Starting with the original Teen Titans for Cartoon Network, Hoegee has been head writer and story editor on an impressive list of award-winning animated series including Legion of Super Heroes, Storm Hawks, Generator Rex, Slugterra and Thunderbirds are Go.  As a series creator, Rob just saw the launch of Abby Hatcher on Nick Jr. and as writer…

Many of you already know Steve Kaplan. He worked at the Local between 2010 and 2015. He is also on the Animation Guild’s Executive Board, serves as a Trustee and participated in contract negotiations. What you may not know about him? That he is a zythophile (look it up!) and brews his own beer with…

Calling all Animators! TAG members Tom Riffel, Drew Newman and Crystal Stromer have joined forces to create an Animator’s Committee for Local 839 members. “We seek to raise awareness of the issues animators are facing in today’s climate and wish to explore the benefits of keeping more animation work in-house,” the trio says. “Our craft…

Bueno’s journey as a lighting and compositing artist has taken her from Mexico to London, Canada to now Los Angeles. She currently works at DreamWorks Feature Animation and is also a growing, active member of the Animation Guild, serving on the Communications Committee. Here, she talks about both her professional and personal work. Tell us…

When it comes time to negotiate your next contract, there are a lot of variables that go into determining how much you deserve to be paid: What is the average pay rate for your job title? Was your last job above or below the average? How does a non-union studio compare to the work and…

Alan Bodner, art director on Tangled, recently unveiled a series of artwork that celebrates song and dance. We spoke with him about the inspiration behind it and how he approaches his work. What was the inspiration behind your recent artwork? I have had a passion for dance since childhood.  In her earlier years, my great…

Up until recently, only your employer could pre-qualify you for training classes. That has changed! In the past, this process (of providing proof of 30 days worked in the past two years) was tied to registering for Skills Training. Now, TAG 839 members can prove eligibility for Skills Training through Contract Services even if they aren’t…

Whether you’re welcoming a new child into your home or taking care of an ill family member, the last thing you should be worrying about is your job. That is why it is important for everyone to understand what rights you and your co-workers have when it comes to Family Leave. Family Leave provides you…

Did you miss the last Lunch & Learn? On Jan. 23, Brock Collins, the Senior Membership Development officer at First Entertainment, came to the Guild to help members understand their credit score better—what affects it and how you can improve your score. For those who couldn’t attend, here are a few highlights from his talk….

*The most current information about Dismissal Pay can be found on our Dismissal Page page. If you find yourself laid off from a job at a Union studio, you may be entitled to Dismissal Pay. The amount you may receive is based off how long you have worked without a break in continuous employment. For…

1. What is Harassment Prevention training? Harassment Prevention training is a negotiated training requirement offered by Contract Services that covers how to recognize, prevent and report harassment, discrimination and retaliation. There are two online courses. Your classification or job duties will determine which course you will be required to complete. The “HP1” – Harassment Prevention…

The California IATSE Council, of which the Animation Guild is a member, is lobbying in support of Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher’s (D-San Diego) bill AB 3080 which would end to the practice of forced arbitration clauses in employee contracts. Leaders of the #MeToo movement assert that these agreements prevent victims of sexual harassment from coming…