SAG-AFTRA NED Talks Shop on A.I. with German Actors Union Chairman

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland appeared in a special prerecorded interview with German actors union Bundesverband Schauspiel, or BFFS, Chairman Leslie Malton on Feb. 21. 

The interview aired during the Behind the Scenes of the A.I. Dream Factory — Brave New World for the Acting Profession? panel, a special event that focused on the implications of artificial intelligence in entertainment. The panel took place during the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. 

Crabtree-Ireland’s conversation with Malton focused on artificial intelligence, specifically digital replicas, and the continued importance for performers to have transparency, informed consent and fair compensation for the use of their images, voices and likenesses. In addition to discussing the new A.I. provisions and protections under the 2023 TV/Theatrical Agreement, he talked about SAG-AFTRA’s continued vigilance toward A.I. innovations. 

“We really see this as the first step in an evolutionary process regarding A.I.,” said Crabtree-Ireland. “We’ve already improved upon [our provisions] in our agreement with Replica Studios, and we’re continuing with our bargaining with the AMPTP over television animation, with video game companies and with major music record labels in the United States. There’s going to be a lot of evolution in these areas, and it’s going to happen quickly.”

Toward the end of the interview, when asked how the BFFS and other international unions should approach negotiating A.I. protections, he emphasized a continued need for unions to develop principles that safeguard members’ interests.

“Don’t underestimate your own power. There’s a broad swath of the labor movement within the general public who very much agree that companies are overreaching, and they stepped forward to support us in our strike. The public support was overwhelming. 

“Know your power and know that [SAG-AFTRA] will be there standing by you as well to support you,” he said. 

Scroll below to watch the full interview:

Other panels and interviews are available at sagaftra.org/videos.