Dear Member,
HERE WE ARE, on the brink of one of the most important elections and times of our lives. These elections will determine the future of our democracy, our planet, our reproductive rights, whom we love and who we are as HUMANS.
There is a lot of worry and divisiveness, not only here but across the world.
At this time of conflict and duality on the planet, the No. 1 lesson is to stay positive and in alignment with your higher being and divine source of energy. Be aware and stay true to your self-sovereignty. Develop a spiritual practice that aligns you with the most cozy sense of harmony within yourself. We will never have peace on Earth till there is peace in the heart and home.
On another note, last week Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a proposal to expand California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually, a massive increase from the current $330 million annual allocation. This expansion would position California as the top state for capped film incentive programs, surpassing other states like New York.
Most importantly, WE, the Los Angeles and California membership, need to engage and advocate for the proposed increase and ensure it gets passed with the California 2025–26 budget. This is a huge step forward in keeping cast and crew jobs in California. More info to come.
Below is some news from the last few months that has been delayed in getting to you. Some you may already know. Either way, I’m still happy to share it.
October was Disability Employment Awareness Month and the Halloween hunt for goblins and witches.
In September, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, the Fall Equinox and, of course, labor. And what a year it's been for labor!
I am DELIGHTED to tell you that on Monday, Sept. 16, Gov. Newsom signed two SAG-AFTRA-sponsored artificial intelligence bills into law at SAG-AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles. The bills were AB 2602 — the first of its kind in the U.S. — which prohibits employers from using A.I.-generated digital replicas in lieu of human performers under certain circumstances, and AB 1836, which concerns consent and compensation rights for deceased performers and their estates. In July, I testified before the California Senate Judiciary Committee in favor of AB 1836.
I am proud to say that SAG-AFTRA has not only been at the forefront of advocating for fair protections regarding A.I. in our contracts and industry, but also legislatively.
Every day I get calls regarding member concerns about the ongoing threat of A.I. using our images and voices without consent, compensation or — even worse — for improper purposes.
This creates the possibility of damaging not only our reputations and careers, but also our credibility, the latter being most essential to our broadcaster and journalist sisters and brothers.
Many thanks to our staff, whose tireless work on these issues helped bring about signing these bills into law.
Moving forward, SAG-AFTRA strongly supports the NO FAKES Act, a significant piece of federal legislation introduced in both houses of Congress that aims to establish essential safeguards against the misuse of A.I. technologies. This act ensures that artificial intelligence cannot be used to create unauthorized reproductions or deepfakes of our members' performances without proper consent and compensation.
Check out the Government Affairs and Public Policy webpage to keep track of legislative activity, and be sure to keep an eye out for calls to action when we need you to contact elected officials in support of specific California legislation.
Last year at this time we were three months deep into our 2023 TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike. It gives me great pride to reflect on our progress and the solidarity that carried us through that challenging period. We achieved meaningful changes, and I am so grateful for your support.
As we turn our attention to our members who work our Interactive Media (video game) contract, their strike is at a crucial crossroads for our industry, and your support is more important than ever. For information on the strike and how to lend a hand, please check out the Video Game Strike pages on our website.
October through November, we have our wages and working conditions meetings for the upcoming Commercials Contracts negotiations. For those of you who work those contracts, this is your opportunity to share your suggestions and concerns and hear from fellow members. For more information on how to participate in national caucuses and local W&Ws, click here.
The key to our strength is the continual engagement of our SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local community. Showing up is the first step, as we navigate through our current interactive strike and all the other things we find necessary to fight for. The next step is to stay informed and access the resources provided to you. Check out the 2024 Convention actions as well as the resources and programs provided by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the Entertainment Community Fund.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the loss this year of two of our L.A. Local members, David Westberg and Johnny Wactor. Their passing has been deeply felt within our community.
David is known for his brilliant shepherding of our Radio Plays Program, which continues today. During one of our past W&Ws, David took on the critical role of compiling and presenting the hundreds of emails we received from members regarding their wants and concerns regarding upcoming negotiations. He also sat as chairman of the board of directors of the SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union. A dedicated unionist, David shall be missed.
Johnny was an incredibly talented actor and a supportive member of our community. Those who knew him describe him as a true light, someone who shared love and laughter and brought joy to a business that desperately needed it. A gentleman, he was taken away from his community while protecting a coworker at a local downtown venue where he worked between acting gigs. We send sincere condolences to his family and all those in our field who knew, worked, or merely witnessed his captivating ability on screen.
On behalf of the Los Angeles Local Board, we send blessings and well wishes to both David and Johnny’s loved ones.
Thank you for your continued concern and collective efforts in being involved in our union. Together we can enlighten the industry to who we are and what we do, and make positive changes for all our members.
All good things,
Jodi Long
Los Angeles Local President
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