The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike of 2023, which lasted 118 days and was the longest work stoppage in the union’s history, was a watershed moment in the entertainment industry, centering on the contentious issue of artificial intelligence (AI). The strike highlighted the growing concerns among actors about the potential impact of AI on their livelihoods and the need for clear guidelines and protections to ensure fair compensation and control over their work.

The AI Dilemma: A Threat to Actors’ Rights?

At the heart of the SAG-AFTRA strike lay the fear that AI would eventually replace human actors, leading to job losses and a decline in the value of their craft. The union was particularly concerned about the use of AI to create “digital replicas” of actors, which could be used in productions without their knowledge or consent.

The union’s demands focused on establishing clear guidelines for the use of AI in the entertainment industry. These demands included:

• Actor Consent: Actors must give their consent before their likeness can be used in AI-generated content.
• Transparency: Studios must be transparent about their use of AI and provide actors with information about how their likeness is being used.
• Compensation: Actors should be compensated when their likeness is used in AI-generated content.

A Hard-Fought Battle and a Tentative Agreement

After months of negotiations and a prolonged strike, SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached a tentative agreement in November 2023. The agreement included several key provisions that addressed the union’s concerns about AI, including:

• Mandatory Consent: Actors must give their consent before their likeness can be used in AI-generated content.
• Compensation: Actors will be compensated when their likeness is used in AI-generated content.
• Transparency: Studios will be required to provide actors with information about how their likeness is being used in AI-generated content.

Reactions to the Agreement: Mixed Feelings

The SAG-AFTRA strike and the ensuing agreement have been met with mixed reactions from the entertainment industry. Some actors and union members have praised the agreement as a significant victory that protects their rights and ensures fair compensation in the face of AI advancements.

However, others have expressed concerns that the agreement does not go far enough to address the long-term implications of AI on the industry. They argue that the agreement could still allow studios to exploit actors’ likenesses without their full knowledge and control.

Despite these concerns, the SAG-AFTRA strike and the resulting agreement have undoubtedly set a precedent for the future of AI in the entertainment industry. The union’s efforts have brought the issue of AI to the forefront and forced the industry to confront the challenges and opportunities that AI presents.

The Road Ahead: Adapting to a Changing Landscape

As AI technology continues to evolve, the entertainment industry will need to adapt and find ways to integrate AI in a way that respects the rights and livelihoods of actors. This will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration between unions, studios, and technology companies to establish clear guidelines and ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.

The SAG-AFTRA strike has sparked a critical conversation about the role of AI in the entertainment industry and the need for fair and equitable practices. As AI continues to transform various sectors, it is crucial to consider the impact on workers’ rights and ensure that technological advancements do not come at the expense of human dignity and livelihoods.

FAQs

Is SAG-AFTRA still on strike?

No, SAG-AFTRA is not currently on strike. The most recent strike ended on November 8, 2023, after 118 days. The strike was the longest work stoppage in the union’s history.

How long was the SAG-AFTRA strike?

The SAG-AFTRA strike of 2023 lasted for 118 days, beginning on July 1, 2023, and ending on November 8, 2023. It was the longest strike in the union’s history.

What did the actors get from the strike?

The SAG-AFTRA strike of 2023 resulted in several key provisions that addressed the union’s concerns about artificial intelligence (AI), including:

• Mandatory Consent: Actors must give their consent before their likeness can be used in AI-generated content.
• Compensation: Actors will be compensated when their likeness is used in AI-generated content.
• Transparency: Studios will be required to provide actors with information about how their likeness is being used in AI-generated content.

In addition to these AI-related provisions, the agreement also included other benefits for actors, such as:

• Higher wages: Actors will receive wage increases for various types of work, including television, film, and streaming.
• Improved pension and health plans: Actors will have access to improved pension and health plans.
• Increased protections for diverse communities: The agreement includes provisions to increase protections for diverse communities, such as actors of color and LGBTQ+ actors.

How much does it cost to join SAG-AFTRA?

The cost of joining SAG-AFTRA depends on your eligibility and the type of membership you choose. There are three main types of membership:

• Eligible: This is the most common type of membership and is open to actors who have worked a certain amount of time under SAG-AFTRA contracts. The initiation fee for eligible membership is $1,715.
• Qualified: This type of membership is open to actors who have worked under SAG-AFTRA contracts but do not meet the eligibility requirements for full membership. The initiation fee for qualified membership is $715.
• Active-Retired: This type of membership is open to retired actors who have worked under SAG-AFTRA contracts. There is no initiation fee for active-retired membership.

In addition to the initiation fee, there are also annual dues for SAG-AFTRA membership. The annual dues for eligible and qualified members are $204. The annual dues for active-retired members are $51.