Who is leading the new SAG-AFTRA contract negotiations?

Sean Astin, the newly elected leader of SAG-AFTRA, is heading the upcoming labor negotiations with Hollywood studios.

What are the main issues Sean Astin wants to address in negotiations?

Astin's key priorities include AI protections, streaming residuals, health and pension reform, and workplace safety for all member groups.

How does Astin view the current streaming residual formulas?

Astin believes the current streaming residual formulas are insufficient and need to be revised to properly value members' contributions.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Astin Leads SAG-AFTRA Talks Amid Industry Turmoil

Astin Leads SAG-AFTRA Talks Amid Industry Turmoil

28 Jan

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Summary

Sean Astin now leads SAG-AFTRA contract negotiations.
Key issues include AI, streaming residuals, and safety.
Talks aim to address concerns of all member groups.

Astin Leads SAG-AFTRA Talks Amid Industry Turmoil

Sean Astin, the newly elected leader of SAG-AFTRA, is set to begin a new round of labor negotiations with major Hollywood studios in approximately two weeks. Astin's primary objective is to ensure that the studios fully acknowledge and address the diverse concerns of all SAG-AFTRA members.

His agenda includes critical issues such as artificial intelligence protections, streaming residuals, health and pension plan reform, and workplace safety. Astin emphasizes the importance of representing not only prominent actors but also background actors, stunt performers, singers, dancers, and puppeteers, whose contributions are vital to the union's health and pension plans.

The industry is currently experiencing significant transformation, and Astin aims for a respectful and transparent negotiation process. He expressed his expectation that negotiations will occur directly between the parties, avoiding public posturing and focusing on clearly communicating the needs and positions of both sides.