In this interview, Joely Fisher, the secretary-treasurer of SAG-AFTRA, discusses the ongoing negotiations and strike authorization vote. She emphasizes the importance of unity, transparency, and debunking misconceptions. Fisher highlights rejected points by producers and the need to address dignity, humanity, and fairness in the industry. She emphasizes regulating AI to protect consent and compensation. Fisher urges actors to stand in solidarity, participate in picket lines, and support indie films. The interview concludes with SAG/AFTRA talking points and see the show notes for all the notices sent by SAG/AFTRA regarding what is allowed and not allowed during this unprecedented time.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR (SAG Talking Points):

Compensation / Revenue Sharing

• Accepting the AMPT's final offer would mean that performers would be paid 5% less in real-dollar terms over the next three years than they were paid in June of 2020.
• As the streaming companies lowball actors and raise their subscription fees, their goal seems to be to reward shareholders at the expense of both their workers and their audiences.
• SAG-AFTRA has proposed a revenue-sharing model that would ensure that the casts of every film or series will share in the revenue that it generates for its streaming platforms.

Health Care and Retirement Funding

• Employer contributions into the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan, the SAG Pension Plan and the AFTRA
• Retirement Fund are currently limited by episodic contribution caps that haven't changed in 40 years. SAG-AFTRA's proposal would increase these limits in line with inflation.

Online Casting Platforms

• No one should be required to pay a fee to access work opportunities and equitable consideration. Because of this, SAG-AFTRA seeks to ensure a fair casting process.

Artificial Intelligence

• Safeguards need to be put in place to ensure actors are always able to give consent and are compensated when their likenesses are used in the creation of new projects.

LINKS:

• Strike Notice to Members (PDF)
• SAG-AFTRA Negotiations Status (PDF)