The VFX Debate. It’s Not Easy Being Green.
“It’s not easy being Green”, a wise Frog once said, back in the days when green-screen keying was only known for weather reports. Now, however, many of the biggest Hollywood films rely on post-production visual effects artistry to get the job done, such as the quadruple Oscar winning Life of Pi. Directed by Ang lee, Life of Pi was created using the stunning visual effects by Rhythm & Hues and has reached a staggering $111,376,518 in the US box office so far. Rhythm & Hues are now filing for bankruptcy, with 250 artists redundant without pay.
It would seem no one was quite aware of the shoddy state the American VFX industry was – and still is – in, with many already bankrupt or existing on 5% margins. The trouble is many are living in the financial red and desperately securing their next project to survive, which is only possible if they offer the cheapest and fastest options over their global competitors.
VFX studios get paid a set price for their bid to work on a movie and do not receive any bonus for its success, nor pension or any kind of benefits package. The American VFX industry is contending in a global market with no help from the American government, Hollywood studios or unions fighting for fair treatment. To keep afloat, the studios have been described as sweat shops, pulling 16-hour days with no breaks to get the job done; if they miss a deadline they will probably go under. If the work is not up to scratch, or the Company is causing a fuss, they will be replaced by another VFX company that is desperate for the job.
Finally enough was enough, and Protesters reached the Red Carpet on Sunday’s Oscars to highlight the need for debate on the issue. “We want a slice of the Pi” the banners said, as well as, “Will Matte paint for Food”. Days on, The Slice of Pi movement which is protesting against the imbalance affecting the VFX industry is moving forward at a fast pace. Despite being ignored by major news networks and everyone at the Oscars, many websites have highlighted their cause and their facebook ‘VFX Solidarity International’ is growing hourly. Many people have changed their avatars to green to show their support.
The questions currently up for debate are:
- Do ‘Rhythm & Hues’ and other companies need a similar tax break that Britain has recently achieved, to keep global competition equal?
- Does Hollywood need to offer the same (or more) benefit packages and bonuses as many other unions working for them?
- Does the VFX industry need to strongly unionise?
Here at Skwigly we hope their voices are heard; Without them, Andy Serkis would just be a nutcase on all fours covered in balls.
