There’s an important update happening right now that directly affects actors across the industry. Read about it here: https://deadline.com/2026/04/sag-aftra-resumes-2026-talks-with-amptp-dat...
SAG-AFTRA is heading back to the negotiating table with the AMPTP on April 27, picking up talks that began earlier this year. The conversations paused while the WGA worked through their deal, but now things are moving again, and sooner than expected.
There are a few big factors in play here. One of them is the ongoing conversation around contract length and financial support for union health funds, which have been under pressure. At the same time, AI protections are still a major sticking point, and it sounds like that’s going to be a key piece in whether a deal gets done.
With contracts set to expire on June 30, there’s a real sense of timing and urgency around these negotiations. And with the DGA stepping into their own talks soon, what happens here could have a ripple effect across the entire industry.
For actors, this isn’t just background industry news. These decisions shape what protections exist around your work, your likeness, and the future of how performances are created and used.
What are you paying the closest attention to as these negotiations continue? Is there something specific, like AI, compensation, or overall industry stability, that’s been on your mind lately?
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I have two things I am thinking about. The first is the use of AI. Like, at what point is it ok to use AI to fill for background actors. If the scene has more than X amount of people, the rest can be filled in, or using AI to put actors in scenes they weren't, making them say things they didn't say, the use of your image -especially for background actors-. Do we get compensated everytime our image is used in a scene or are we signing away the use in perpetuity for a one time payment?
Is SAGAFTRA going to demand guardrails on AI or is that for the government to decide?
I am concerned about industry stability, and the lack of filming in the US, but that is an issue out of the union's control. Though perhaps may be make it easier for union members to work NU w/o going FICORP.
And since syndication isn't a thing anymore, then perhaps hourly rate ought to increase.