamWorks Shop Steward. Name: Liz Davalos Job Title: Production Coordinator Studio: DreamWorks Animation Contact Info: stewards-dreamworks@tag839.org Tell us a little…

Storyboard Artist Maggie Dybas discusses getting to know the ins and outs of the animation pipeline, how joining the Guild shaped their thoughts on the connection between art and labor, and becoming a Shop Steward to help members understand their collective power.  Name: Maggie Dybas Job Title: Storyboard Artist Studio: Netflix Series Animation Contact Info: stewards-netflix@tag839.org Tell us…

The 2026 IATSE District 2 Convention was held in San Diego on June 26 to 28, 2026. The Animation Guild delegation proposed resolutions to be introduced and voted on by the delegates of the IATSE Locals in Arizona, California, Hawai‘i, and Nevada that make up District 2. Below are summaries of the passed resolutions proposed…

It’s been a busy month for TAG’s committees, with plenty of progress to report. From taking to the streets at the West Hollywood Pride Parade to preparing for the bargaining road ahead in 2027, here is the latest on what your committees worked on in June. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee In June, the AI Committee sent…

Production Manager Lauren Gauthier discusses getting into animation without drawing skills, heeding the call to be a Nickelodeon Shop Steward, and instilling in her crew members their personal responsibility for keeping the Guild strong. Name: Lauren Gauthier Job Title: Production Manager Studio: Nickelodeon Contact Info: stewards-nickelodeon@tag839.org Tell us a little about yourself and your career.  I’ve been…

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, it’s the perfect time to review your retirement savings and make sure you’re taking full advantage of the benefits available through The Animation Guild (TAG) 401(k) Plan. 2026 IRS Contribution Limits The IRS has increased retirement plan contribution limits for 2026: Standard Contribution Limit: $24,500 Catch-Up Contribution: (Ages…

Background Artist Cathleen McAllister discusses her transition from animation fan to dedicated union representative, using her Negotiations Committee experience as a Flying Bark Shop Steward, and her commitment to helping colleagues navigate Union rights. Name: Cathleen McAllister Job Title: Background Artist Studio/Production: Flying Bark/ Minecraft Animated Series Contact Info: stewards-flyingbark@tag839.org Tell us a little about yourself and your…

For this June’s Lunch & Learn, Help & Resources for Tough Times, three experts from the Entertainment Community Fund, Verdugo Jobs Center, and The Hollywood Commission gave presentations on free services and resources available to help TAG members who are experiencing difficulties. In this summary, you will find information about job training, financial services, assistance…