The ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has entered its fourth week, as actors continue to negotiate for a new film and TV contract. However, the strike might soon expand to include video game voice actors, as the union’s board has sent a vote to its members in preparation for upcoming negotiations. This article delves into the latest developments and demands of the actors’ union.
SAG-AFTRA recently announced through its official website that a vote has been sent to its members ahead of forthcoming bargaining dates with the “signatory video game companies.” These negotiations come almost a year after the extension of the previous contract. Highlighting the importance of the vote, the union’s president, Fran Drescher, expressed her concerns over employer greed, disrespect, and the threat of artificial intelligence reducing job opportunities for actors.
The “signatory video game companies” listed by SAG-AFTRA include Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take Two Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and Warner Bros Games Inc. These companies play a crucial role in the negotiation process, as they determine the terms and conditions for video game voice actors.
Demands and Concerns
SAG-AFTRA’s demands for video game actors closely mirror those for film and TV actors. They include rate increases, job protection from artificial intelligence, and a mandatory five-minute rest period per hour for on-camera performance capture actors. These demands highlight the union’s commitment to protecting its members’ rights and combating potential threats posed by advancing technology.
It is worth noting that SAG-AFTRA joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike earlier this year, which began in May. This solidarity underscores the shared concerns and challenges faced by both groups of creative professionals. As the strike continues, the entertainment industry grapples with the impact of these labor disputes on productions and the larger ecosystem of artists and employees.
The strike led by SAG-AFTRA is proving to be a pivotal moment for the entertainment industry. As negotiations move forward, the union’s demands and concerns regarding video game voice actors will shape the future of this industry. It remains to be seen how the “signatory video game companies” will respond and whether a resolution can be reached that benefits all parties involved. As the strike persists, it highlights the importance of fair compensation and protection for all workers in the creative arts.
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