Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
sagaftra.org | Fall/Winter 2025 | SAG-AFTRA 95 S AG-AFTRA member Christy Carlson Romano saved the world as the voice of the crime-fighting titular character in the Disney Channel animated series Kim Possible. She also charmed audiences as Ren Stevens in the popular comedy Even Stevens. Since 2019, she's been bringing her talents and skills to creating her own original content for her social media audience of over 3 million viewers across platforms. Armed with an expertise in performance and a passion for storytelling, Romano began her content creation journey out of necessity. "After years of traditional acting work slowing down," she explains, "I had to figure out how to support my family while staying creative." Romano and her husband began building an audience for their content by "being authentic instead of polished" and by "sharing real life instead of highlight reels." The shift from "actor waiting for the phone to ring" to "creator controlling [her] own narrative" was a gamechanger. Innovations that have increased the accessibility of content creation tools have allowed performers to chart their own career paths and pursue their passions. Still, digital creation doesn't come without challenges. From navigating ever-changing platforms and algorithms to maintaining consistency and negotiating with brands, successful creation requires persistence, technical skills and business savvy. Luckily for SAG-AFTRA members, union agreements can be an essential asset. THE UNION HAS YOU COVERED Since SAG-AFTRA's launch of the Influencer Agreement and Influencer Waiver in 2021, self-produced branded content made for distribution on creators' own websites, social media and YouTube channels is now easily covered. These brand partnerships can help members qualify for health insurance and their pension if they meet the threshold for eligibility. "The Influencer Agreement has given me legitimacy and protection in brand partnerships that I wouldn't have otherwise," says Romano, who values the framework union agreements provide. "When brands know I'm working under SAG-AFTRA terms, there's an immediate understanding that I'm a professional with clear boundaries and union backing." Fellow creators and SAG-AFTRA members Stanley Sievers and Sidney Raskind appreciate the pathway the agreements have opened for creators to access health and pension benefits. SAG-AFTRA member Sidney Raskind has been making digital content since 2007. SAG-AFTRA member Christy Carlson Romano says, "Consistency matters more than inspiration" when it comes to being successful as a digital creator. For Sievers, who has partnered with brands including Universal Pictures, Sony Recordings and Century Media Records, the Influencer Agreement enabled his family to receive health insurance during his wife's pregnancy. Raskind, who has built a following of over 6 million across social platforms, recognizes the security of being a creator with union benefits. "Before the Influencer Agreement and Waiver, I was lost in a sea of health care needs and options. I didn't know how to save for retirement or make my career feel legitimate. With SAG-AFTRA having these protections, I could solve all of those massive problems." WHAT SAG-AFTRA AGREEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE? SAG-AFTRA has been hard at work finding ways to empower digital creators by providing agreements for those making SANTOS VILLANEDA KRYSTAL EVE PHOTOGRAPHY Digital Creators Share How They Make Opportunities & Embrace Creative Empowerment LEVERAGE PASSION