The Animation Guild Study Highlights Pay Disparities

The Animation Guild (TAG), IATSE Local 839, in conjunction with the International Alliance of Stage Employees (IATSE) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Labor Center, released a comprehensive study examining pay equity across various crafts that it serves.

TAG/IATSE Local 839 has shared their insights and interpretations of the study, which is available to read here in its entirety.

The study highlights potential pay gaps that are likely a legacy of historically female-dominated crafts. It was conducted with a job evaluation tool (JET) that revealed disparities in three key crafts: Color Designer, Animation Checker, and Storyboard Revisionist. One striking revelation involved the comparison between Color Designers and Background Painters. Despite equivalent complexity, skills, and responsibilities required for both roles, Color Designers were found to be earning less than their Background Painters counterparts. The job evaluation tool used in the study determined there was no justification for this disparity based on core pay factors.

The report suggests the inequity may stem from the historical context of Color Designers emerging from the traditionally female-dominated Ink and Paint department. This legacy appears to contribute to the undervaluation and subsequent underpayment of Color Designers compared to Background Painters.

The Animation Guild Vice President Teri Hendrich Cusumano noted, "This study confirms what members working in the craft of Color Design have known all along—that their work requires just as much skill, effort, and responsibility as any other Design craft, and should be valued no less."

Source: TAG

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.