SAG-AFTRA

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation headquarters just got a multimillion-dollar makeover. Introducing the new Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists, a stunning 15,000-square-foot facility with a screening room, on-camera studio and voiceover lab. Foundation Executive Director Cyd Wilson takes listeners on a behind-the-scenes tour, revealing how the new Center supports performers through free educational programs, career development resources, and virtual courses. She also discusses vital initiatives like emergency assistance to performers and Storyline Online®. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.

In this episode, we bring you a panel discussion from LA Comic-Con 2024 that shines a light on the often-unseen world of video game character creation. Moderated by Linsay Rousseau, the panel features industry experts and SAG-AFTRA members Sarah Elmaleh, Jasiri Booker, Andi Norris, and Seth Allyn Austin. These talented artists discuss the intricate process of bringing video game characters to life through movement performance, stunt work, and voice acting. From the challenges of performance capture to the collaborative nature of their work, the panelists offer behind-the-scenes insights into this essential but often unheralded aspect of game development. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive employment practices. To update us on disability representation in the entertainment industry, we’re joined by two esteemed SAG-AFTRA members, Christine Bruno and Nic Novicki. Bruno is chair of the National and New York Local Performers with Disabilities Committees, and the Diversity Advisory Committee vice chair. Novicki is an actor, comedian and founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. The two share insights on the progress and challenges for performers with disabilities, the critical importance of intersectionality and the economic potential of disability-inclusive content. *The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.

The last few years have been challenging for those in the entertainment industry, as our members and other workers have experienced a slowdown in production. But what’s the cause? Some think it was the strikes last year; others think broader economic forces are really at play. SAG-AFTRA Chief Economist David Vivano joins the podcast to offer expert analysis on geographical trends in production, the impact of state tax incentives, and the potential effects of A.I. on the workforce. He also shares some positive signs of a recovery as the business begins to – hopefully – return to full strength. *The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

What do young performers need to know in 2024 and beyond, and how can their families nurture and protect them? As we navigate an era of rapid technological change and expanding media platforms, it's more important than ever to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing our youngest members. To help explore this important topic, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is joined by former child actor Brandon Severs, actor and parent of young performer Charlie Bodin, and SAG-AFTRA National Director of Background and New York Entertainment Contracts, Stephanie Perry, who is also the staff liaison to SAG AFTRA Los Angeles Local and National Young Performer Committees. *The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

SAG-AFTRA and the AFL-CIO hosted the 2024 Labor Innovation & Technology Summit in Las Vegas earlier this year. In this episode commemorating Labor Day, we replay an illuminating panel discussion called "Workers' Rights In The Age of Tech," which features prominent labor leaders addressing the critical intersection of technology and workers' rights. The panel was hosted by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and included SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Linda Powell, UNITE HERE President D. Taylor, and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. To listen to the entire day one of the LIT Summit, visit SAG-AFTRA’s YouTube channel. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

SAG-AFTRA recently secured a new agreement that marks a significant milestone in the union’s ongoing efforts to protect performers in the age of artificial intelligence. The agreement with the online platform Narrativ establishes crucial protections and opportunities for voice performers working in audio commercials. To explore the key details of this agreement and how it will affect and benefit members, podcast host and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, is joined by Ben Gottdiener, co-founder of Narrativ, Erin Fritch, the national co-chair of the Commercials Contracts Standing Committee, and Sue-Anne Morrow, SAG-AFTRA National Director of Contract Strategic Initiatives & Podcasts. *The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

After more than eighteen months of negotiations, time has run out! As of July 26 at 12:01 a.m., SAG-AFTRA members who perform in video games have been on strike against their employers — the major video game companies! Find out what’s next as  SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, DuncanCrabtree-Ireland talks to a panel of experts about the key issues at stake. Guests this week include Sarah Elmaleh, chair of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee; video game performer Seth Allyn Austin, and SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez. A.I. protections are needed to level up the contract. Learn how you can join the fight!  **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Learn more about the Video Game Strike @ sagaftra.org/videogamestrike

Listen in on last week’s Comic-Con 2024 panel, featuring top game performers Ashly Burch, Noshir Dalal, Sarah Elmaleh and Shannon Woodward. The actors talk about the unique challenges of voice and movement performance in video games, the threat of AI to their profession, and the irreplaceable role of human performance. They also discuss SAG-AFTRA’s recent strike against major game publishers and the existential threat A.I. presents to many game performers. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

In part 2 of our series on contract negotiations, we explore the bargaining and ratification process, including communication with other unions before talks begin, the structure and dynamic of different negotiation sessions, and the challenges in achieving the union’s desired contract terms. Our panel of demystifiers includes SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Executive Vice President Linda Powell, Chief Contract Officer Ray Rodriguez, and Co-Chair of the TV Animation Negotiating Committee David Jolliffe. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.