How to Find, Keep and Work with the Right Agent (Part 1)
SAG-AFTRA
What makes a great agent—and how do you build a relationship that lasts? In Part 1 of this two-part series, Daisy Wu, senior partner in the talent department at the Gersh Agency, offers a candid look at how representation really works. She breaks down what agents are looking for, how actors can communicate more effectively, what to expect at different career stages and how to navigate tough industry realities. Whether you're looking for your first rep or thinking about switching teams, this episode offers practical guidance. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily...
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A Life of Achievement: Jane Fonda on Acting and Advocacy
SAG-AFTRA
At this year's SAG Awards, Jane Fonda was named the 60th recipient of the Life Achievement Award. The legendary actor and activist sat down with SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher in an Actor to Actor conversation about her remarkable career spanning five decades. Fonda reflects on her early struggles finding meaningful roles, her emotional journey on ‘Grace and Frankie,’ and the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood. She also discusses her passionate advocacy for women's rights and her insights about her growth as both an artist and an activist. *The views expressed are those of the...
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SXSW 2025 Panel: What the Unions Are Doing About A.I.
SAG-AFTRA
At SXSW 2025, labor leaders gathered in a provocative panel discussion to address one of entertainment's most pressing challenges: A.I. regulation. Hosted by SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the panel featured Sam Wheeler (Executive Director/WGA East), Vanessa Holtgrewe (International Vice President / Assistant Department Director, Motion Picture & Television Production/ IATSE), and Rebecca Rhine (Associate National Executive Director/Western Executive Director/DGA) discussing recently negotiated contracts protecting creative workers. The...
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Meet the Union Reps Keeping Sets Safe For Performers
SAG-AFTRA
From stunt sequences to child protection, SAG-AFTRA members face unique challenges during production that require expert oversight. SAG-AFTRA Executive Director, Field Services Jim Damis and stunt performer Samantha MacIvor take listeners inside the critical work of the union's frontline presence protecting members. They also discuss responses to the Rust tragedy and the impact of the Safer Set 24/7 hotline. *The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.
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Protecting Workers In Our Rapidly Changing Digital World
SAG-AFTRA
Earlier this month, labor leaders worldwide gathered in Las Vegas for the 6th Annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit. The event, held alongside CES 2025, was co-founded by SAG-AFTRA, the AFL-CIO and the AFL-CIO Tech Institute to tackle technology’s impact on workers' rights. In this episode, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland sits down with Executive Vice President Linda Powell, NINT Committee Chair Nick Fondulis and A.I. Task Force Committee Chair Woody Schultz to unpack key moments from the event. Topics include A.I. contract negotiations and worker...
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How V Spehar Built a News Empire from Under Their Desk
SAG-AFTRA
V Spehar is the creator of Under the Desk News, which has become Gen Z and Millennials' go-to source for news, reaching over 3 million loyal followers. Throughout their career, V has been a powerful advocate for workers' rights, bringing a signature style of making complex issues accessible. In this episode, V talks about a personal journey from restaurant work to digital journalism, having an influential role during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike and their approach to building sustainable careers in content creation while maintaining authenticity in advocacy work. *The views expressed by the...
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10 Key Takeaways from CES 2025
SAG-AFTRA
For the last several years, SAG-AFTRA has made it a priority to attend CES, the world's largest consumer tech exhibition where companies descend on Las Vegas to showcase their latest inventions and innovations. Members of the National Innovation and New Technology Committee and A.I. Task Force Committee join the podcast and talk about the emerging technologies they saw at CES 2025 that could impact the entertainment industry, from A.I.-powered robots to content authentication tools. The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services...
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The SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts: What You Need to Know
SAG-AFTRA
With the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts expiring on March 31, 2025, we're preparing to negotiate with the Joint Policy Committee, which represents advertisers and advertising agencies. Katie Von Till, actor and national chair of the Commercials Performer Committee, and Tracy Hyman, SAG-AFTRA national director of the Commercials and Corporate/Educational & Non-Broadcast department, join the podcast to help break down key contract elements, including residuals, audition protections, exclusivity rights and the evolving digital landscape. Plus, they discuss critical protections for intimate...
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Intimacy Coordinators Join SAG-AFTRA in Historic Vote
SAG-AFTRA
Intimacy coordinators are an essential part of creating safe and professional working environments on set, acting as advocates and liaisons between actors and production for scenes involving nudity, simulated sex and other intimate acts. Last month, intimacy coordinators unanimously agreed to join SAG-AFTRA in a National Labor Relations Board vote. To discuss why this matters and what it means for the future of the profession and the entertainment industry at large, we’re joined by intimacy coordinators Claire Warden and Erin Tillman, who were instrumental in the recent vote to unionize....
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NextGen Performers Share Strategies for Thriving in Entertainment
SAG-AFTRA
NextGen Performers (NGP) can face big challenges in building sustainable careers in the entertainment and media business. Creating opportunities, staying creative between gigs, practicing self-care and advocating for themselves are just some of the crucial skills they need to thrive. But this is easier said than done. How can emerging performers take control of their careers and make meaningful progress? To share their experience and offer some practical, real-world advice, we’re joined by Sarah Seeds, chair of the SAG-AFTRA National NGP Committee, and Anastasia Kasimos, an LA local member...
info_outlineIn part 2 of our series on contract negotiations, we explore the bargaining and ratification process, including communication with other unions before talks begin, the structure and dynamic of different negotiation sessions, and the challenges in achieving the union’s desired contract terms. Our panel of demystifiers includes SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Executive Vice President Linda Powell, Chief Contract Officer Ray Rodriguez, and Co-Chair of the TV Animation Negotiating Committee David Jolliffe. **The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.