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Hosted by National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
150 Episodes
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Creator V Spehar built a massive audience on TikTok by delivering news from under their desk. Then the media companies came calling. In this replay of an episode, V talks with SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland about staying independent, using TikTok to support striking workers and building a career as a creator without giving up control. The pair also explain how SAG-AFTRA’s influencer agreement is helping more digital creators join the union. *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.
Self-taping can sometimes feel like sending your audition into a void. In this episode, veteran casting director Jenny Jue, known for her work on Inglourious Basterds and The Brothers Sun, explains what actually happens after you hit send. She shares how casting has evolved, why she watches every tape, how she advocates for actors behind the scenes and what performers can do to improve their chances of landing the role. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
There’s no shortage of advice out there for performers, but not all of it’s helpful or even accurate. In this episode, Rob Brownstein — a working actor, respected teacher and SAG-AFTRA Professional Representatives Committee Chair — shares what works when preparing for auditions and honing your craft. Brownstein, who runs An Actor’s Space in Los Angeles, offers practical and actionable tips, including how to approach self-tapes without overthinking, why reacting instead of performing is the key to honest work, what to ignore when it comes to outside opinions and industry expectations and how commercial and theatrical auditions differ. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
Performers often hear they have to “network to get work,” but how can they do so without it feeling awkward, forced or just plain transactional? In this episode, host Duncan Crabtree-Ireland talks with performer-producer and SAG-AFTRA NextGen Performers Committee Vice Chair Rudy Solis III about building genuine relationships in the industry. From union events to everyday encounters, Rudy shares mindset shifts and practical tips to help performers connect with confidence. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
In the second half of our conversation with Daisy Wu, senior partner at the Gersh Agency, we explore how the agent-actor relationship evolves over time—and what happens when success leads performers to rethink their reps. Wu shares hard truths about shifting industry economics, the realities of self-tapes and the importance of adaptability in today’s competitive landscape. She also discusses the often-overlooked collaboration between agents and SAG-AFTRA and why loyalty, transparency and communication matter more than ever. *The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
1What 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 reflect the views of their organization or SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
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 speakers and not necessarily those of 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 conversation explores crucial provisions, including informed consent requirements, fair compensation models, protections against job displacement, and how unions are establishing ethical A.I. frameworks in the absence of comprehensive state and federal A.I. policies. *The views expressed by the panelists are their own and not that of their respective organizations. Any mention of products or services does not imply endorsement.
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.
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 protections, international union solidarity and new communications strategies in the age of TikTok. For more information on the Labor Innovation & Technology Summit, visit sagaftra.org/labor-innovation-technology-summit-2025 *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.
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 guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.
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 does not imply SAG-AFTRA's endorsement.
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 scenes, hazardous work and artificial intelligence. 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.
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. **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.**
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 of the NGP committee and an actor, model and singer. **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.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation headquarters just got a multimillion-dollar makeover. Introducing the new Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists, a stunning 15,000-square-foot facility with a screening room, on-camera studio and voiceover lab. Foundation Executive Director Cyd Wilson takes listeners on a behind-the-scenes tour, revealing how the new Center supports performers through free educational programs, career development resources, and virtual courses. She also discusses vital initiatives like emergency assistance to performers and Storyline Online®. **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.
In this episode, we bring you a panel discussion from LA Comic-Con 2024 that shines a light on the often-unseen world of video game character creation. Moderated by Linsay Rousseau, the panel features industry experts and SAG-AFTRA members Sarah Elmaleh, Jasiri Booker, Andi Norris, and Seth Allyn Austin. These talented artists discuss the intricate process of bringing video game characters to life through movement performance, stunt work, and voice acting. From the challenges of performance capture to the collaborative nature of their work, the panelists offer behind-the-scenes insights into this essential but often unheralded aspect of game development. **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.
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive employment practices. To update us on disability representation in the entertainment industry, we’re joined by two esteemed SAG-AFTRA members, Christine Bruno and Nic Novicki. Bruno is chair of the National and New York Local Performers with Disabilities Committees, and the Diversity Advisory Committee vice chair. Novicki is an actor, comedian and founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. The two share insights on the progress and challenges for performers with disabilities, the critical importance of intersectionality and the economic potential of disability-inclusive content. *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.
The last few years have been challenging for those in the entertainment industry, as our members and other workers have experienced a slowdown in production. But what’s the cause? Some think it was the strikes last year; others think broader economic forces are really at play. SAG-AFTRA Chief Economist David Vivano joins the podcast to offer expert analysis on geographical trends in production, the impact of state tax incentives, and the potential effects of A.I. on the workforce. He also shares some positive signs of a recovery as the business begins to – hopefully – return to full strength. *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.
What do young performers need to know in 2024 and beyond, and how can their families nurture and protect them? As we navigate an era of rapid technological change and expanding media platforms, it's more important than ever to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing our youngest members. To help explore this important topic, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is joined by former child actor Brandon Severs, actor and parent of young performer Charlie Bodin, and SAG-AFTRA National Director of Background and New York Entertainment Contracts, Stephanie Perry, who is also the staff liaison to SAG AFTRA Los Angeles Local and National Young Performer Committees. *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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