The contracts specify that the term “voice actor” only applies to humans.
Tl;dr
- SAG-AFTRA has approved new contracts for voice actors.
- The contracts provide new protections against the use of AI.
- Producers must obtain actors’ consent to use their voice.
- The contracts also include a series of salary increases.
A Union Victory for SAG-AFTRA
The SAG-AFTRA has made significant progress by ratifying new contracts for voice actors working in TV animation. With overwhelming member support, the vote resulted in over 95% approval of the terms. These three-year agreements mark a significant step forward in the animation industry.
Increased Protection Against AI Exploitation
The contracts introduce new protections concerning the use of artificial intelligence. They now state that producers must obtain an actor’s consent before using their name as a trigger to create an AI-generated voice. According to the new contracts, “The term ‘voice actor’ only includes humans,” strengthening actors’ rights against the exploitation of their performances.
Unity is Strength
SAG-AFTRA clarifies that the contracts were approved last Friday and will be effective until June 30, 2026. They also imply that producers will now need to notify and negotiate with the union whenever they use AI-generated voices instead of voice actors.
A Welcome Salary Progression
The agreements also include a series of salary increases, starting with a 7% raise retroactive to July 1, 2023, followed by a 4% increase on July 1 of this year, and a 3.5% raise the following year. These significant gains result from extensive negotiations conducted by the union on behalf of voice actors.