Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1530033
16 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2024 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the National Executive Director Dear Member, A rtificial intelligence and intimacy coordinators would seem to be two things that have little in common. But, there's actually an important connection. We recently welcomed intimacy coordinators (ICs) into the ranks of SAG-AFTRA members and, after a unanimous vote of the ICs working for AMPTP companies, we now represent them in bargaining their first contract with the studios and streamers. They perform an essential function on set by protecting actors and helping ensure they are comfortable during scenes involving nudity or intimate contact. We are thrilled they have joined our union family, but the significance of this moment goes beyond the addition of new members and new contracts. We are justly very proud of what the intimacy coordinators have accomplished. They partnered with us to create standards for the profession, as well as an accreditation system for intimacy coordinator training programs and a registry of qualified intimacy coordinators. Spurred by the #MeToo movement, the union redoubled its efforts to confront sexual harassment on and off set. We needed to protect members, personally and professionally. It's that same desire — to preserve members' rights and dignity — that motivates our efforts in ensuring guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence. As I write this, our video game strike continues, and so do negotiations. Strong A.I. protections remain critical for those who work in video games — just as they are for all our members — whether they do voiceover, performance capture, stunts or any other kind of performance. We can't and won't give up on the A.I. front, and I am pleased to say we have achieved some notable successes. California Gov. Gavin Newsom held a bill-signing ceremony at SAG-AFTRA Plaza in September on two important pieces of A.I. legislation that the union had been backing, AB 1836 and AB 2602 (see page 58). It was momentous to have the governor of the nation's most populous state signing our bills into law at our own headquarters. Additionally, in New York, S.7676-B — which requires employers to provide informed consent before the rights to voice or likeness are signed over — passed both state houses in June. But there's still more to be done. And that's why we're working on other legislation that addresses the issue of A.I. misuse in a variety of ways, from limiting the use of A.I. technology to replace people in entertainment and media content to mandating disclosure when synthetic performers are used. Corporations are rewarded for doing whatever it takes to increase profits for their shareholders. It is their duty to outpace their competitors. That means using every means at their disposal — including technological developments. We justly abhor any possible future where corporations, unburdened by legal guardrails or enforceable regulations, might leverage emerging technologies to plunder an individual's talents, artistry, imagination and persona without consent, compensation or control of their image and likeness. Allowing companies to remain unchecked inevitably leads to the exploitation of workers and a dehumanized workforce. That is why, in addition to bargaining for and legislating protections, we're engaging in concerted outreach to technology companies. We want to build a greater understanding in them of the concerns of creative talent and establish shared principles that advance a world where human artistic endeavor and ingenuity is always the driving force. That outreach is critical as A.I. evolves ever more rapidly. Through it all, whether in A.I. legis- lation, self-tape contract provisions or the use of intimacy coordinators — or the many other initiatives championed by SAG-AFTRA's member leaders and staff — protecting members and helping them thrive remains the common theme. And you are a critical part of that effort, because the union is you. So thank you for all that you do and please keep an eye on your email for ways you can help create the future creative professionals deserve. Wishing you and your loved ones happy holidays and a prosperous new year. In unity, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland D U N C A N C R A B T R E E - I R E L A N D "Strong A.I. protections remain critical for all our members."