SAG-AFTRA Concludes 2025 National Convention in Los Angeles

sag-aftraSAG-AFTRA’s 2025 National Convention concluded in Los Angeles on Sunday after three days of discussions, elections, and resolutions under the theme “Connect, Engage, Empower.”

President Sean Astin highlighted member participation and unity as the union prepares for continued change across the entertainment industry. Delegates debated 22 member-authored resolutions and passed 17, setting priorities for the next two years.

National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland addressed major legislative and contract developments, including progress on the federal NO FAKES Act, expanded A.I. protections, and the new Interactive Media Agreement, which followed a year-long strike.

Newly re-elected Executive Vice President Linda Powell and Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd also delivered remarks, emphasizing collaboration, mentorship, and optimism about the union’s future amid industry transformation.

The next SAG-AFTRA National Convention will take place in 2027.

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SAG-AFTRA, OpenAI, and Bryan Cranston Collaborate on Voice and Likeness Protections in Sora 2

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-ataSAG-AFTRA, OpenAI, and actor Bryan Cranston have reached a collaborative agreement to strengthen voice and likeness protections in OpenAI’s generative video model Sora 2, following early reports that Cranston’s likeness was generated without authorization during the model’s invite-only release.

The collaboration also includes the Association of Talent Agents (ATA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), all uniting to ensure performers’ rights are safeguarded in the era of synthetic media.

OpenAI confirmed it has reinforced its opt-in protocol, requiring explicit consent for any replication of a performer’s voice or likeness. The company also pledged to respond swiftly to any complaints or misuse, aligning its framework with the principles of the pending NO FAKES Act, federal legislation aimed at preventing unauthorized digital replication.

“I was deeply concerned not just for myself, but for all performers whose work and identity can be misused in this way,” Cranston said. “I am grateful to OpenAI for strengthening its guardrails and respecting our right to manage replication of our voice and likeness.”
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