SAG-AFTRA Pushes Back on AI Protections in Latest Contract Offer
In the ongoing negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), AI protections for high-earning members have become a key point of contention. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, SAG-AFTRA has pushed back on an AI clause included in the studios’ latest offer.
The clause in question seeks to secure AI scans for Schedule F performers, who are guild members earning more than the minimum for series regulars and feature films. The studios and streamers would be required to pay for the likeness scans of these performers, but SAG-AFTRA is seeking compensation for the re-use of AI scans. Additionally, the union wants AMPTP member companies to secure consent from the performers before using their scans.
Furthermore, the language in the AMPTP’s offer would grant studios and streamers the right to use scans of deceased performers without the consent of their estate or SAG-AFTRA. This aspect of the clause has raised concerns among union members.
SAG-AFTRA has not yet accepted the “last, best and final” offer from the AMPTP due to this language surrounding AI protections. A source from the union side states, “This is massive. Every high-earning performer needs to realize that this is about protecting them.” The source emphasizes that the strike is not just about minimum wage but also about safeguarding performers’ rights.
Over the weekend, SAG-AFTRA worked on a counteroffer and planned to discuss it with the AMPTP on Monday. The union aimed to remove the Schedule F AI language and address other items of concern.
The union-side source argues that the removal of the AI language is vital for the sustainability of the performance industry. They explain, “They can’t have that loophole to exploit performers… behooves them to have you dead in that they need consent when you’re alive but not when you’re dead.”
SAG-AFTRA’s negotiations committee informed union members that they had responded to the AMPTP’s latest offer and were determined to secure the right deal to bring the strike to an end responsibly. However, there are still essential items, including AI, on which they have not reached an agreement.
Both the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA have been contacted for comment regarding the situation.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen how the dispute over AI protections will be resolved and if it will impact the overall outcome of the contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP.