Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544866
10 SAG-AFTR A | Spring 2026 | sagaftra.org A Letter From the President "We know that the public remains hungry for great storytelling and that our industry is fueled by a committed and highly skilled workforce." Dear Fellow Members, I t has been just over seven months since I began serving in this role. When I leave my home each day, I pause on the front stoop, take in the view and reflect on the gratitude I feel for the opportunity to be your president. As a practical matter, I determined early that I would spend as much time as possible in the president's office at our headquarters. From my window, I can see our iconic logo that famously graces the side of the building. It's an important place to take meetings and reinforce my connection with the staff. Some of my favorite moments are the rare quiet times around the office. I enjoy the silence. I'm reminded that volunteer service isn't only about the industry kinesis that demands focus and attention. Volunteer service is about knowing what's important to the people we serve and making conscious decisions about where to put our energy and invest our time. I've finally decorated the space with framed images and mini-posters of some of the films I've worked on. What makes it meaningful to me is that it represents so many of our members who I've worked with over the past 45 years. I think of them as watchful guardians. Since the last edition of our magazine, my time has been consumed with the 2026 TV/Theatrical/Streaming negotiations; our committee combed through thousands of member proposals in an effort to design a proposal package to present to the AMPTP that would meet your needs today and into the future. Formal negotiations began on Feb. 9. Serving as chair of the Negotiating Committee has been, and continues to be, a fantastic challenge. Each member of the team, including the many professional negotiators, economists, lawyers and other dedicated staff, has approached this marathon task with creativity and determination. As I write this message, the negotiations are ongoing. We began months before the contract expires on June 30. I'm proud to share that all of the categorical groups, constituencies and issues we've presented are being seriously considered by the AMPTP. There has been a marked improvement in the nature of our communications and to ensure that the good faith bargaining continues, we have agreed to a media blackout. I am optimistic that we are positioned to achieve a deal of which we can all be proud. However, I must caution that such a result can only be achieved if the companies fully understand and actually address the real and urgent needs of our membership. I look forward to sharing further updates and how you can best participate and support the process. There are other items that I wish to bring to your attention: First, the union web redesign and tech modernization process is well underway. It is a painstaking effort, which I will share in greater detail shortly. Second, we continue to aggressively pursue a federal tax incentive to encourage the return of productions to the United States. This campaign enjoys true bipartisan congressional support. It will require the president's backing and support from elements of the administration. The entertainment industry unions and the networks, studios and streamers are actively collaborating in this effort. This is the single most important action that can be taken to create jobs, just as we draw work back to our shores. It is the silver bullet fix and it is long overdue. Third, our legal and legislative team continues to innovate and work with industry, as well as statewide and national leadership, on designing AI protections. The NO FAKES Act is making its way through Congress. This bill would establish the first comprehensive intellectual property right for individuals in their image, likeness and voice. We should all own and control our own voices and likenesses. We are also working on and supporting other similar legislation. SAG-AFTRA's leadership in bargaining and in policy related to artificial intelligence is well known by our colleagues in the industry, in the tech world and by legislators alike. The critical piece of the puzzle now is your advocacy and individual commitment to supporting efforts to protect ourselves from dangers S E A N A S T I N