VES 'Bill of Rights' aims to improve work conditions
September 21, 2011

VES 'Bill of Rights' aims to improve work conditions

LOS ANGELES — The Visual Effects Society (VES) has introduced a “Bill of Rights” that recognizes and addressed numerous industry-wide issues affecting its membership and the VFX industry as a whole. The document comes on the heels of an Open Letter to the entertainment industry by the VES, which raised issues about the downward spiral of artist working conditions and benefits, as well as facility profit margins around the globe. The VES Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve the VFX Bill of Rights at its Board meeting this month.
 
“In the VES Open Letter, we said it was time to step up as the voice of the visual effects industry by talking to all parties regarding their concerns,” explains Eric Roth, executive director of the VES (www.visualeffectssociety.com). “At this time we have engaged in a vigorous dialogue with key stakeholders at all levels and believe our Bill of Rights lays out the vital concerns of each segment of the industry. Our next step is to focus on bringing all parties together to seek solutions.”
 
The Bill of Rights recognizes that issues related to job security and working conditions dominate the concerns for artists and practitioners, while facilities and studios want better business practices and a more even playing field in a changing global economic environment. To address these concerns, the Bill states that VFX artists and practitioners, facilities, and studios all have basic rights that need to be upheld in order to recognize the contributions of each group while improving the quality of life and work for artists, practitioners, facilities and studios.

The VES has over 2,300 global members working in film, animation, television, commercials, music videos, games and new media. 

CLICK HERE to download the BILL OF RIGHTS