SAG-AFTRA calls for video game actors to join picket line
The actors' union SAG-AFTRA has called for a second strike authorization for video game actors, demanding higher wages, AI protections, and other benefits.
Topics
Posted 9/2/2023, 12:12:00 PM
thehill.com
Relevant topic timeline:
The main topic is the strike by Hollywood actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, over pay and concerns about the future of the industry. The key points are:
1. The strike is the first in 43 years and has brought the American movie and television business to a halt.
2. The strike is a result of failed negotiations with studios over a new contract, with streaming services and artificial intelligence at the center of the dispute.
3. Actors and screenwriters are striking together for the first time since 1960, with both unions seeking better pay and working conditions.
4. The rise of streaming and the lack of transparency in calculating residuals for streaming content are major concerns for the unions.
5. Studios are struggling with the true cost of streaming and the loss of revenue from traditional distribution models, while also trying to build and maintain their own streaming services.
Main topic: Marvel's visual effects employees voting to join a union for better pay and treatment.
Key points:
1. Marvel's visual effects employees have filed a petition to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union.
2. VFX artists have spoken out about grueling schedules and rushed work, leading to subpar results.
3. A strike by Marvel's VFX artists is a possibility as a tactic to demand better conditions.
The union representing actors in the US is considering a second strike against major video game companies due to disputes over wages and threats posed by artificial intelligence.
The media artists union SAG-AFTRA has voted to expand its strike to include the video game industry, citing issues such as pay, working conditions, and protections against the unrestrained use of artificial intelligence.
The ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in Hollywood highlight the issue of unfair pay and working conditions for actors and writers, particularly in the streaming industry, and call for change in the industry to treat its workers fairly.
The Screen Actors Guild has authorized its members in the interactive media industry to strike due to stalled negotiations and concerns about AI replacing their performances, potentially disrupting the production of big-name video games.
The ongoing dual strike by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA could cost Warner Bros. up to $500 million this year, prompting major production delays and a potential lackluster film and television schedule if fair wages are not paid to writers and actors.
The use of AI in the film industry has sparked a labor dispute between actors' union SAG-AFTRA and studios, with concerns being raised about the potential for AI to digitally replicate actors' images without fair compensation, according to British actor Stephen Fry.