A collection of global labor organizations are arranging a demonstration today at the Annecy Animation Festival, aiming to sound the alert on the potential hazards posed by AI within the animation industry.
As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where an impressive 18,000 accredited attendees will gather. This year’s event promises fascinating discussions on the impact of Artificial Intelligence in animation, a topic that has been generating buzz at every edition of this prestigious French festival for years now.
Just like previous years, we can expect to see several films being screened that have utilized AI to some extent during their production process. It’s going to be an exciting exploration into the future of animation technology!
Last week, labor unions across the U.S., France, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and other countries published a detailed communique (you can find it below) expressing concern over the growing reliance on AI in the animation sector. The union coalition argues that AI presents a risk to the authenticity and reputation of their profession.
This afternoon, a gathering is being held by several organizations at a location close to the Bonlieu central hub during the festival, inviting workers, students, and anyone passionate about their views on AI usage in animation, to attend a public discussion.
Below, the group’s full statement, released before the festival:
ANIMATION INDUSTRY IN DANGER WORLD UNIONS DECLARE EMERGENCY IN THE FACE OF GENERATIVE Al USE
This declaration was penned by a group of international Animation Guilds, federations, and associations advocating for change concerning the application of generative Artificial Intelligence, which poses a threatening impact not just on the global animation sector and its artistry, but also on all those who work within it, our cultural heritage, and our environment.
Or:
The international Animation Guilds, federations, and organizations have written this statement urging action regarding the use of generative Artificial Intelligence, as its harmful effects extend beyond the animation industry, impacting not only the craft itself but also those employed by it, our cultural heritage, and the planet.
Or:
A collective of international Animation Unions, federations, and organizations have spoken out about the need for action concerning generative Artificial Intelligence, pointing out that its destructive effects reach far beyond the animation industry, impacting not only the craft itself but also those employed by it, our cultural heritage, and our planet.
The animation sector has been impacted significantly due to the burst of the streaming market bubble and the pandemic, leading to severe consequences for workers such as mass terminations, higher outsourcing rates, studio closures, reduced budgets, among others. Some view Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) as a potential solution to this predicament; it’s touted as an almost magical instrument capable of generating text, visuals, and audio from brief and vague descriptions. However, GenAI is not a useful or cost-effective tool; instead, it is a flawed, destructive, and expensive copying machine that poses a threat to creative innovation and jobs in various industries by potentially replacing human creativity.
As a cinephile, I’d say, “General AI doesn’t nurture artists; it crushes them. The lack of human involvement is not a flaw, but a design choice in General AI. It merely guarantees the job and income loss for millions of people across the globe.
The very technology that we’re embracing is being exploited to sow discord, bewilderment, and suspicion among the general populace. The escalating use of this technology, driven by unwarranted tech enthusiasm, has dire environmental ramifications. These include increased energy consumption, larger carbon emissions, altered electricity and water usage patterns, and faster depletion of natural resources.
In a more conversational tone:
The same technology we’re so fond of is being misused to stir up disagreement, perplexity, and doubt among the public. The rapid expansion of this technology, fueled by overly optimistic tech views, comes with significant environmental costs. These include higher energy usage, bigger carbon footprints, changes in electricity and water consumption patterns, and faster exhaustion of natural resources.
To ensure a fair and balanced environment for GenAl, I firmly advocate for robust protective policies that prioritize transparency, equitable compensation, control over one’s own creations, and informed consent. This way, creators can work with confidence, knowing their rights are respected and their contributions are valued.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I implore our regulatory bodies, legislatures, and governing authorities to stand up for the essence of cinema and artistic expression. Let us collaborate in creating and enforcing laws that safeguard the artists and their creative liberties.
We appeal to content creators, series managers, studio executives, television networks, and production teams to safeguard our artistic heritage and place equal emphasis on both the people involved and their work.
As a film enthusiast, I’m urging my fellow creators across the globe to join forces, voice our concerns about the increasing use of AI, and take action by organizing unions.
We extend an invitation to everyone, including workers, students, and supporters, to gather with us during Annecy festival. Our aim is to address shared concerns regarding GenAl, discuss defensive strategies, and listen to union representatives read their statement on Thursday, June 12th, at 2 PM, at the Paquier.
The following organizations and unions are supporting this initiative: Screenwriters and Theatre Practitioners Collective (SNTPCT), Solidarity-CGT, Confederation of National Labor (CNT), Animation Workers Ireland, Association Belge Regroupant les Auteur·ice·s Créateur·ice·s de l’Animation (ABRACA), Kunstenbond, Union of Directors, Les Intervalles, French Screenwriters Guild, Syndicate of Screenwriters, SFA, SNAM, STJV, GWU Ireland, CSVI-CGT, UNI Global Union, International Federation of Actors (FIA), and International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIM).
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2025-06-10 11:48