Organising VFX

BECTU is pleased to announce the launch of a new organising campaign for people working in Visual Effects. (VFX).

The VFX industry is dynamic, exciting ...... and unstable. Film, television and commercials increasingly rely on the talent and skill of the UK’s VFX artists, but bad employment practices by studios and employers are making life difficult for staff in the industry.

On the 3 April we are holding a “VFX Forum” in London where workers from across the industry can discuss the issues that are affecting them and help decide what action they want the union to take. To be part of the forum on 3 April visit this page. 

What’s the problem in VFX?

VFX studios are being put under a financial squeeze by production companies. Instead of competing on the quality of work that they can produce, many are participating in a destructive race to rock bottom, paying fewer artists less to do more work in a shorter space of time.

Whereas well unionised parts of the film industry (actors, art departments) are treated with respect by film studios, VFX artists are being hit hard. Talented VFX professionals who make beautiful art are being chased from the industry by bad employment practice, damaging the sector and the UK’s ability to remain internationally competitive.

What is BECTU?

BECTU is the UK’s media and entertainment union. We represent people in all sectors in the creative media and arts - in all non-performance roles -  from writers and producers,  to camera operators to people working in VFX, to cinema staff.

It’s our job to support you in the workplace. Here’s a few of the services we offer staff working in VFX:

Higher pay, better conditions

BECTU negotiates with employers for higher pay and better terms and conditions. It can often be difficult to negotiate on your own, without putting your reputation at risk. Our experienced negotiators can help get you the best outcomes from your employer on salaries, holiday pay, redundancy terms and more.

Protection at work

Join BECTU and we’ll provide you with representation and legal advice when difficulties arise at work. Whether you feel that you’ve been unfairly left out of a promotion or your employer is taking disciplinary action against you, BECTU has trained officials and lawyers on hand to help.

An end to pay discrimination

BECTU always negotiates to get women’s pay in line with men’s pay. Workplaces where BECTU is recognised are 20 per cent more likely to have equal opportunities policies.

Help with contracts and liaising with employers

VFX professionals are experts at making beautiful and inspiring art and aren’t always experts in employment law. We can help look over your contracts with new employers and make sure they’re all above board and assist in negotiating any changes.

Training and development

BECTU provides courses to help you learn new skills, improve existing ones and develop your career. BECTU negotiates agreements with employers to pay for training and to secure time off to attend.

Join us and join in

BECTU can only provide representation to its members. To join visit this page or call 0207 346 0900.

If you have any questions or want to get in touch about a workplace issue, phone Gus Baker, organising official on 07967 584711 or email [email protected]