SAG-AFTRA Deal Stirs Concerns on Artificial Intelligence and Pensions

Source Domain: variety.com

SAG-AFTRA has proposed a new studio contract to its membership, with a focus on limiting the use of synthetic performers and ensuring human performers’ rights.
The contract stipulates that synthetic performers can only be used if they offer “significant additional value” to a project, with additional obligations for studios to notify and negotiate with the union if licensing performances for AI training.
There remains concern among some members that the language on synthetic performers is too flexible, leaving them vulnerable to being replaced by AI.
Key issues include the lack of a compensation floor and consent for AI licensing, despite the union’s involvement in the bargaining process.
The contract includes improvements in residuals, 3% annual increases in minimum rates, and changes to the casting process involving virtual interviews.
The deal plans to merge the SAG and AFTRA pension funds by January 1, 2028, with an additional 1% contribution from studios, though some members remain skeptical of the pension merger.
SAG-AFTRA leadership expresses confidence that the contract will protect human performances, with strict conditions around synthetic performers.
Members have until June 4 to vote on the contract, with leadership holding Zoom meetings to explain the terms.

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