Animation Unions Declare AI Emergency

A collective of international animation unions, federations, and organizations has issued a urgent call for action regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the animation industry. The coalition, comprising over two dozen organizations, highlights the destructive impact of AI on the craft, business, and workers within the animation sector.

The statement, signed by prominent groups such as ABRACA, AWI, CSVI, La Guilde française des scénaristes, and The Animation Guild, urges regulators and lawmakers to enact legislation that protects workers’ rights. Producers, showrunners, and industry executives are also called upon to prioritize human creativity and safeguard the cultural integrity of animation.

"AI is not just a tool; it is a fundamental threat to the very essence of our industry," said a representative from The Animation Guild. "We must take bold steps to ensure that human creativity remains at the heart of animation."

The Rise of Generative AI in Animation

Generative AI, which uses algorithms to create content from simple descriptions, has been touted as a solution to the industry’s challenges. However, the coalition argues that this technology is flawed, expensive, and destructive to creative innovation. By relying on copyrighted works and cultural norms, generative AI undermines the diversity and richness of human creativity.

"Generative AI is a copying machine that replaces human ingenuity with algorithmic output," said a spokesperson for the coalition. "This not only threatens jobs but also leads to the privatization of the artistic process."

Impact on Workers and the Industry

The animation industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, including mass layoffs, outsourcing, and decreasing budgets. The economic pressures of streaming services and the pandemic have exacerbated these issues, leaving workers vulnerable. The introduction of generative AI further compounds these problems by promising cheap and efficient solutions at the cost of human jobs.

"The workers who were promised stability are now facing unemployment due to AI," said a representative from SPIAC-CGT. "We must ensure that the industry values human labor over automated systems."

Beyond Animation: The Broader Implications of AI

The concerns raised by the animation unions extend beyond the industry. Generative AI’s ability to create deepfakes, fabricate evidence, and perpetuate biases poses a threat to public trust and international security. Additionally, the environmental impact of training and running AI models is significant, straining resources and disrupting ecosystems.

"The unchecked growth of AI comes with serious ethical and environmental consequences," said a representative from Kunstenbond. "We need robust frameworks to ensure its responsible use."

Call for Regulatory Action

The coalition calls for the implementation of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) ‘3Cs’ framework: compensation, control over the use of creators’ work, and informed consent. They advocate for policies that support workforce transitions, skills development, and social protection for affected workers.

"Regulators must act now to protect the livelihoods of millions of creative workers worldwide," said a representative from FIM. "The future of our industries depends on it."

A United Front for Human Creativity

The coalition invites all animation workers, students, and allies attending Annecy next week to a public townhall on June 12. The event aims to raise awareness and foster unity among industry stakeholders.

"We urge everyone to stand together and support human-made works," said a representative from SNTPCT. "Together, we can safeguard the art and culture that define our industry."

As the animation industry grapples with the challenges posed by AI, the call for action underscores the importance of preserving human creativity and protecting the rights of workers in an increasingly automated world.