SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA’s fight for a fair contract extends to all corners of the U.S., including all 25 locals who work under the terms of the TV/Theatrical agreement. In this episode, we talk to representatives from some of the small and mid-size locals to explore how the strike is affecting them. Guests include Gail Crouner, a member of the SAG-AFTRA Dallas-Forth Worth local and the TV Theatrical Negotiating Committee; Jim Gleason, the New Orleans Local President; Andrea Lyman, the President of the SAG-AFTRA New England Local, and Courtney Rioux, Chicago-based SAG-AFTRA National Board member and a member of the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Last month, SAG-AFTRA’s National Board voted unanimously to send a strike authorization vote to SAG-AFTRA members for their ongoing negotiations with signatory video game companies and the Interactive Media Agreement. Despite earning a staggering $19 billion in revenue in 2022, these video game companies refuse to pay the voice and performance capture artists a living wage or even offer these talented performers basic protections against the exploitive use of AI. In this panel discussion, host SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair talks to a panel of experts that includes Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee Chair Sarah Elmaleh, Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee members Zeke Alton and Andi Norris, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Ray Rodriguez. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the union’s Interim Agreement, which allows SAG-AFTRA members employed on certain independent productions to proceed without violating the strike order. The terms of the agreement match SAG-AFTRA’s last offer to the studios and streamers represented by the AMPTP. Our panel includes SAG-AFTRA President and chair of the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee Fran Drescher, Vice Chairs of the Negotiating Committee Linda Powell and Tom Kemp, and Negotiating Committee Members David Jolliffe and Shaan Sharma. They help explain exactly what the Interim Agreement is — and what it isn’t— why our Negotiating Committee approved it, and why we believe the agreement maintains our strength, solidarity and upper hand during our negotiations. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

On July 13th, the SAG-AFTRA national board voted unanimously to issue a strike order against the studios and streamers. This historic decision was made after the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failed to reach a deal that adequately addressed the issues most important to the union's members. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Dresher joins hosts Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Ben Whitehair to discuss how we got here, what the strike means for our members, and where we go from here. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Actor and acting coach Michael D. Cohen shares his insights on the art of "specificity" for acting auditions and improving your performance. Michael talks about actor agenda vs. character agenda, knowing the character’s “dream of dreams,” and offers helpful tips for taped auditions. Michael’s talk is a replay of a live PTEOE presentation streamed live on the SAG-AFTRA YouTube channel last March. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

The acceleration of AI has become a hot and contentious topic for many in the entertainment industry. In this episode, we explore how SAG-AFTRA members can safely engage in this burgeoning technology and make sure they’re benefitting from its opportunities. Guests include members Crispin Freeman and Sarah Elmaleh, who have lent their voices to some of the most popular video games, and SAG-AFTRA executives Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Ray Rodriquez. The conversation is a replay of a video panel now streaming on SAG-AFTRA’s YouTube channel. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Whether they’re just starting out or have been in the business for years, working actors must create a healthy lifestyle that works for them financially, creatively, physically and mentally. This episode dives into life as an actor between jobs, auditions and acting classes. Our guest is Sam Valentine, the host of the popular podcast “One Broke Actress,” where she shares real-world advice, tips and stories from people in and around the acting business. She talks about the importance of planning for the future, adopting a good mindset, finding a community and the things she wished she knew when she was just starting out. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Late last year, SAG-AFTRA introduced two new podcast contracts that make it easy for producers to be flexible and creative in covering their podcasts at all budgets. Sue-Anne Morrow, National Director/Contract Strategic Initiatives & Podcasts at SAG-AFTRA, walks us through the details of these new agreements. She’s joined by Drew Rausch and Jason Silva, executive producers of the podcast Macaw, who share their firsthand experience with the contracts. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

