Tag

Ai Protections

All articles tagged with #ai protections

world7 months ago

SAG-AFTRA Voice Actors Reach Tentative Deal to End Strike

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing video game voice actors, has reached a tentative agreement with game companies after a strike that began in July 2024, primarily over AI usage concerns. The deal includes AI guardrails and other gains, but must be reviewed and ratified by union members. The strike highlighted issues around AI's impact on performers' livelihoods, with the union maintaining that members will stay on strike until a strike suspension agreement is finalized.

entertainment1 year ago

SAG-AFTRA Secures New Deal for Video Game Localization

SAG-AFTRA has introduced a new Independent Interactive Localisation Agreement for video game localisation, offering expanded session and voiceprint options, AI protections, and employment opportunities for performers. This agreement aligns with the Independent Interactive Media Agreement's terms and targets projects originally scripted in foreign languages. It aims to enhance opportunities for companies adhering to AI protection standards, while supporting performers' livelihoods.

entertainment2 years ago

Hollywood actors' union ends historic strike with new contract

The Hollywood actors union, SAG-AFTRA, has ratified a new contract with major studios and streamers, ending a monthslong saga that included a nearly four-month strike. The contract includes historic gains and protections for performers, such as groundbreaking raises, benefit increases, and safeguards around artificial intelligence. However, there was controversy surrounding the AI provisions, with some members expressing concerns about potential career damage. Despite the division, the contract was approved by about 78% of members, and production has resumed across the industry with many shows targeting a January premiere date but with abbreviated seasons.

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Members Approve New Contract, Ending Strike

SAG-AFTRA members have voted to ratify a new three-year contract, valued at over $1 billion, ending the 118-day actors' strike. The contract raises minimum wage rates, establishes AI protections, creates a streaming bonus, and includes performance capture work. The agreement received 78.33% "yes" votes and will be retroactive to June 9, 2022. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers congratulated SAG-AFTRA, stating that the new contract represents "historic gains and protections for performers."

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Members Deliberate Contract Merits and Hollywood's Future

Members of the SAG-AFTRA union are engaged in heated debate over the merits of a tentative deal reached with studios and streamers, particularly regarding the agreement's AI protections. While it is unusual for SAG-AFTRA members to vote against ratifying a deal, online forums have sparked uncertainty about the outcome of the ratification vote. Some members have expressed concerns about the contract's allowance for synthetic performers, the use of SAG-AFTRA performances to train AI tools, and consent requirements for actors. Union leaders argue that the AI protections are a starting point and negotiations will continue in the future. The results of the ratification vote will have implications for the union's leadership and member engagement.

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Board Members Explain Concerns Over AI in New Contract

Two members of the SAG-AFTRA board voted against a new contract, citing concerns over the lack of protections against artificial intelligence (AI). They argued that AI poses an existential threat to actors and that only human beings should be used in creative works. The contract establishes consent and compensation requirements for the use of AI-generated "digital doubles," but does not prohibit AI or adequately address the training of AI on actors' performances. SAG-AFTRA leadership defended the AI provisions, acknowledging that the deal is not perfect and that further protections will be pursued in future contracts. The deadline for members to vote on ratification is December 5th.

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Deal Ratified, Ending Strike and Resuming Production

SAG-AFTRA has released a summary of its potential three-year contract with the studios, which includes provisions for streaming bonuses and AI protections. The deal, reached after a 118-day strike, has faced criticism for not pushing hard enough on these issues. The summary does not provide specific numbers for the streaming bonuses, but outlines a 75/25 distribution model. The agreement also includes provisions for the creation and use of digital replicas of performers and background actors. The full Memorandum of Agreement is yet to be released.

entertainment2 years ago

AI Protections in SAG-AFTRA Deal Face Opposition from Justine Bateman and Disabled Actors

Justine Bateman, known for her role in "Family Ties," opposes the tentative deal reached between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP to resolve the actors strike, citing concerns over AI protections. While guild leaders claim the deal includes robust AI protections, Bateman argues that the agreement falls short and plans to explain the violating AI permissions in the actual deal document. She believes the use of generative AI will disrupt the industry and urges union members not to ratify the deal if they want to continue working. SAG-AFTRA members will begin voting on the deal's ratification on November 14.

entertainment2 years ago

Fran Drescher: From Strike Speech to Historic Labor Deal

Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, discusses the recently reached tentative three-year contract deal with Hollywood studios, ending the 118-day strike. Drescher highlights the importance of new revenue for members on streaming platforms and the need for AI protections. She also expresses satisfaction with the increased representation and benefits for lower-paid background actors. Drescher plans to continue fighting for the inclusion of motion and facial performance in the contract, recognition of audio description performers, and protection during auditions and interviews. She credits her negotiating style, authenticity, and focus on female empowerment for disarming the studios. Drescher's future plans include working on eco-responsible entertainment and giving seniors back their residuals, while also considering future acting roles and leveraging her newfound recognition for the greater good. However, she dismisses the idea of running for president.

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Strike: Studios and Union Resume Talks in Hopes of Resolving Box Office Crisis

Four CEOs, including Disney's Bob Iger, are returning to SAG-AFTRA headquarters with a new offer in hopes of ending the 102-day actors strike. The CEOs are eager to salvage next summer's box office and a portion of the 2023-24 TV season. The union is seeking AI protections and an 11% increase in basic minimums, but the key obstacle remains SAG-AFTRA's demand for a cut of streaming revenue. Talks broke down on Oct. 11 after the union proposed a fee on all streaming platforms, which the studios deemed economically burdensome. The CEOs are expected to present a substantial improvement in their new offer, but a comprehensive agreement may still take days or even longer to reach.

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Talks Suspended, Leaving Industry in Disarray

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) decision to suspend bargaining talks with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has shocked union president Fran Drescher. Talks fell apart after SAG proposed a "levy" on streaming subscribers, which the AMPTP claimed would cost them over $800 million per year. Drescher argues that the proposed levy is minimal and necessary to address the unsustainable payment structure for actors on streaming platforms. The issue of artificial intelligence (AI) protections also remains unresolved. SAG-AFTRA canceled pickets due to safety concerns unrelated to the strike.