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After 118 days, Hollywood’s longest actors’ strike has concluded with a new $1 billion deal that includes critical protections against AI. This agreement was reached by the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), representing over 160,000 actors.
SAG-AFTRA announced on its website and social media that negotiators unanimously voted to end the strike at 12:01 am on November 9. They reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents major Hollywood studios like Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The deal includes unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation, safeguarding members from AI threats. The use of AI and 3D scanning were major sticking points during negotiations. While 3D scanning for special effects has been around since the 1980s, it has become more widespread and affordable. Background actors expressed concerns about their likenesses being scanned and used indefinitely by studios, which could deprive them of income.
As commercial and generative AI technologies have advanced, actors feared that studios might manipulate their digital likenesses for future films without proper compensation. Some tech startups have already begun creating “digital twins” of actors and musicians, providing platforms to monetize these digital versions.
Recently, sources indicated that AI remained a contentious issue up until the final stages of negotiations. Studios sought to secure AI scans for higher-earning guild members and use scans of deceased performers without estate consent, known as the “zombie clause.”
While full details of the agreement are still under wraps, SAG-AFTRA negotiators believe they’ve reached a compromise that serves their members’ best interests. The contract will be reviewed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board, and the proposed terms are reportedly only valid for three years, meaning future negotiations will be necessary.
In a message to its members, SAG-AFTRA highlighted that the new contract includes significant compensation increases, AI protections, and a streaming participation bonus. Pension and health caps have also been raised, benefiting various performer categories. The deal aims to enable SAG-AFTRA members to build sustainable careers and protect diverse communities.
Complete details of the agreement will be shared after the National Board’s review. SAG-AFTRA also expressed gratitude to other union members and workers who supported the strike.
Thank you for your dedication and solidarity during the strike. Your efforts made these improvements possible.
Your TV/TH Negotiating Committee