On July 4 this year, the SAG-AFTRA actors union went on strike against the studios for unfair pay on streaming services and refusing wage increases. However, on Nov. 9, a deal was struck with the studios, ending the strike.

One of the big benefits from this deal is the protection of actors in the union from AI. Studios won’t be able to use an actor’s likeness or appearance using AI without consent and compensation for the actor. Studios won’t be able to use any form of “digital replica” created by AI to look like a member of the union, alive or deceased.

Just as important as that, however, is the increased wages that the new contract achieved. The new agreement includes two wage increases within the next year to fight inflation. First, a 7% increase and then a 4% increase in July of next year, breaking an industry standard.

Another benefit in the contract is an even bigger pay increase for background actors. They’ll be receiving an 11% increase in just a couple of days followed by another increase of 4% in July 2024. Following that, they will be getting an extra 3.5% in July 2025.

The strike lasted for 118 days, and after ending, I think it’s safe to say the actors won this time. The benefits that SAG-AFTRA has received from the new contract will be incredibly important for protecting actors in the future.

Whether it’s protection from inflation or from the studios abusing AI, the new deal covers many different issues that actors in Hollywood have been facing. While it may not fix every issue, many actors think it will do a lot of good for the future of their profession.