What’s next for SAG-AFTRA as Fran Drescher declines to seek reelection

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The announcement by Fran Drescher that she won’t seek re-election as SAG-AFTRA president presents an opportunity for new contenders to vie for the leadership position within a significant Hollywood labor union, at a crucial juncture when actors are grappling with challenges such as the increasing use of AI and a tough job market, two years post a prolonged strike.

As a passionate movie critic and an active member of SAG-AFTRA, I’m eagerly watching the upcoming election that focuses on critical issues such as job protections, healthcare, and residuals expansion. Among the contenders seeking to follow in Drescher’s footsteps is Sean Astin, renowned for his captivating performances in “The Lord of the Rings” films. Notably, he serves on both the national and local Los Angeles boards within our union. On the opposite coast, Chuck Slavin, another contender, holds a significant position on SAG-AFTRA’s New England board. Both candidates seem poised to make a difference in our industry, addressing the concerns that matter most to us as artists.

In this particular circumstance, Slavin stated during an interview, it’s clear that genuine change or reform is required. Unfortunately, what we’re seeing instead is more like shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic – it appears as though changes are being made, but they may not ultimately address the underlying issues.

The entertainment sector in Hollywood faces notable challenges because production is being reduced by companies as they merge, while a large number of television shows and movies are now being produced outside of Hollywood due to reduced costs and fiscal incentives provided elsewhere.

Currently, advancements in AI technology have simplified the process for artists to generate unique visual effects and brainstorm their creative ideas autonomously, eliminating the need for hiring actors. Consequently, this development has resulted in increased challenges for performers and entertainment workers in finding long-term employment opportunities in Southern California.

L.A. Influential

Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, boldly took on the role of an ardent advocate for the union’s 160,000 performer members. Through her efforts, the union secured one of its most favorable contracts in many years.

Hollywood unions are preparing to negotiate new contracts with major studios next year.

2023 marked a significant period where the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA engaged in separate negotiations with Hollywood studios. These discussions culminated in two industry-wide strikes. Consequently, numerous productions came to a standstill. The agreements that brought an end to these work stoppages provided for increased remuneration and safeguards against AI replacement for both writers and actors.

Drescher served as the prominent figure during the actors’ strike, passionately addressing class disparities within the entertainment business through a powerful speech. She questioned the intelligence of Disney CEO Bob Iger following his remark that the actors’ requests were unrealistic.

Under a contract negotiated following a 118-day labor action, SAG-AFTRA members are anticipated to gain approximately $1 billion over a three-year period, as stated by the union. Key aspects of this agreement include streaming royalties and safeguards for actors in relation to artificial intelligence. Specifically, employers are now required to secure consent from performers before generating or utilizing “digital doppelgangers,” and they must compensate the actors if these replicas are deployed.

Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, stated that this woman is boldly confronting these powerful men, engaging in figurative arm wrestling matches with them, fully aware of the potential risks to her own career. He described her as courageous.

In a sitcom famously titled “The Nanny,” Dresser, the main character, was recognized as a neutral leader. Despite a labor strike in 2023, she was re-elected with an impressive 81% of the votes. In her campaign statement, she expressed that “the unity among members will be my most enduring achievement.

Hollywood Inc.

Fran Drescher, the actor, is once again elected as president of SAG-AFTRA with ease, as the union’s film and television artists persist in their work stoppage against the prominent Hollywood production companies.

Drescher and SAG-AFTRA advocated for laws at both federal and state levels to enhance protections for performers in relation to AI. This included bills, some of which Governor Gavin Newsom approved last year, granting actors increased authority over the use of their digital images.

On Friday, it was made official that Drescher would not be running for re-election, as her name was absent from the union’s ballot. Despite a request for comment, she chose not to respond.

According to Slavin, although Drescher performed admirably, he believed the safeguards for AI in the existing agreement could have been more extensive. In the end, this contract was accepted by 78% of the votes from the SAG-AFTRA membership.

In a recent statement, actor Slavin – known for his role in “Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket” – outlined key aspects of his agenda. Emphasizing on the importance of AI safety measures (AI guardrails), he pledged to ensure fair contracts for all members, regardless of their market size. Furthermore, he expressed a commitment to advocating for improved residuals and safeguarding the interests of vulnerable workers.

According to its website, Astin is running under “The Coalition’s” platform, which champions various causes such as ensuring AI safety measures, boosting American manufacturing, and increasing residual benefits.

Astin’s representative did not respond to a request for comment.

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2025-08-12 00:01