Actors’ union approves 4-year contract with studios and streamers
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) approved a four-year contract with studios and streamers, including AI protections, after over 90% of voting members ratified the deal. The agreement extends labor stability in Hollywood and follows the Writers Guild of America’s recent contract approval.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to ratify a four-year contract with studios and streaming services, ending months of negotiations. Over 90% of voting members approved the deal, which includes protections against synthetic AI actors and digital identity rights, while about 19% of eligible voters participated. The contract, negotiated by union leaders including president Sean Astin, ensures AI performers can only be used if they provide ‘significant additional value’ over live actors or digital captures. This provision aims to limit AI actor usage in productions. The deal also strengthens compensation, benefit plans, and recognizes evolving work methods for performers. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) congratulated SAG-AFTRA on the ratification, calling it a model of industry collaboration. The agreement follows the Writers Guild of America’s recent four-year contract approval, adding stability to Hollywood’s labor landscape. AMPTP is currently in talks with the Directors Guild of America (DGA), with negotiations beginning May 11 under new DGA president Christopher Nolan. That contract is set to expire on June 30. The ratification avoids a repeat of the 2023 actor and writer strikes, which disrupted the entertainment industry.
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