As Chief Labor Policy Officer and New York Local Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA, Rebecca Damon talks with us about the importance of sister unions, the impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry, and the need for actors to stay informed, get involved, and take control of their careers.

Read more about Rebecca here.

Keywords: Rebecca Damon, SAG-AFTRA, labor rights, sister unions, artificial intelligence, entertainment industry, actors, acting, actor life, career, Broadway, inclusivity, diversity, representation

Takeaways:

• The SAG-AFTRA merger was a multi-year process that aimed to unite two unions representing actors and artists for the same work.
• The power of unions working together is crucial in achieving success and prosperity for their members.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) has a significant impact on the entertainment industry, and it is important to establish guardrails and protections for performers.
• Non-union actors should be cautious about signing contracts that may have conflicts or perpetuity clauses, and they should stay informed about industry developments and resources.
• Taking a leap and getting involved in union activities can be rewarding and empowering for actors.

Sound Bites:

• "The successful efforts in merging SAG and AFTRA back in 2012 were huge."
• "The unions and the industry worked closely together during the pandemic to ensure a safe return to work."
• "AI's impact on creative industries is a larger existential issue for everyone."

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Background of Rebecca Damon

07:12 - The SAG-AFTRA Merger

12:01 - The Power of Sister Unions

17:42 - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Performers

27:40 - Advice for Pre-Union Actors

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The Team:

Caroline Liem – Producer & Host

Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host

Cris Graves - Producer & Editor

David Margolin Lawson - Composer

Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration

In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands

• The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University.