Electronic Arts

SAG-AFTRA Members Overwhelmingly Support Video Game Strike with 98% Vote. In an emphatic show of support, the guild declared on Monday that SAG-AFTRA members have voted with an overwhelming majority of 98.32% to authorize a potential strike should negotiations for a new contract with video game companies fail. It's important to note that this vote does not automatically trigger a strike; instead, it grants the guild's leaders the authority to declare a strike without further approval, bolstering their bargaining position in discussions. A spokesperson representing the video game companies under the Interactive Media Agreement with the guild expressed, "We remain committed to negotiating in good faith, striving to secure an agreement that duly acknowledges the invaluable contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in video games. We have progressed on more than half of the proposals and maintain optimism about resolving at the negotiating table." SAG-AFTRA has been engaged in talks for a fresh contract encompassing voice actors, stunt performers, motion capture artists, and other professionals involved in video game production for nearly a year. These negotiations have unfolded with five prominent video game companies—Activision, Epic Games, Insomniac, WB Games, and Electronic Arts—as well as video game production entities like Take 2, Formosa Interactive, Blindlight, VoiceWork Productions, and Disney Character Voices. This development occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing strike by the guild against major Hollywood studios. According to guild leaders, the issues at the core of these disputes closely mirror the challenges actors face in the video game industry. Key shared concerns include the call for higher remuneration to offset inflationary pressures and ensure proper consent and compensation for AI-generated likenesses of performers. The guild's president, Fran Drescher, emphasized, "It's high time for the video game companies to cease playing games and take earnest steps toward forging an agreement on this contract. The outcome of this vote underscores our membership's recognition of the critical nature of these negotiations. The time has come for these immensely profitable companies, with generously compensated CEOs, to provide our performers with terms that sustain video game careers as a viable profession." Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, underscored, "Following five rounds of negotiations, it has become abundantly clear that the video game companies are not inclined to genuinely address the pivotal issues: compensation eroded by inflation, unregulated use of AI, and safety concerns. I remain hopeful that we can arrive at an agreement that aligns with the needs of our members, but our members are committed to their refusal to be exploited. If these corporations are unwilling to extend a fair deal, our next destination will be the picket lines." Ray Rodriguez, SAG-AFTRA’s chief contracts officer, who has been at the forefront of negotiations regarding the video game contract, added, "With the exploitative utilization of AI and stagnant wages, those working in the video game industry grapple with many of the same challenges as their counterparts in film and television. This strike authorization sends a resounding message that we must secure an agreement that justly compensates these immensely skilled performers, implements commonsense safety measures, and enables them to work with dignity. The livelihoods of our members hinge on it."

SAG-AFTRA Seeks Member Approval for Potential Second Strike Against Video Game Companies The National Board of SAG-AFTRA has unanimously proposed a strike authorization vote to its members in preparation for upcoming negotiations with video game companies under their agreements. Commenting on the development, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher expressed her concerns, stating, "Here we go again! Our Interactive (Video Game) Agreement is also at a stalemate. Once again, we are facing employer greed and disrespect. Once again, artificial intelligence is putting our members in jeopardy of reducing their opportunity to work. And once again, SAG-AFTRA is standing up to tyranny on behalf of its members." She emphasized, "The overlap of these two SAG-AFTRA contracts is no coincidence but a predictable issue impacting our industry and others worldwide. The disease of greed spreads like wildfire, ready to burn workers out of their livelihoods and humans out of their usefulness. We at SAG-AFTRA say NO! Not on our watch!" SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland added, "The voice and performance capture artists who bring video game characters to life deserve a contract that reflects the value they bring to the multibillion-dollar gaming industry. Voice and performance capture AI is already among the most advanced uses of AI: The threat is here, and it is real. Without contractual protections, the employers are asking performers to participate in the extinction of their artistry and livelihoods unknowingly." The previous strike against video game companies took place in 2016, lasting 183 days. Talks between the guild and video game companies are scheduled to resume on September 26. In addition to AI protections, the guild is advocating for wage increases for video game performers comparable to those under film and television contracts: an 11% retroactive increase upon expiration and 4% raises in the second and third years of the agreement. The signatory video game companies include: Activision Productions Inc. Blindlight LLC Disney Character Voices Inc. Electronic Arts Productions Inc. Epic Games, Inc. Formosa Interactive LLC Insomniac Games Inc. Take 2 Productions Inc. VoiceWorks Productions Inc. WB Games Inc. Voting information postcards will be sent to eligible voters on Tuesday, September 5, at 5 p.m. PT and will close on Monday, September 25. SAG-AFTRA initiated a strike on July 14 against major studios and streamers, resulting in global production shutdowns.

Electronic Arts are now hiring Associate Producers for their MADDEN team. According to the job description, "At EA, Producers are the creative visionaries for the product. They are the individuals who build and motivate teams to accomplish their goals of shipping AAA quality titles on time and on budget." As an Associate Producer on MADDEN, you will use your experiences and passion for the video game to add to the success of the game team. Job Responsibilities include the following: Work with designers to complete the design vision of the game. Work with other team leads including Development, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Finance, HR, etc to make sure communication flows between groups. Inform game design vision clearly and concisely with the team. Motivate the team through progressive, creative design and leadership. Manage and maintain all design aspects through the entire project life cycle. Research and communicate on industry trends including new game genres, new game design methods, and emerging platforms. EA is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law. To apply, click here. Continue Reading: Looking for a Job? GUCCI is Now Hiring Gucci is now hiring production coordinators. Do you have experience with technology and retail? Want to join the luxury fashion industry? How about breaking into the entertainment industry with fashion? Gucci is now accepting resumes… Looking for a Job? HBO is Now Hiring Are you looking for a new job? HBO is now hiring Are you looking for a job in the film industry? How about working on one of the most popular television networks in the world?… Looking for a Job? The Atlanta Hawks Are Now Hiring The Atlanta Hawks are now hiring in Atlanta, Georgia. Are you looking for a job in the sports industry? Are you a big fan of the NBA? Are you tech-savvy and love social media? If…

Are you looking for a job in the film industry? While Georgia has a booming film industry, Texas also has a growing and thriving film community. Some of the biggest shows are now filming in the state including Queen of the South season 3. So, how do you land a film job in Texas? Check out these film jobs now hiring in Texas. 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