SAG-AFTRA Submits Counterproposals in Ongoing Negotiations Over Performer Rights and Artificial Intelligence

The SAG-AFTRA union, representing 160,000 media professionals, has issued a comprehensive response to the video game employers' proposal, including a detailed AI proposal that outlines the implications of the proposed changes for performers. The union has raised several concerns, including a revised approach to secondary performance payments and the parameters for using digital replicas of performers. SAG-AFTRA noted that the employers initially only wanted to provide AI protections for new performances, leaving existing ones without protection. However, they are now willing to cover all work done under the Interactive Media Agreement as digital replicas. The union also expressed concerns over a clause that would allow employers to use performers' digital replicas for pre-production without permission, and the requirement for performers to pay back money to avoid strike penalties. For more information, visit the SAG-AFTRA website for a full rundown of the counterproposals. The strike, which began in July, is ongoing, with the union remaining far apart from video game studios and publishers over rights and protection concerns related to AI technologies.