New SAG-AFTRA contract includes AI protections

The SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP reached a groundbreaking contract after a 118-day strike, bringing significant improvements for actors, including AI protections.

SAG-AFTRA Contract - The AI Track

SAG-AFTRA Contract | Key Points

  • After a 118-day strike, SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP agreed on a new contract that marks a significant shift in the industry.
  • The Union initially sought a veto on certain uses of artificial intelligence (AI) but instead secured notice and consent requirements in their deal with studios.
  • SAG-AFTRA engaged in extensive negotiations regarding AI protections in a tentative deal with studios.
  • The deal defines generative artificial intelligence and includes provisions related to notice, consent, and compensation for digital replicas of actors and synthetic performers created by AI tools.
    • Film and TV producers require consent from actors to use their digital replicas.
    • Actors receive compensation at their usual rate for the work performed by digital replicas.
  • Studios can negotiate directly with performers for approval of AI usage, potentially bypassing union requirements.
  • The agreement distinguishes between employment-based digital replicas (EBDR) created with a performer’s participation and independently created replicas.
  • For EBDR, actors are paid as if they worked the full number of days, discouraging cost-savings through AI.
  • The deal may affect “journeymen” actors more than high earners.
  • Concerns exist about studios using actors’ actions and expressions as training data for synthetic performers.
  • The agreement allows actors’ performances to be used as training data, with discussions on remuneration.
  • The deal reflects a compromise, acknowledging studios’ interest in AI while aiming to protect actors.
  • Despite the success of the negotiations, there is lingering tension, with some artists expressing frustration over the perceived greed of studios.
  • Some actors feel the contract is a significant achievement, while others believe it falls short in certain areas.

This contract represents a substantial milestone in the entertainment industry, with actors gaining improved working conditions and protections against emerging technologies.

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