Below is an example article I wrote covering the SAG-AFTRA Guild Strike concerning voice actors and video game producers:
SAG-AFTRA actors continue to strike due to “alarming loopholes” in new deal presented by video game companies
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike shows no signs of slowing down, as union representatives warned of “alarming loopholes,” regarding “AI abuse” in the most recent set of negotiations, furthering fears amongst developers and performers that a resolution is far from being reached.
At the heart of negotiations there have been concerns over protecting performers from AI abuse. In December 2023, a tentative agreement was reached between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to end a previous strike, but new concerns have arisen regarding some concerning language in this previous contract that has many voice actors worried for the future of the industry.
Of major concern is language regarding “generative AI,” which would allow for the creation of “synthetic performers” or “digitally-created asset[s]” that are made entirely through AI. During the 2023 contract negotiations, union organizers attempted to allow some leeway for the interpretation of these ideas, which has performers worried that these synthetic performers will be used to phase out voice actors entirely soon.
Due to these mounting concerns, the SAG-AFTRA went back on strike on July 2024, and negotiations have remained focused on concerns over AI use. In a recent press release shared with Eurogamer, SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and chair of the Interactive Media Negotiating Committee Sarah Elmaleh explained why the strike will continue.
“”Though progress has been made and agreements have been reached on certain provisions since we launched our strike last year, the last proposal the bargaining group made is still filled with alarming loopholes that will leave our members vulnerable to AI abuse,” they said, before continuing, “The bargaining group would have you believe that we are close to reaching a deal. This is not the case. They also are hoping our members will turn on each other.”
The two claim that video game producers want free reign to use past performances without any protection. This would mean actors would be given no warning about their voice being used, would be offered no royalties, and would be left with no path for arbitration. Additionally, the pair also stated that producers want to be given the power to use AI performances in future strikes, without prior consent or consideration from the performer whose voice the AI is mimicking.
Video game producers have tried finding ways to navigate the strike. They have sought performances from non-SAG-AFTRA members, though the union warns that these performers may be doing more harm than good, and asks that they “seriously consider the consequences,” of weakening the strike, and of opening their performances up to be exploited through AI.
Yet, there is frustration amongst some SAG-AFTRA guild members who feel that if AI was going to be such a major concern, then the contract signed in December 2023 should have never been agreed to in the first place. At the very least, they feel proper provisions should have been implemented to fight against these “alarming loopholes,” that have seen their entire industry stop in its tracks over the last 9 months.
With no resolution in sight, many performers hope that whatever concessions are made, that their performances – past and future – will be protected from exploitation and abuse, and that they are fairly compensated for whatever work uses their voices going forward.
ALEXANDER M. ABREU 