Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1530033
A PATH FORWARD S AG-AFTRA's Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, its Interim Interactive Media Agreement and the new Independent Interactive Localization Agreement are vital parts of the strike strategy. Just as Interim Agreements did during the TV/Theatrical/ Streaming strike, these video game contracts normalize the terms union members are seeking. "This labor action is about creating work with sufficient A.I. protections. The sheer volume of companies that have signed SAG-AFTRA agreements demonstrates how reasonable those protections are. We are thrilled for our actors to continue working under fair union contracts with companies who know how invaluable our performers are to their games," said SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee Chair Sarah Elmaleh. The Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement allows independent developers opportunities to hire union performers on projects with budgets from $250,000 to $30 million. The Interim Interactive Media Agreement is available to producers that otherwise fall within the scope of the strike order, giving them the opportunity to hire union performers if they agree to SAG-AFTRA terms. The Independent Interactive Localization Agreement covers localization of video game projects produced in a language other than English. Localization is a process in which an actor replaces the dialogue from one language into another.