In the Podlight: Rebecca Damon - Union Policy + Stance post Actors Strike

Sands Talks

Summary: Rebecca Damon, executive vice president and New York Local 1 president of SAG-AFTRA, discusses the SAG-AFTRA merger, 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.

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

Connect with Rebecca on Instagram & Threads
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website

Check SAG/AFTRA on their website

The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
The Lee Agency - Press Agent
Brandon Mills - Cover Art Photo Credit

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.

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Performing Arts.