SAG-AFTRA Secures 4-Year Deal with Studios: Pension Merger, AI Protections, and Key Gains Revealed

SAG-AFTRA has officially released the details of its tentative bargaining agreement with Hollywood studios and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The four-year deal, approved by its national board, mirrors the duration ratified by the Writers Guild of America and extends beyond the typical three-year term.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

Merged Pension Plan and Contribution Increase

The union and AMPTP have agreed to consolidate the SAG-Producers Pension Plan and AFTRA Retirement Fund into a single merged plan. Additionally, studio contributions will increase by 1%. The merged pension plan is slated for completion by the end of 2027.

AI Protections and Guardrails

The agreement introduces new and expanded safeguards for performers in the era of generative AI, including:

• Human Performance Priority: A principle strongly favoring human performances in roles.
• Restrictions on Synthetic Performers: Producers may not use a synthetic performer in a human role unless it provides “significant additional value” to the production.
• Digital Replica Protections: Performers’ digital replicas are now shielded from being used to cross a picket line during a strike.
• Minors’ Digital Replica Safeguards: Specific protections for minors regarding the use of their digital replicas.
• Business Justification Requirement: Producers must have a clear business reason to scan an individual for a digital replica.

“This contract is a testament to the incredible unity and determination of our members, and I am proud to deliver an agreement that results in meaningful gains across the board, from benefit plans to artificial intelligence to residuals, and beyond.”
— Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, SAG-AFTRA

Negotiation Timeline

SAG-AFTRA initiated negotiations in February, becoming the first union to engage with the AMPTP. After five weeks of talks, the process paused to allow studios to begin negotiations with the Writers Guild of America. The two sides reconvened on April 27 and announced their tentative deal on May 2.