By Den Velasco

Animators are fighting for fair pay, rights, and better treatment. Lately, there has been an increasing dispute within the animation industry and corporations. Creative works are in danger, and your favorite animated shows, films, media, and more are greatly affected.

The rising hashtag “#StandWithAnimation” is a movement supporting animators in the animation industry, in response to unfair wages, poor working conditions, and lack of union representation. It slowly gained traction as more and more workers revealed all their experiences within the industry and corporations.

Hollywood would be different without animation, but the talented creators who created our favorite animated stories struggle to get the recognition they deserve. Despite the fact that animated shows are successful and popular, many animators, storyboard artists, and writers are still facing severe issues like low pay, long working hours, and job uncertainty. The Stand With Animation movement is slowly growing in numbers as these professionals demand better wages, union support, and acknowledgement for their hard work. Big studios cutting back on numerous animated projects and switching jobs elsewhere, it’s an extremely crucial time for fans and industry leaders to start taking notice. It is now the time to pay attention and support creators. If animation is such an important part of entertainment, shouldn’t the people behind it be treated fairly?

Animation workers’ concerns are backed with real numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, animators and special effects artists make an average of $78,790 per year. Although, pay can still vary based on the amount of experience, location, and the type of work.

There is also a very concerning rising issue, artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly emerging into the industry and changing it. AI is when computers can do complicated jobs that used to be done only by people. This includes things like thinking, making choices, and figuring out problems. While AI can be helpful, many animators worry that it will replace human jobs. Last year, an article by Wired reported that companies like Netflix and Disney are using AI for animation, raising concerns about automation taking creative roles. Letting AI take over creativity is in no way ethical or will ever compare to real human work, AI cannot extend to the true meaning of art, experiences, story telling, emotions and such what a human can create with their own mind and skills. AI shouldn’t take over creative careers, it should be a tool to help creators with ideas.

The #StandWithAnimation movement is more than just a hashtag. It’s a demand for fair pay, respect, rights and the protection of human creativity. If you love animation, supporting the artists behind it is just as important as enjoying their work. Your favorite animated media wouldn’t even have existed without the efforts from these talented individuals. The next time you watch an animated movie or show, remember and recognize the talent and hard work that was put into bringing it to life. Standing with animation means to stand with the artists and animators who make it all possible, and to stand with real human creativity and passion.