SAG-AFTRA Ratifies New Contracts for TV Animation Voice Actors
SAG-AFTRA Ratifies New Contracts for Voice Actors, Including Protections Against AI Misuse
In a groundbreaking move, SAG-AFTRA has ratified new contracts for voice actors working in TV animation, with members voting over 95 percent in favor of the terms. The three-year agreements include new protections surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), marking a significant step forward in the industry.
One of the key provisions of the new contracts is the requirement that producers obtain an actor’s consent before using their name as a prompt to create an AI-generated voice. Additionally, the contracts define a voice actor as only including humans, ensuring that AI cannot replace human talent in this field.
“This is the first SAG-AFTRA animation voiceover contract with protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence,” said TV Animation Negotiating Committee Co-Chairs Bob Bergen and David Jolliffe in a statement.
The agreements also outline voice actors’ rights regarding studios’ use of their digital replicas and mandate that producers notify and bargain with the union whenever they opt to use AI-generated voices instead of human actors.
Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland hailed the agreement as a significant step forward in expanding AI protections and introducing new terms in areas such as foreign residuals, high-budget SVOD productions, and late payments.
The contracts also include a series of wage increases, with actors set to receive a 7 percent raise dating back to July 1, 2023, followed by a 4 percent increase this year and a 3.5 percent increase the following year.
Earlier this year, SAG-AFTRA announced a deal with AI voice generation company Replica Studios to provide voice actors with a safe way to license their digital voice replicas for video games. AI protections were also a crucial aspect of the strike-ending agreement SAG-AFTRA reached with Hollywood studios late last year.
Overall, the new contracts represent a significant victory for voice actors, ensuring their continued relevance and protection in an industry increasingly influenced by AI technology.
