SAG-AFTRA Members Approve The 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts After Latest Vote
Image Source: Entertainment Tonight
On December 5, SAG-AFTRA members ratified the 2023 TV/Theatrical contracts. Although actors resumed work a month ago, this agreement marks the official end of the strike. The union voted 78.33% to 21.67% in favor of the new contract with a 38.15% voter turnout. The ratified contract grants an 11% pay increase for background actors, a $40 million residual bonus for actors who work on successful streaming shows, safeguards from AI for living and deceased actors, expert makeup and hair artists for diverse hair and skin types, and required intimacy coordinators for sex and nudity scenes.
While support for the contract was high, those who voted now expressed that they wanted more protections against AI technology. Brock Powell, an actor and voice artist, worries that stunt performers will be replaced by AI likenesses of celebrities. Background actor Jessica Brown voted yes on the contract, recalling her face being digitally scanned for a Marvel production during the pandemic. Brown explained, “Background has always been impacted by ways of trying…to duplicate [people] to get the shots that they need. And with the regulations that the…contract has in place, we can actually nip it in the bud.”
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Image Source: France 24
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator, claimed that although the deal is less than perfect, it brings a lot of gains and protections for industry workers. Crabtree-Ireland said, “This is an ongoing fight that ultimately we’re all on the same side of — which is to make sure actors are treated fairly. And I’m very eager to keep working with all of the folks who spoke out very passionately, even if they weren’t in support of this agreement.”
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Sources: X, BBC, Los Angeles Times
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