As a longtime supporter and member of Equity, I can’t help but express my solidarity with our American counterparts at SAG-AFTRA in their brave decision to strike against major video game studios. The struggle for fair pay and rights for voice and performance capture artists is one that hits close to home for us here in the UK.
The British branch of SAG-AFTRA, which is the American union’s sister organization, has expressed complete support and unity with their U.S. colleagues. A strike was announced against major video game companies, prompting this solidarity statement from the British union.
SAG-AFTRA had been in negotiations for nearly two years regarding a new contract. This proposed agreement aimed to protect the rights of voice and performance capture artists working on projects from Disney Character Voices, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros. Games, Insomniac Games, and other companies. However, disagreements over artificial intelligence usage have led to work stoppages. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher expressed her stance by saying, “We won’t accept a contract that allows companies to exploit AI at the expense of our members. It’s time for a change.” The union will continue to be open for negotiations once the companies present a fair agreement.
As a long-time resident of the vibrant and culturally rich U.K., I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the remarkable impact that Equity, our esteemed performing arts and entertainment trade union, has on both our local and international creative industries. With a membership base of over 50,000 talented individuals – actors, singers, dancers, designers, directors, comedians, and many more – this diverse collective includes some of the most renowned artists we have come to know and love, such as Olivia Colman, Brian Cox, and Judi Dench.
“John Barclacy, Equity’s assistant general secretary, expressed support for SAG-AFTRA on Friday. He acknowledged their courageous decision to strike against US video game companies. Artists providing voices and performance capture are essential to this industry’s success, as they bring characters to life. Equity is united with SAG-AFTRA in the struggle for reasonable compensation and protection of our members’ rights. This battle becomes increasingly critical as we advance with artificial intelligence technology.”
Barclay expressed worry that with the potential for a strike in the Atlantic, British studios, producers, and game developers need to be more open with actors. Equity shares this concern, as performers’ welfare and safety, including their health, are not consistently prioritized in the unregulated AI industry.
In 2022, approximately £200 million ($257m) in tax relief went to games companies. Since 2014, a total of £830 million ($1bn) has been distributed. Despite the significant financial growth within the industry, Barclay notes that salaries have not kept pace. Equity advocates for open communication with voice and performance capture studios, publishers, developers, and industry organizations to address these persistent concerns. We encourage the gaming industry to collaborate with the union to find solutions.
Approximately eight months have passed since SAG-AFTRA’s groundbreaking 118-day actors’ strike came to an end against the major film studios, seeking a new three-year TV/Theatrical contract. The union placed the worth of this ratified agreement in December at approximately $1 billion.
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2024-07-26 14:54