Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/821178
30 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org E ven as the video game strike continues, SAG-AFTRA is forging ahead, making tangible progress in the industry by signing 30 games from more than 20 companies to its negotiated video game agreements under the same terms that the AAA companies have refused. In the first three months of 2017, the number of signatories has quadrupled — and new deals are being signed every week. While representatives of the struck companies resist attempts to modernize the 20-year-old contract, other video game companies are happy to secure professional SAG-AFTRA talent under fair terms that include provisions for secondary compensation, transparency and safety. "These deals show that other companies see that what we're asking for is reasonable," said performer Phil LaMarr. Meanwhile, members are continuing the pressure on the struck companies through rallies and pickets, as well as online, using the hashtag #PerformanceMatters. At the largest action since the strike was called on Oct. 2, members once again demonstrated the power of unity at a Feb. 2 rally at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. Fellow union members from the Writers Guild, Teamsters Local 399, the American Federation of Musicians and officials from the California and Los Angeles County federations of labor joined SAG-AFTRA members demanding fair compensation for performers who work in video games. In all, some 500 people turned out to the rally. "This is a crucial time. The video game companies are getting ready to start production on a slate of new titles. They need and want our members' talent to be on their games," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. Voice actors and performance capture artists are striking 11 companies, asking for secondary compensation for their work. However, it would only be triggered if a game sells more than 2 million copies, and for every 2 million after that, topping out at 8 million. That equals a maximum of four payments — from a multibillion industry that continues to grow. Across consoles, PC and mobile, thousands of games are released annually, and only the tiniest percentage ever achieve sales that would trigger the payment. The struck companies represent some of the industry's largest players, including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc. and WB Games Inc. JESSE GRANT/SAG-AFTRA X6 Members Keep Up the Pressure in New Contract a Success, Despite Resistance of Struck Companies 2