On-air talent from KVEA/Telemundo52 in Los Angeles and WAMU in Washington DC joined forces with SAG-AFTRA to unionize their newsrooms. These stations’ incredible stories are part of a continuing trend of organizing efforts across the country. To walk us through the exciting yet sometimes tumultuous process, we’re joined by Dunia Elvir, a television journalist and producer who works as an anchor for TV station Telemundo52 in Los Angeles, and Jordan Pascale, transportation reporter for WAMU885. Both have been instrumental in organizing their teams. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

The 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards took place in February, honoring the year's best television and film performances. The night was filled with surprises, laughs, tears and some historic firsts. To walk us through the highlights and give us the scoop on behind-the-scenes moments, we’re joined by the show’s executive producer Jon Brockett and writer Matt Roberts. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

What is the metaverse? Is it hype or the future? What will this virtual world mean for performers? These are some of the questions posed to our expert panel during a C-Space discussion at CES 2023. Panelists include content creators, performers, industry experts and contract professionals, who offer their unique perspective on this nascent technology. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

In January, SAG-AFTRA attended CES in Las Vegas, the largest tech show in the world. We had a chance to tour the show floors and got a closer look at the latest trends and innovations that might affect the entertainment industry. Sharing their thoughts on CES, we’re joined by three members of SAG-AFTRA’s National Innovation & New Technology Committee — Aubrey Mozino, Dileep Rao and Randal Berger. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Live from the CES in Las Vegas, this episode features a thoughtful conversation with Emmy-nominated actor and director Paul Feig and Co-President of Feigco Entertainment Laura Fischer. The two discuss their latest foray into interactive advertainment, their work championing diversity in Hollywood, and Paul’s lifelong relationship with Las Vegas. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Generative AI is a topic causing excitement and concern in the entertainment industry. Powerful technology such as deep fakes, ChatGPT and Dall-E-2 is rapidly impacting the content creation process — from editing and special effects to the scripts and performances themselves. To talk about this hot-button issue, we’re joined by Nina Schick and Matt Belloni. Schick is an AI advisor, speaker, and author of Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse. Belloni is the former editor of Hollywood Reporter and Founding Partner of Puck, a next-generation digital media company. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Celebrity publicist Shannon Barr joins the show to talk about what publicists do, when they’re necessary and not necessary, how to find a publicist who’s a good match, and the best ways to work together. Barr is the CEO of Strategic Public Relations, whose clients include Jeffrey Wright, Brenda Song and Nicolette Sheridan. This is a replay of an episode recorded last year. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

On this replay of one of our most popular episodes of the year, acting coach Nancy Banks shares the habits and mindsets of actors who rise to the top of their game. Banks is a respected acting coach whose clients include Margot Robbie, Jennifer Aniston and Forest Whitaker. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

With streaming companies bringing foreign language content into millions of U.S. homes, live-action dubbing has become a growing opportunity for performers. In this replay of a panel discussion recorded earlier this year, actors, casting directors, and producers offer an insider perspective on how live-action dubbing works, the skills you need to be successful, and tips on the best audition strategies. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

A replay of Ben and Duncan’s interview with Liz Shuler, the first female president of the AFL-CIO. They discuss new momentum in the labor movement, the challenges we still face, and her vision for work in the future. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

SAG-AFTRA surveyed thousands of members about their experience with self-taping. The findings of that important survey are discussed in this episode with SAG-AFTRA Vice President, New York Ezra Knight, Chief Economist David Viviano, Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez and Director of Commercials Contracts Claudette Singh. The conversation, which is a replay of a live-streaming event from September, includes a candid look at the challenges and opportunities with self-taping and what the union is doing to address these concerns. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

Guest Benjamin Dreyer is the author of the bestselling book Dreyer's English and one of the most high-profile grammar gurus working today. On the show, he shares his advice and wisdom for writing do's and don'ts. Topics include words and phrases you should try to avoid at all costs, the trick he uses to know if a sentence is written in the passive voice, transitional phrases you shouldn’t use, his controversial view on adverbs, the adjective he most overuses, and whether its appropriate to...