SAG-AFTRA has released the first details of the interim deal that took place with companies signed into an interactive media agreement after the guild's national committee approved the transaction for its membership ratification slip.
Among the details revealed were protection against the exploitation of generative artificial intelligence. This was the only driving factor for the guild strike that lasted 320 days.
As part of the New Deal, companies will need to have informed consent for performers in any way AI will be used for voice, likeness and movement. Also, performers have the ability to suspend corporate consent to use AI to create replicas of work during strikes.
A minimum fee is also established for the use of digital replicas created with union-covered performance. If these performances are created for “real-time generation,” that is, when creating digital replica voice chatbots in video games, performers are entitled to a minimum scale of at least 7.5 times.
Outside of AI, the transaction will increase by 3% each year in November over the next three years, with a combined increase in compensation of 15.17% at ratification. Furthermore, the maximum overtime rate for overscale performers is based on double scale. The contribution rate of health and retirement to SAG-AFTRA's health plan will be increased from 16.5% to 17% at ratification to 17.5% in October 2026.
SAG-AFTRA negotiated safety requirements, including requirements to ensure that qualified medical professionals exist or are readily available for rehearsals and performance where risky behavior and working conditions are planned. Currently, principal performers on camera are offered a period of rest, and employers are no longer able to request performers to complete stunts and other dangerous activities in virtual auditions.
The full terms of the interim agreement will be announced on June 18th. Eligible members will then vote on whether to ratify the contract until 5pm on July 9th.
