SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin Talks AI, Tilly Norwood, Jimmy Kimmel

We are at the forefront of protecting our workforce and ensuring that actors are not displaced by technological advancements. The Tilly Norwood situation was a wake-up call for us, showing us that what was once thought to be impossible is now a reality. As we move forward, we must be vigilant in our efforts to stay ahead of the curve and protect our members from any potential threats.

One of the key issues that has come to the forefront in recent weeks is the access to healthcare for our members. With the turbulence in Hollywood’s job market, particularly for older members, access to healthcare has become even more crucial. As president, I am committed to addressing this issue and ensuring that all members have access to the care they need.

Another pressing issue that has emerged is the crisis involving auditions and casting directors. This is an issue that affects actors at every level of their career, and it is one that we must address head-on. I am committed to working with our staff and members to find solutions that will improve the audition process and ensure that actors are treated fairly and respectfully throughout the casting process.

Looking ahead to next year’s negotiations on a master contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, I am focused on ensuring that our members receive fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. We cannot afford another industry-wide work stoppage like the one we saw in 2023. It is my priority to negotiate a contract that protects the rights and interests of our members while also ensuring the continued success of the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, as the new president of SAG-AFTRA, I am committed to addressing the pressing issues facing our members and advocating for their rights and interests. From healthcare access to auditions and contract negotiations, I will work tirelessly to ensure that actors are treated fairly and have the support they need to succeed in their careers. With the support of our staff and members, I am confident that we can overcome any challenges that come our way and continue to build a strong and thriving union for actors in the entertainment industry.

I immediately saw the potential ramifications of AI technology being used to create unauthorized content featuring actors’ likeness. It was a clear violation of their rights and privacy. So, we decided to take action. We reached out to OpenAI, the creators of the AI technology, and demanded that they make adjustments to their system to prevent such unauthorized creations in the future. Bryan Cranston, being a prominent member of SAG-AFTRA, lent his voice to our cause and helped bring attention to the issue. His support and influence were instrumental in getting OpenAI to listen to our concerns and make the necessary changes.

This incident highlighted the importance of protecting actors’ rights in the age of AI. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that laws and regulations keep up to ensure that artists are not exploited or misrepresented in any way. SAG-AFTRA is at the forefront of this fight, working tirelessly to shape policy and legislation that will safeguard the rights and dignity of its members.

As we look ahead to future contract negotiations with the AMPTP, data tracking and AI regulation will be key areas of focus. We need to ensure that actors’ work is not only protected but also properly credited and compensated for. The use of watermarking and blockchain technology may provide solutions to track and monitor the use of actors’ likeness in AI-generated content. It is essential that we hold technology companies accountable for their actions and ensure that actors’ rights are respected.

In the end, it all comes down to copyright protection and the sanctity of artists’ work. Studios and creatives must work together to uphold these principles and ensure that artists are fairly represented and compensated for their contributions. SAG-AFTRA will continue to be a strong advocate for its members, fighting for their rights and working towards a fair and just industry for all.

I don’t think that’s right. I think that’s a practice that needs to be eradicated and we’re going to work on that. We have a new contract being proposed for the first time in 50 years for background singers. We’ve just finished a contract for the music industry, and our folks are really excited about that. We have a lot of folks working in music and they’re really happy with that. We have the usual stuff coming up with the technology people. We’re still looking to change the way that technology people function within our framework. So we have a lot of things going on. We’re very busy, but it’s all really exciting stuff. We’re looking forward to it. In the entertainment industry, there exists a complex relationship between casting directors, companies, and representatives. While some may argue that there is no direct link between the companies and casting directors, the truth is that companies do pay casting directors for their services. This creates a unique triangle that needs to be addressed in order to ensure a smoother process for all involved parties.

As a member of our union, I am committed to working with our team to navigate this intricate web of relationships. By addressing the dynamics between representatives, casting agencies, and companies, we can create a more efficient roadmap that benefits everyone involved.

One of the most pressing issues that our members often raise is the topic of healthcare and pensions. The changes made to the health plan several years ago have had a detrimental impact, particularly for seniors who were pushed off the plan. This decision was made during a period of financial strain for the health plan, but it is crucial that we uphold our moral commitment to our members.

The rising cost of healthcare in America is a challenge that many unions are facing. It is essential that we prioritize the well-being of our members and work towards finding solutions to alleviate the strain of healthcare costs. While the situation may seem daunting, rest assured that our leadership is actively addressing these concerns and is dedicated to making a positive impact.

I want to reassure all our members that we are aware of the challenges at hand and are focused on finding ways to improve the situation. It is a shared struggle that many unions are grappling with, but by working together, we can strive towards a more sustainable future for our members’ healthcare and well-being. Let’s continue to advocate for change and support each other through these difficult times.