SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing voice actors in the entertainment industry, has initiated a strike for the second consecutive summer. The work stoppage, which began on Friday, comes after more than 18 months of negotiations with major video game companies over a new Interactive Media Agreement. The primary point of contention revolves around the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) provisions in the contract.
During a press conference held at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez expressed the union’s concerns regarding the protection of performers’ rights. Rodriguez emphasized the need to safeguard performers’ likeness, voice, movement, and overall performance from being exploited through the use of AI or any other technology. The union firmly believes that these elements belong to the performers and should be protected accordingly.
Rodriguez further explained that the negotiations had reached an impasse, with the union feeling that all other options for a resolution had been exhausted. The decision to call a strike was not taken lightly, as the union had spent considerable time attempting to avoid such action. However, it became apparent that a strike was necessary to push for the desired protections.
The union’s demands for the new contract revolve around informed consent, compensation, and transparency. SAG-AFTRA aims to ensure that these protections extend to all performers involved in video game production, including stunt performers and other on-camera and motion performers. The union is unwilling to accept a deal that excludes any group of performers.
Interestingly, Comic-Con has been exempted from the strike rules, allowing performers to continue discussing and promoting their work during the event. This decision was made to take advantage of the opportunity to engage with video game enthusiasts and to avoid placing performers in a difficult position regarding promotional activities.
SAG-AFTRA has drawn inspiration from the language used in film and TV contracts to inform their negotiations. While the union acknowledges that their demands are, in many ways, less than what has been achieved in other negotiations, they consider previous agreements as benchmarks for structuring and drafting provisions.
The strike has gained additional visibility due to the rising interest in video game adaptations in film and television. SAG-AFTRA hopes to leverage this interest to amplify awareness among audiences who may not be familiar with the work of video game voice actors and the issues they face.
The union believes that the use of AI is a broader ethical concern that extends beyond the entertainment industry. They assert that companies engaging in unethical practices related to AI will face consequences in terms of their reputation and market position. SAG-AFTRA aims to ensure that producers consider the impact of their actions on the creative community and avoid being identified as entities that exploit AI to the detriment of artists.