A New Chapter for The Animation Guild: Danny Lin's Rise to Presidency
The Animation Guild has a new leader, and his name is Danny Lin. In a recent election, Lin emerged as the undisputed president of this vibrant union, representing over 5,000 talented individuals. But here's where it gets controversial: Lin's election comes at a time when the animation industry is facing significant challenges, with many members struggling to make ends meet.
Danny Lin, a writer and storyboard artist with an impressive portfolio, including The Adventures of Puss in Boots and Adventure Time: Fiona & Cake, is set to take the helm on December 2nd. In his acceptance speech, Lin expressed both honor and gratitude for the opportunity to lead this evolving union, acknowledging its growth in size and influence over the past decade.
However, Lin also highlighted the bittersweet nature of his victory, stating, "So many of our members are out of work and struggling to pay their bills while our employers make tough decisions." He went on to emphasize the need for hope, community, and solidarity in these challenging times, qualities he sees reflected in the newly elected executive board and the entire Animation Guild community.
Lin will be joined by Roger Oda, an art director and background designer known for his work on X-Men '97 and Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One. Oda, who was also elected unopposed, will serve as vice president. Together, they aim to navigate the union through these turbulent waters.
The election also saw the re-election of Steve Kaplan as the union's business representative and the election of Paula Spence as treasurer. Spence, an art director on Solar Opposites and Plankton: The Movie, currently serves as the Animation Guild's recording secretary. Additionally, Jeanette Moreno King, the outgoing union president, was elected secretary, promising to "strengthen and modernize the union while protecting the hard-won rights and stability of its members." Moreno King is the director of Q-Force and The Freak Brothers.
The executive board also welcomed new members, including David DePasquale, a character designer who worked on Central Park and Arlo the Alligator Boy. DePasquale pledged to listen to the concerns of all members and engage in open dialogue. Other elected members include Marissa Bernstel, Candice Stephenson, Rachael Cohen, Chrissy Fellmeth, Andy Garner-Flexner, Roma Murphy, Dan Pinto, Kolja Erman, KC Johnson, Mike Rianda, and Claire Morrissey.
All elected members will serve three-year terms, with the election process, which ran from October 14th to November 7th, supervised by AAA.
As the Animation Guild embarks on this new chapter, the question arises: Can Lin and his team navigate the union through these challenging times and bring stability to its members? What are your thoughts on the future of the animation industry and the role of unions in protecting workers' rights? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a thoughtful discussion in the comments below!
