SAG-AFTRA Kicks Off the White House Creator Economy Conference with Welcome Reception

SAG-AFTRA, in partnership with Los Angeles-based entertainment company Tubefilter and association with the creator-led platform Social Currant, hosted a welcome reception for the attendees of the White House Creator Economy Conference in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 13. Among those in attendance were SAG-AFTRA members and digital creators Patrick Janelle, Drew Talbert and Sidney Raskind. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; National Director, Contract Strategic Initiatives & Podcasts Sue-Anne Morrow; and Director, Contract Strategic Initiatives & Podcasts Shaine Griffin were also present on the union’s behalf.

The conference brought together digital creators and industry professionals to discuss the challenges faced by creators and influencers who power the creator economy. Some of the topics of discussion included privacy, artificial intelligence, fair pay, mental health and more.

In his welcoming remarks at the reception, Crabtree-Ireland touched on SAG-AFTRA’s ongoing work with digital creators, including the establishment of the SAG-AFTRA Influencer Agreement and Influencer Waiver, and he encouraged collaboration between the union and creators on A.I. issues.

“You all have been at the forefront of an enormous shift in the entertainment and advertising industries, and our union is honored to [support] you in building sustainable futures by offering support, guidance and access to our health and pension plans,” said Crabtree-Ireland. “You all are pioneering a new way of keeping humanity entertained, educated and informed, and the work you do really is changing the world. Let’s all make sure — in the A.I. age and beyond — that those working in front of the camera and behind the microphone get access to the benefits, privacy, A.I. protections and intellectual property rights all workers deserve. You are the hub of this new economy. And the skill level that’s required to do what you do is greater than ever.”

Morrow and Griffin were also present at the White House Creators Economy Conference on Aug. 14. President Joe Biden spoke at length with attendees.

For more information on the Influencer Agreement, Waiver and other resources, visit sagaftra.org or email influencer@sagaftra.org.

Photo: Digital creators, from left, Gohar Khan, NeAndre Broussard, Nick Arrington, Brandi Marie King, Drew Talbert, Sidney Raskind, Patrick Janelle and Joel Bervell at the White House Creators Economy Conference on Aug. 14.