Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1530033
28 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2024 | sagaftra.org For Members International Federation of Actors Declares Support for Video Game Strike Unions Work Together on Issues That Impact Performers Everywhere A t its meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, in October, the International Federation of Actors' Executive Committee voted unanimously on a resolution declaring its support for SAG-AFTRA's video game strike. The union federation, which goes by its French acronym FIA, represents performers unions from some 60 countries. The statement, which was proposed jointly by Actors' Equity Association, Canada's ACTRA, and Equity UK, along with performers unions from Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa and Uruguay, reads, in part, "FIA and its affiliates express unwavering support for SAG-AFTRA and its members in their stand against corporate exploitation, the unchecked use of A.I., and their broader fight for fair wages, reasonable working conditions, as well as the protection of performers' rights and creative contributions to the video game industry." At the Executive Committee meeting, which took place from Oct. 1–4, members discussed a variety of issues impacting entertainment professionals around the globe, including artificial intelligence, which is the central issue in the video game strike and one of the main factors that led to last year's TV/Theatrical/ Streaming strike. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland gave a presentation on what performers need to know about A.I., and also participated in a panel discussion on the topic. In addition, SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez joined a roundtable discussion on subscription video-on-demand contract provisions that provide fair compensation for performers, and Executive Vice President Linda Powell gave a presentation on the union's diversity gains in areas of hair and makeup equity. White House Reception Centers Challenges, Opportunities for Digital Creators and Influencers Digital creators, from left, Gohar Khan, NéAndré Broussard, Nick Arrington, Brandi Marie King, Drew Talbert, Sidney Raskind, Patrick Janelle and Joel Bervell at the White House Creators Economy Conference on Aug. 14. S AG-AFTRA, in partnership with Los Angeles-based media company Tubefilter and in association with the creator-led platform Social Currant, hosted a welcome reception for the attendees of the White House Creator Economy Conference in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 13. Among those in attendance were SAG-AFTRA members and digital creators Patrick Janelle, Drew Talbert and Sidney Raskind. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; National Director, Contract Strategic Initiatives & Podcasts Sue-Anne Morrow; and Director, Contract Strategic Initiatives & Podcasts Shaine Griffin were also present on the union's behalf. The conference brought together digital creators and industry professionals to discuss the challenges faced by creators and influencers who power the creator economy. Some of the topics of discussion included privacy, artificial intelligence, fair pay, mental health and more. Morrow and Griffin later attended the White House Creator Economy Conference on Aug.14. For more information about the SAG-AFTRA Influencer Agreement, visit sagaftra.org or email influencer@sagaftra.org.