Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512402
8 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2023 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the National Executive Director Dear Member, T his year marks the 90th anniversary of the incorporation of one of our predecessor unions, Screen Actors Guild. Few organizations can boast that they've existed for nearly a century. And, as we wrap up 2023, it's important that we acknowledge this impressive milestone. We predate many of the companies who employ our members, and we've outlasted quite a number of the original studios. Longevity for any institution requires flexibility and adaptation, and throughout its nine decades of existence, our organization has continued to grow stronger as it's responded to the changing cultural and media landscape. Those who signed Screen Actors Guild's incorporation papers back in 1933 would likely have a hard time understanding what a podcaster or social media creator/ influencer is, yet we now have members who perform work under those agreements. CGI? Performance capture? Video game voice actor? Such terms and job titles would have baffled the union's founders. This is one of the reasons why our contracts are evolving documents that are renegotiated every three years — so we can keep wages and working conditions evolving and improving as the industry changes. The creative community has often found itself in the unique position of being among the first to respond to new technology. And now we find ourselves on the front lines of another new chapter. Artificial intelligence (AI) will impact all aspects of daily life in the coming decade. Luckily, SAG-AFTRA is uniquely positioned to advocate for and ensure individual and intellectual property rights are protected from abuse and exploitation. Bargaining around the use of AI will continue to be one of the most important challenges SAG-AFTRA faces. As AI takes new forms with unprecedented capabilities, SAG-AFTRA is dedicated to establishing the broadest possible protections for professional performers' images, voices, likenesses and performances. We'll fight to prevent infringement and, in addition to achieving contractual protections, we'll pursue and support legislative efforts. We must remember that AI itself and everything generated by it originates from a human creative source. That's why human-generated material — intellectual property — must continue to be defended and protected. Thanks to the efforts of our government affairs and public policy team, lawmakers are understanding our urgency in addressing the threats posed by new technologies and are now working proactively to introduce important new legislation such as the NO FAKES and NO AI FRAUDS Acts. AI and its implications for individual and intellectual property rights are an immense responsibility, but one SAG-AFTRA is well-prepared to take on. I'm glad so many members are engaged with these important discussions. You can continue to take part in driving all of SAG-AFTRA's efforts by remaining informed about the union's bargaining and legislative efforts, participating in the wages and working conditions process, and contacting your legislative reps to voice your support for SAG-AFTRA- supported bills that ensure individuals' protections. This union is privileged to be made up of so many who are committed to being a force for change. Let's keep that momentum going throughout 2024. Happy holidays from my family to yours, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland D U N C A N C R A B T R E E - I R E L A N D "This union is privileged to be made up of so many who are committed to being a force for change."