SAG-AFTRA members have given resounding approval to a new TV animation contract, announced by the guild on Friday. The agreement, which saw a remarkable ratification rate of 95.52%, includes significant advancements in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) protections alongside notable improvements in various areas.
Under the new contract, which is retroactively effective from July 1, 2023, members will benefit from a substantial 7% raise. More importantly, the agreement introduces pioneering safeguards against the potential misuse of AI software in voice acting.
According to details outlined by SAG-AFTRA, the AI provisions explicitly define “voice acting” as a domain exclusive to human performers. While the contract does not outright forbid the use of AI to replicate human voices, it imposes stringent criteria to ensure transparency and fairness. Notably, digital replicas must be readily identifiable and attributable to the original voice actor through contractual documentation or other official records.
Furthermore, the agreement addresses various scenarios involving digital replicas, ensuring that actors receive appropriate compensation and recognition for their work. Notably, if an actor’s sole contribution to an animated program is through a digital replica of their voice, their residuals will be calculated based on the original compensation and time spent on the replicated work.
In addition to AI provisions, the contract brings about significant changes in other areas, including high-budget SVOD residuals, improvements in voice actor classifications for ADR work, and the formal recognition of Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day as holidays.
TV Animation Negotiating Committee Co-Chairs, Bob Bergen and David Jolliffe, expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the agreement reflects the feedback and priorities of the members. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland echoed these sentiments, highlighting the substantial gains achieved without resorting to a work stoppage.
The new contract marks a significant milestone in the industry, setting a precedent for AI protections in animation voiceover work and reaffirming the importance of human performance in the evolving landscape of entertainment production.
