A Letter from New York President Rebecca Damon

We are at a pivotal moment.

Today, July 20, New York City joins the rest of New York State in Phase 4 of the reopening. This new phase is especially significant for us because it includes media production and an increase in how many people can be on an indoor set. The state guidelines increase the maximum capacity on indoor sets to 50% of maximum occupancy. Phase 4 also includes low-risk outdoor entertainment and professional sports competitions without fans.

Our continued progress relies on everyone remaining vigilant by physical distancing, wearing a mask, and practicing good hand washing hygiene. Take advantage of New York State’s expanded COVID-19 testing capacity. To find a site near you, visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

During the pandemic, the work of SAG-AFTRA continues. I hope you will take this time to vote on our TV/Theatrical Contracts here:
 

The TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee and a supermajority of the National Board recommend a YES vote. Your vote must be received by 5 p.m. PT this Wednesday, July 22. Thank you for voting! 

In addition to all the legislative and government affairs work we are engaged in at a national level, we are also active closer to home and continuing our work on rights of publicity, including digital image and voice rights. We are working toward policy and legislation that will provide:

• Continued protection against the use of a living individual’s image and voice, including digital avatars and digital voice clones, for advertising purposes and for purposes of trade without consent. 
• For the first time in 25 years, post mortem protection against the use of a deceased individual’s image and voice for purposes of advertising or selling, or soliciting purchases of, products, merchandise, goods, or services without consent.
• For the first time EVER, post mortem protection against deceptive uses of an individual’s digital image and voice in expressive works 
• Strict prohibitions against the disclosure, distribution or dissemination of digitally created, sexually explicit performances without the clear, unequivocal written consent of the individual depicted

Please stay tuned for more information on this critical fight to protect our members.

You are in my thoughts and I hope you are staying cool and safe as we enter the next part of this journey.

Onward together,