Zerocalcare's new series faces pay controversy

A controversy has erupted over pay for workers on Zerocalcare's new Netflix series 'Due spicci'. Anonymous reports collected by Instagram page Unione Italiana Animatori (UN!TA) on May 27, the series' release date, alleged low wages, irregular contracts, and excessive workloads. UN!TA, which has 2,000 followers, deleted the stories shortly after. Right-wing media, including Il Giornale, amplified the story, and Forza Italia senator Maurizio Gasparri announced a parliamentary inquiry. Zerocalcare, 42, has not commented. Movimenti Production, which also produced Zerocalcare's previous series, denied all allegations, calling them baseless and based on anonymous testimony from a non-union collective. The company sent a cease-and-desist to YouTuber Jematria, who removed his video. UN!TA later claimed it deleted the stories in good faith. Reports included claims of €6/hour offers and 'inhumane' deadlines when episodes increased from 6 to 8 without pay adjustment, though another source denied this. Some positive reports praised fair pay and a healthy work environment. The Italian animation industry is precarious, with many professionals working abroad.