Over the past year, Marvel Studios faced harsh criticism regarding the CGI used in phase 4 projects. Although the criticism included more remarks other than its visual effects, it was common in almost all of the projects released under the last phase of the MCU. And fans were not happy when one of the Marvel directors made fun of the visual effects of his own film. The VFX artists also spoke out against the studio when they revealed the pressure, and unsustainable work conditions.
The increased number of outputs in phase 4 made things “horrible” for the VFX artists. A new report from Vulture has once again shed light on Marvel’s issues with its VFX artists and an alleged blacklist of artists that the studio’s VFX head maintains.
Marvel VFX Head Reportedly Maintains a Blacklist For VFX Artists
Earlier, reports came out about Marvel Studios burning down the VFX artists with the heavy load of work. However, as everyone started talking about the issue, sources revealed that the studio is making efforts to lighten the workload. But reports once again have come out that the studio’s behavior towards the visual effects artists.
A new report from Vulture has revealed that the Executive Vice President of Production at Marvel Studios is keeping a blacklist of VFX artists. A Georgia-based VFX artist has revealed that the artists are provided with specific instructions and a deadline.
And if someone is unable to meet the requirements they are blacklisted by the VFX head, Victoria Alonso. The artist shared, “The main thing is that everyone is quite scared of Victoria Alonso.” One of the artists also claimed that if someone backs out of a project, they are blacklisted and the studio does not work with them again.
“There are many things about the blacklist. I don’t know anyone who has actually seen it. But it is a common thing that comes up when people talk to each other. If you do X, Y or Z, Marvel will blacklist you and you will never work for them again. The biggest way to get blacklisted is to leave the show early for any reason.”
The report also revealed that if the artist is on good terms with Victoria Alonso, they are provided with good work and an opportunity to move ahead in the industry. However, things do not turn out best for the ones who offend the executive in any way.
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Joe Pavlo Denies the Existence of a Blacklist at Marvel Studios
The report also revealed that the studio sets unrealistic deadlines and demands for the artists. The VFX artist shared that they are “paid well,” but it’s still hard for them to fulfill the studio’s demands.
Marvel Studios has not said anything about the issue so far. However, another VFX artist, Joe Pavlo has defended the studio and denied the claims of blacklisting artists. He claimed that the studio has a lot of pending work for its upcoming phases and they can’t afford to exclude the workers at a time like this.
He also denied having a blacklist of VFX artists saying. “It has been my experience that the blacklists visual-effects artists fear so much are nothing more than myth.”
Vulture also revealed that major VFX studios who worked with Marvel, have denied saying anything about the issue. However, a Europe-based VFX studio shared that Marvel blacklists the VFX artists who are not honest about their “abilities.”
“If you’re not honest and transparent about your abilities, they can probably blacklist you. If you overestimate your own capacity and say, ‘Sure. Wire the money, and we’ll go to work,’ then you can’t get to work, that’s where there’s a problem.”
The studio also shared that they did turn down the offer to work with Marvel Studios last year. Still, they are on the next two films. Although the studio did agree on a blacklist, it shared that Marvel specifically blacklisted the studio or artists for some specific reasons. Marvel Studios has yet not said anything about these claims.
Source: Vulture
