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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1513481
The renewed discussions resulted in major changes in revenue sharing for the majority of actors who are not stars and who struggled to make the minimum of $26,470 per year required to qualify for the union’s health plan. The agreement included long-sought-after, success-based streaming bonuses on select shows/movies and a scaled fee on streaming subscribers over the life of the contract. It also included special financial recognition for background performers. At the same time, they substantially enhanced and reinforced the guidelines in the use of AI for actor’s image/voice in an effort to salvage the 2024 movie and broadcast season. While AI technology is still in its infancy, both sides worked to define how the captured information could/would be used in the future to provide protection and compensation to the professionals for their likeness and voice. To deliver increased protection to actors’ present and future income, both parties have reinforced, strengthened and detailed the AI guardrails, including a designated day rate and specified agreement on the usage of the image/voice including written consent on added image usage and compensation. The agreement has finally been signed that has affected not only the directors, writers and actors but also the thousands of casting directors, costume personnel, lighting professionals, camera operators, make-up artists, set professionals and others who are integral members of the content creation teams. Many of the below-the-line crew contracts will be up for renewal next year, but the pattern and groundwork were established this year and should be faster and easier to get approved by all parties. We can hope… Unfortunately, there’s no way to compensate the tens of thousands of nonunion – and union - workers who left the industry and the communities. Many of them have moved on to more stable work environments, even though they reluctantly agreed with Will when he said, “Well, that's too bad. I was just starting to like this job.” Despite all of the glamour that is spread around and about the film/show industry, it’s still a tough/rough business that chews up and spits out lots of folks. But for those with the talent, technical/professional expertise and focused determination, it’s still a helluva way to make a living.