Animation Guild Vice President and Art Director Roger Oda reflects on his amazement at still getting to draw for a living, his belief in the importance of connections, and why he feels the Union needs a visible presence at the studios.   Name: Roger Oda Job Title: Art Director Studio: Marvel Contact: stewards-marvel@tag839.org   Tell…

Storyboard Artist Fill Marc Sagadraca discusses the full-circle journey of his career, how industry kin inspired him to get involved in the Guild, and his work as a Shop Steward preparing colleagues for critical issues facing animation today.   Name: Fill Marc Sagadraca Job Title: Storyboard Artist Studio/Production: 20th Century Animation/The Simpsons Movie 2 Contact…

For the first time, animated shows have been included in the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program. Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that among the 16 television projects approved for this year’s first round are the Rick and Morty spinoff President Curtis and the Family Guy spinoff STEWIE. In the 2025-2026 fiscal year,…

For TAG members who receive printed payroll checks through Entertainment Partners (EP), beginning April 6, 2026, payroll checks from EP will arrive in envelopes that look different from what you’re accustomed to receiving. These changes are part of ongoing security enhancements designed to protect your pay from mail theft. What’s changing: EP payroll envelopes will no longer have a…

Episodic Director Tom Smith shares their ongoing love for the magic of animation, their experiences working at non-union studios, and their efforts as a Shop Steward to educate colleagues about their rights as Guild members.   Name:  Tom Smith Job Title: Episodic Director Studio: Titmouse LA Contact Info: stewards-titmouseLA@tag839.org   Tell us a little about…

AI Committee Last month, the AI Committee investigated reports from members, Field Reps, and Shop Stewards about AI usage at studios. Members of the committee spoke to journalists and podcasts about the importance of labor protections around AI, and attended meetings with the Creators Coalition on AI to hear their plan and ensure that animation…

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is subdivided by geographic region into Districts. TAG represents animation workers in three of those Districts:  District 2 represents approximately 45,000 IATSE members Arizona, California, Hawai‘i, and Nevada. District 5 represents approximately 2,600 IATSE members in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. District 10…

Storyboard Artist Joie Foster shares her journey through multiple industries to reach animation, the feeling of welcome that comes from belonging to the Guild, and her mission as a Shop Steward to empower TAG members through information and engagement. Name: Joie Foster Job Title: Assistant Director Studio: 20th Television Animation/American Dad! Contact Info: stewards-americandad@tag839.org Tell us a…

Story Supervisor Michael Herrera discusses how following his passions has led to thrilling opportunities, the deep connections he’s made through his work in animation, and his desire as a Shop Steward to help members understand the Guild and their power within it. Name: Michael Herrera Job Title: Story Supervisor Studio: Netflix (Burbank Office) Contact Info: stewards-netflix@tag839.org…

Character Designer MinJi Yoon talks about finding her place in animation during the pandemic, her joy in building stories alongside talented teammates, and her commitment as a Powerhouse Shop Steward to support co-workers during difficult times. Name: MinJi Yoon Job Title: Character Designer Studio: Powerhouse Animation Studios, Texas Contact Info: stewards-tx-powerhouse@tag839.org Tell us a bit…

On November 13, 2025, TAG hosted a Copyright 101 Lunch & Learn. Moderated by TAG Field Rep Mairghread Scott, it featured presentations by experts Jeff Trexler and Michelle Katz. Following is a recap of this event with links to handouts at the end. MICHELLE KATZ Independent Executive Business and Legal Advisor mkatzlaw1@gmail.com What is the…

Once again, Labor Community Services’ Lean In & Lean On Holiday Party and Toy Drive was a great success thanks to doners and the volunteers who gave their time and energy to bring joy to union families in need. Over the course of two days, more than 90 volunteers helped to set up, run, and…