Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1530033
sagaftra.org | Fall/Winter 2024 | SAG-AFTRA 19 T he SAG-AFTRA National Board met Oct. 19–20 in a scheduled two-day weekend plenary at the union's headquarters at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. On Saturday, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher welcomed Board members back to the James Cagney Boardroom at SAG-AFTRA Plaza after years of virtual convenings. The Board received multiple reports culminating in a presentation, A.I.: Advancing With Integrity — A Report on SAG-AFTRA's Efforts on A.I. and Performers' Rights, presented by SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. Crabtree-Ireland walked Board members through the union's A.I. strategy and many initiatives over the last several years, reporting through the lenses of collective bargaining, public policy and legislative efforts, member engagement and outreach, and strategic planning for the future of A.I. technology. SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Linda Powell presided over the second day of the meeting and moderated the extensive discussion session with Board members. Drescher noted that California Gov. Gavin Newsom chose SAG-AFTRA Plaza as the venue to sign into law two important A.I. bills the union championed through the Legislature. Drescher reported on Green Council efforts to unite all parts of the entertainment industry to champion eco-responsible living and to normalize this onscreen and behind the scenes. Crabtree-Ireland discussed the recent news of the union organizing intimacy coordinators, noting this is the culmination of a yearslong effort to safely grow the profession and ensure there are enough trained professional intimacy coordinators to meet the growing needs of the industry as well as the requirements negotiated last year in our TV/Theatrical Contracts on the use of intimacy coordinators. Looking ahead to the 2025 Commercials Contracts negotiations, Crabtree-Ireland encouraged participation in wages and working conditions meetings. The Board also approved additional members to the Commercials Contracts Negotiating Committee and appointed co-chairs to the Music Video Agreement Negotiating Committee. NED Presents A.I. Report at October's National Board Meeting Jane Fonda Named 60th SAG Life Achievement Award Recipient L egendary actor and activist Jane Fonda will be the 60th recipient of SAG-AFTRA's highest tribute: the SAG Life Achievement Award for both career and humanitarian accomplishments. Fonda will be presented the performers union's top honor at the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, which will stream live on Netflix on Feb. 23, 2025. Given annually to an actor who fosters the "finest ideals of the acting profession," the SAG Life Achievement Award will be the latest accolade in Fonda's esteemed catalog of international industry and public distinctions recognizing her masterful performances and impactful activism. Fonda's acclaimed career, which spans six decades, has captivated audiences with her versatile performances across film, television and theater, while using her platform to champion social causes. "Jane Fonda is a trailblazer and an extraordinary talent; a dynamic force who has shaped the landscape of entertainment, advocacy and culture with unwavering passion. We honor Jane not only for her artistic brilliance, but for the profound legacy of activism and empowerment she has created. Her fearless honesty has been an inspiration to me and many others in our industry," said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. Fonda said, "I am deeply honored and humbled to be this year's recipient of the SAG Life Achievement Award. I have been working in this industry for almost the entirety of my life, and there's no honor like the one bestowed on you by your peers. SAG-AFTRA works tirelessly to protect the working actor and to ensure that union members are being treated equitably in all areas, and I am proud to be a member as we continue to work to protect generations of performers to come." S C R E E N A C T O R S G U I L D L I F E A C H I E V E M E M E N T SAG-AFTRA NED & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and President Fran Drescher at the first in-person Board meeting since the start of the pandemic. COURTESY L'ORÉAL