SAG-AFTRA’s Crabtree-Ireland Seals Deal With Replica Studios, AI Revolutionizes Contracts

TLDR:
– SAG-AFTRA has signed a deal with AI company Replica Studios regarding the use of digital voice replicas in video games.
– The agreement covers the creation and use of digital voice replicas throughout game development.
– The deal demonstrates SAG-AFTRA’s intent to work with employers to protect its members and embrace new technologies.
– The deal may also help reinvigorate negotiations with video game companies.
– AI will continue to be a key part of future negotiations with the AMPTP.

Most of Hollywood might be in need of a breather from talking about the consequences of AI after the topic dominated most industry conversations for the better part of last year, but SAG-AFTRA is still looking for ways to keep its members protected as the tech advances.

The guild announced Tuesday that it had inked a deal with AI company Replica Studios regarding the use of digital voice replicas in video games . The agreement will span both the creation of digital voice replicas and their use throughout game development.

SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said that the agreement illustrates SAG-AFTRA’s “intent and ability to work with employers to create terms that benefit and protect our members and allow them to engage with opportunities driven by new technologies.”

The deal comes after the guild recently ratified its film and TV with the AMPTP following a strike that lasted nearly six months. During that time, AI became one of members’ chief concerns. It’s also an important milestone in SAG-AFTRA’s current negotiations with the video game companies, which have been ongoing for more than a year. The committee for that