SAG-AFTRA says its members ratified the 2026 TV/Theatrical contracts on June 4, with 91.42% voting yes. The deal runs to June 30, 2030. The digital replica section opens with a line every producer should know cold: "This Section 64 applies prospectively effective July 1, 2026." The synthetics rules cover pictures that start principal photography on or after that date.
Casting now? You're on the new rules. Selling an older picture? Check which version applies.
Takeaway #1: Synthetics now need a reason, and a clock starts
FROM THE CONTRACT
"In recognition thereof, Producer does not intend to use Synthetics created through a GAI system in a human role that would otherwise be performed by a human except under circumstances in which the Producer reasonably concludes that the Synthetic brings significant additional value to the motion picture."
What it means for you. A "Synthetic" is an AI-generated performer that isn't recognizable as any real actor, isn't voiced by a real person and isn't a digital replica, in a role where no actor is employed. Under the 2023 contract, a producer that wanted to use one mainly had to give the union notice and a chance to bargain. Now the producer says it doesn't intend to use one unless it "reasonably concludes" the synthetic brings "significant additional value." If it goes ahead, there's a timed process:
- prior written notice to the union
- a meeting to bargain "within ten (10) business days" of that notice
- if there's no deal "not later than twenty (20) business days" after notice and the synthetic is used anyway, the union "may arbitrate the amount of remuneration, if any"
- any money "shall be paid to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan or the pension/retirement plan," at the union's election, not to an individual actor
Two more details. A footnote says "human performance may include use of a Digital Replica." SAG-AFTRA's FAQ reads that to mean a synthetic has to beat what a replica could do. The other is older: if you prompt an AI with a real performer's name and facial feature and get a recognizable face, you need that performer's consent. That rule carried over from 2023. And note the sunset: this synthetics clause "expires on June 30, 2030," and the 2023 wording returns.
Your move. Producers: write down your "significant additional value" reasoning before you send notice, and build 20 business days into the schedule. Reps: the synthetic money goes to the plans, so your client's bargaining power is in their own replica terms.
Takeaway #2: Selling the picture doesn't sell off your replica obligations
FROM THE CONTRACT
"Producer may transfer its rights in a Digital Replica but such transfer shall not relieve the Producer of its obligations under this Agreement regarding consent, use and payment in connection with a Digital Replica unless the transferee commits in writing to comply with those provisions..."
What it means for you. This is new in 2026. If a replica travels with a sale or library deal, the original producer stays on the hook. There's one way out: the buyer commits in writing to the consent, use and payment terms and to union arbitration, and the union doesn't disapprove the "financial responsibility of the proposed transferee within 21 days of notice of the transfer."
Your move. Put the assumption language in the sales agreement itself, not a side email. Then talk to the union early. Its 21 days run from notice of the transfer, so build them into your closing timeline.
Sample wording: "Buyer assumes and agrees in writing to comply with all consent, use and payment obligations relating to Digital Replicas in the Picture under the applicable SAG-AFTRA agreement, including arbitration of any violation."
Also new in the redline (one line each)
- Producers "must have an articulable business reason" before asking an actor to consent to a scan.
- A replica can't stand in for an actor during a lawful authorized strike if consent would be required and the actor could refuse to work.
- On pictures starting principal photography on or after July 1, 2027, with the actor signed on or after that date, using a replica to dub the actor's voice into another language needs consent, but not extra pay.
And always remember, don't sign it till you read it, my friends.
General information, not legal advice. Reading this doesn't create an attorney-client relationship. Union agreements have detailed effective dates and exceptions, so check your contract with counsel or SAG-AFTRA.
Sources
- 2026 SAG-AFTRA/AMPTP Memorandum of Agreement, fully executed 27 May 2026 (redline), Attachment D, Sections 64 and 64.1
- SAG-AFTRA, 2026 TV/Theatrical FAQ: Synthetics (14 May 2026)
- SHOOTonline, SAG-AFTRA Members Approve 4-Year TV/Theatrical Agreement (June 2026)
- Deadline, SAG-AFTRA Members Approve AMPTP Deal (June 4, 2026)
- SAG-AFTRA, 'SAG-AFTRA Members Approve 2026 TV/Theatrical Contracts Tentative Agreement' (union's verified Threads account, June 4, 2026)
- Association of Talent Agents, excerpted summary of the 2026 TV/Theatrical tentative agreement
