In a fiery response to the AMPTP’s claim that their AI proposal is “groundbreaking,” Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the National Executive Director and chief negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, vehemently disagrees. Standing outside Disney studios alongside SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, Crabtree-Ireland expressed his frustration with the AMPTP’s treatment of background performers in the AI deal. He argued that the companies fail to recognize the importance of actors retaining control over their own name, image, likeness, and voice. “You can’t expect people to sign away their rights to some corporate conglomerate without any say in how it will be used in the future,” he stated firmly.
Crabtree-Ireland made it clear that SAG-AFTRA is not advocating for a complete ban on AI. Instead, they are demanding that AI be implemented in a way that respects actors’ human rights and ownership of their own bodies, voice, image, and likeness. “We won’t settle for anything less than that,” he emphasized.
Contrary to the AMPTP’s claims, Crabtree-Ireland rebuked their “groundbreaking” AI proposal during a press conference held by the actors’ guild. He criticized the proposal for allowing background performers to be scanned and paid for only one day’s work, while granting the companies perpetual ownership and unrestricted use of their scanned images without consent or compensation. “If you think that’s groundbreaking, think again,” he challenged.
When asked about the impact of the strike on studios and streamers, Crabtree-Ireland suggested that they are concerned about the immediate consequences, particularly in promoting summer blockbusters. He believes that their attempts to manipulate SAG-AFTRA into an extension indicate their worry about the strike’s effects on their bottom line.
To show solidarity, Crabtree-Ireland urged consumers and viewers to speak out on social media and consider the behavior of the companies they choose to support. He emphasized that consumers are aware of the justness of the actors’ battle and that these companies should be worried about alienating the public. “There’s a movement for labor solidarity and fair treatment of workers in this country, and we’re part of that movement,” he declared. “Refusing to recognize that will come at a cost for these companies.”
While it is still early in the strike, Crabtree-Ireland did not rule out the possibility of pickets in other cities where streaming headquarters are located, including Seattle, the home of Amazon. He stated that SAG-AFTRA will make its presence known wherever these companies operate.
Addressing concerns about streamers pulling movies and series from their OTT services, Crabtree-Ireland assured that it is not a primary focus in their discussions. Instead, they are focused on sharing the revenue generated by streamers, particularly through streaming subscriptions. He clarified that they are not discussing profit-sharing but rather revenue-sharing.
Despite the ongoing strike, Crabtree-Ireland revealed that there has been no word from the AMPTP regarding a return to negotiations since they broke up on Wednesday night.
