Biz: Unions

Picketing has begun in a new SAG-AFTRA strike targeting the use of AI in video games – the outcome of which will have major impact on the careers of voice actors in that genre. In negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement, SAG-AFTRA wants members to be able to consent to a company’s use of their past union performances in the creation of new union content via AI (artificial intelligence). Voice over industry associations – NAVA and WoVO – urge all voice actors to stay away from video game projects during the strike. Legendary voice actor / union advocate Bob Bergen gives us deep background and perspective on the strike and what’s ahead for the VO industry …

SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles and National Voiceover Performers Committee Proposal, October 4, 2018, modified December 8, 2018

The SAG-AFTRA union is “completely oblivious” to the landscape of today’s voice over industry, charges top voice actor/coach Bob Bergen. He urges all in the industry to sign this petition demanding that SAG-AFTRA adopt a proposal allowing voice over members to continue their non-union voice over work …

The long anticipated merger of the two major U.S. performance unions, SAG and AFTRA, became reality on Friday March 30, when the unions announced that more than 80% of members of both SAG and AFTRA had voted to merge the unions into one powerhouse, now called SAG-AFTRA …

AFTRA and SAG members are currently voting on whether to merge the two powerful performers unions. If approved, the new SAG-AFTRA union will have tougher membership requirements than AFTRA’s current rules. So – should you join AFTRA ASAP? Attorney / voice actor Robert J. Sciglimpaglia Jr. helps you evaluate options …

What will change if members of SAG and AFTRA approve a proposed merger? For one, the initiation fee – rising significantly from AFTRA’s current level. See what else might be ahead …

The merger plan approved by the boards of AFTRA and SAG reportedly pushes entry requirements closer to the more stringent SAG rules, and raises the initiation fee. Existing members of both unions will vote in February on whether to adopt the new SAG-AFTRA to be the one union “to stand united to secure more union work and better benefits for members” ….

AFTRA members have ratified a new 3-1/2 year Interactive Media Contract for videogame performances, that includes the industry’s first-ever streaming payment to performers as a “cloud gaming fee” …

Ratify TV & Radio Commercials Contracts May 25, 2009 In nationwide voting completed on May 21, members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and the Screen Actors…

A guaranteed minium pay scale. A paymaster who bills your clients and sends you checks. Add health insurance, a pension plan and celebrity presidents and board members who negotiate on…