'Green Screen' Rally To Highlight Runaway Production During Obama Visit
GLENDALE (CBSLA.com) — A group of visual effects artists plan to hold a demonstration to protest the loss of jobs to overseas companies when President Obama visits the DreamWorks Animation facility in Glendale this week.
Workers planning to attend the president's speech are also expected to gather at Griffith Manor Park on Flower Street wearing green shirts as a symbol of the ubiquitous "green screen" effect used to composite two images or video footage together based on color hues.
Ted Johnson of Variety told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO the protesters hope the visual aid will send a clear message to Obama.
Ted Johnson of Variety
"There is a group of visual effects artists who want to call attention to this, raise people's awareness, and also are pressing for a tariff so there will be a penalty if you send their work to other countries," Johnson said.
Visual effects artists are hoping the subsidies that are often used by foreign nations to lure production out of Hollywood could be enough to trigger World Trade Organization "anti-subsidy duty" rules, according to Johnson.
While the President does not declare or impose tariffs, Johnson said the protesters are hoping the rally will spur Congressional action if international trade agreements are violated.
"It's not just visual effects artists, it is runaway production in general; it is the flight of jobs from the Los Angeles area into other states and countries," Johnson said.
Organizers say the rally is expected to draw up to 50 people and will take place from 11 .a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday.
