As Crystal Kan and Jake Hollander embarked on their second annual free Portfolio Review Day on May 31, 2020, they faced one daunting challenge—a worldwide pandemic. Kan wasn’t sure how to easily manage more than 80 candidates sharing their portfolios with 30 volunteers while giving each attendee individualized attention. The solution came unexpectedly during a…

In October 2019, several TAG members working at BentoBox shared an issue with Guild leadership—color designers were doing background design work but not being categorized in the correct classification. After entering into a grievance process with the studio, the issue has now been amicably resolved as follows:   As of January 1, 2020, Color Designers…

We have recently learned that Contract Services Administration Trust Fund (CSATF) has been forced to suspend the Skills Training program. Like many other organizations, CSATF has been seriously impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Most of CSATF’s revenue comes from contributions linked to hours worked under union agreements, much like MPI. The significant impact on The…

More than 1,000 entertainment union members logged in to a Zoom meeting hosted by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor to learn more about the various programs available to them through the Employment Development Department and the federal CARES Act legislation. The special webinar was co-hosted by Hollywood labor unions, including the I.A.T.S.E., DGA…

We are fortunate that so far the animation industry has not been affected by the pandemic and most members are still working. Still, everyone’s situation is different and many families may be facing financial challenges. In an effort to provide financial support for participants of our 401k plan who may need it, the Trustees unanimously…

For those Active Participants currently enrolled in the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan (MPIHP), excluding those on COBRA and those who maintain enrollment through MPIHP as a result of a disability, and whose benefit period ends on June 30, 2020, MPIHP will provide a credit of up to 300 hours toward the Participant’s next eligibility period. In order…

Many Animation Guild members are finding it difficult to balance work and family life during the pandemic. Here are a few resources to help navigate these challenges: 1) Coronavirus Course For Expecting, New & All Working Parents COVID-19 is causing rapidly changing the lives of expecting and working parents. This mini course addresses concerns for…

In its latest response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, Congress has passed a third package of emergency relief legislation, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security “CARES” Act. This bill will provide tangible and immediate economic relief for entertainment workers across the United States, many of whom found themselves out of work overnight due…

Several IATSE Locals have banded together to help our healthcare professionals on the front lines of fighting the coronavirus refresh their dwindling supplies of protective gear. They are passing out kits to make face masks if you do not have materials at home. Check the flyer for dates and times. But you also may want to…

Though they can’t meet in person right now, many committees are continuing their communal work in creative ways—meeting on Zoom, posting through Facebook groups, sharing Google drive folders and more. If you have never attended a committee meeting, you might be wondering what happens and what kind of work these active volunteers are doing. Here…

The staff and volunteers of MPTF are embarking on a unique effort to keep our entertainment industry community creatively engaged during this uncertain time of COVID-19. Channel 22, our on-campus TV station, is broadcasting live from the Susan and Gary Martin Screening room in the Louis B. Mayer Theater, with game shows, exercise classes, trivia, meditations and…

Coronavirus: Updates from the Animation Guild The safety and wellbeing of the animation community is a top priority. We have been actively reviewing California state, federal and global recommendations as we navigate this unprecedented situation. We recognize that many members may have questions and concerns and we’d like to address some of the most pressing…