Video Game Studio Lightspeed L.A. Signs Interim Agreement With SAG-AFTRA to Stay in Production

As a seasoned movie reviewer who has witnessed the ebb and flow of labor disputes in the entertainment industry, I find it refreshing to see a company like Lightspeed L.A. stepping up to the plate during these challenging times. The SAG-AFTRA strike against major videogame publishers is a critical fight for performers’ rights, and it’s heartening to see a studio that values its talent as much as it seems Lightspeed L.A. does.


In an effort to maintain the status quiz, Lightspeed L.A.’s L.L.A., a video game company Lightspeed L.A. has signed a SAG-AFTRA interim Interim Interactive Media Agreement has signed an accorded as aforeignementary Agreement Agreement Agreement that willingly it is annexapplies Interimpossible Agreement Interimpost

This agreement covers both existing and upcoming Lightspeed L.A. games. Their flagship game, “Last Sentinel,” marks their initial project under this new contract. At present, SAG-AFTRA is on strike against big publishers like Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros. Games, and others. The union is pushing for stricter regulations on the employment of AI to generate performer digital doubles or their voices, along with increased minimum wages to counteract inflation’s effects over the past few years

“Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, expressed his joy about teaming up with Lightspeed L.A. He explained that while their upcoming game might portray a world dominated by runaway technology, they are committed to fair agreements to ensure that the actual future will not resemble a dystopia for performers. He also expressed his appreciation towards Steve and the entire Lightspeed L.A. team, as well as the SAG-AFTRA members contributing to this project, who made this collaboration a reality.”

On July 26, SAG-AFTRA initiated a strike in the video game industry. This union previously conducted a four-month long strike in film and television last year due to similar concerns about AI protections and wage increases. Back in 2016 and 2017, they went on strike against 11 video game publishers for nearly a year, demanding fair compensation for voice performance work

“Steve Martin, general manager of Lightspeed L.A., has consistently appreciated the unique contribution talent brings to video games – creativity, innovation, and a personal touch. It’s only fair that we provide support to our team, and there was never any doubt about ensuring performer protections in this contract,” said Steve Martin. “We’d like to express our gratitude to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and the entire SAG-AFTRA for their cooperation and assistance in finalizing this agreement.”

Sarah Elmaleh, head of the union’s Interactive Media Agreement negotiation team, underscored that the Lightspeed L.A. agreement demonstrates a readiness among certain publishers to align with the union’s proposed conditions

“The strike has been equally focused on initiating work with suitable AI safeguards, as it is on preventing work without them. Lightspeed L.A. recognizes the significance of these protections for actors, and they’ve shown a remarkable dedication, not just to this cast, but future ones too. They’ve demonstrated their genuine respect for performers as collaborators in a tangible and significant way. I’m excited about this collaboration and can’t wait to see the amazing creations that will come from this team of developers and actors.”

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2024-09-05 03:16