EXCLUSIVE - Cartoon Brew talk to AVU on DNEG pay cuts and more
(Image above: “Westworld,” on which DNEG handled vfx.)
Cartoon Brew talk to AVU on how the industry handles pandemic
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE
In an exclusive interview with Cartoon Brew, AVU Chair Joe Pavlo and BECTU’s assistant national secretary Paul Evans discuss the effects the coronavirus pandemic is happening on the industry, most notably at DNEG
“BECTU, the union that represents the U.K.’s media and entertainment sectors, was the first organization to publicly address these cuts (as regards the London office only). It says that they amount to between 20% and 25% of salary. DNEG declined to comment on these figures to Cartoon Brew.”
The AVU outlined the initial events that happened recently with DNEG, describing DNEG pay cuts that are to be reviewed every three-months (rolled back from lasting at least 12 months and reviewed every three-months previously).
“AVU is essentially concerned about two things: the justification for these cuts and the terms on which they’re being proposed.”
The AVU explains they aren’t 100% opposed to cuts and offer their understanding that some companies may have to take these measures to survive. The point is, the Union wants to make sure the cuts are justified and only put in place if there is absolutely no other choice. Calling on VFX and Animation Studios to convincingly demonstrate that cuts are necessary rather than blindly imposing them on their staff without factual reasoning.
“It wants the company to give “a detailed overview of their financial position to workers before requesting cuts,” and to give staff time “to access independent advice to interpret such information so that they can understand the way the burden of this issue is being shared between staff and shareholders.””
AVU basically says staff are entitled to a detailed overview of a companies financial position before imposing cuts.
“Given the nature of film and tv production, the downturn in the vfx industry is expected to come with a delay — possibly after government support schemes have ended. “What might happen,” continues Evans, “is that people take a pay cut now, the companies survive, then once the furlough scheme that the [U.K.] government are doing is finished, those companies could just lay staff off.””
Paul Evans, BECTU’s assistant national secretary breaks down his worries over what is coming on the horizon for the VFX and Animation Industries and fears over what companies might resort to.
“Meanwhile, other major vfx companies are discussing cuts too, although not to the extent seen at DNEG, as far as AVU knows. “They’re all watching DNEG,” says Pavlo. “If DNEG gets away with these cuts, I tell you, every single person in London is in trouble.””
Joe Pavlo, AVU Chair, issues his worries that if DNEG are able to issue cuts without reasoning or reward then other companies will follow suit too.