Genshin and the SAG-AFTRA Strike: What You Need To Know

Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at the challenges faced by voice actors navigating union membership, non-union work, and the ongoing strike in the gaming industry, particularly with *Genshin Impact*. The speaker explores the legal, contractual, and social complexities of working within or outside unions, touching on the risks and social consequences actors face. The video emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and open dialogue amidst misinformation and online toxicity, urging viewers to recognize the complexities of this issue and approach it with respect and critical thinking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Union actors often face a tough decision between joining the union or working non-union jobs, with potential consequences for breaking union rules.
• 😀 Actors can join the union after working for 60 days on certain contracts, but they may not always be required to become full union members.
• 😀 Many union actors take calculated risks by working non-union jobs, especially in a field like voice acting where 80% of the work is non-union.
• 😀 The decision to work on non-union games, such as *Genshin Impact*, can lead to potential social repercussions, like being ostracized by peers or targeted online.
• 😀 Social factors, such as public shaming, online harassment, or blacklisting, can play a major role in an actor's decision to work or not during a strike.
• 😀 Actors working off the card (non-union jobs) may not face significant trouble in the past, but the landscape is shifting, especially during a video game strike.
• 😀 Strikes can complicate actors' decisions, as they may fear negative career impacts like being recast or having their character go silent.
• 😀 The relationship between social media, misinformation, and public perception can significantly affect actors' careers, especially when the discourse is toxic and fueled by emotional reactions.
• 😀 While union rules and contracts are clear, the social and emotional pressures in the industry create an uncertain environment, leading to difficult personal decisions.
• 😀 Companies like Hoyo (creator of *Genshin Impact*) may not bend to social media pressure, but they might recast actors if necessary. The future of union contracts with such companies is still unclear.

Q & A

What are the main complications actors face when deciding whether to join a union or not?

Actors face multiple challenges in deciding whether to join a union, including the risk of fines, being kicked out of the union, or social repercussions from colleagues. Additionally, many actors work non-union jobs to maintain a steady income, as a large portion of the work for voice actors is non-union.

Why do many union actors take the risk of working non-union jobs?

Many union actors take the risk of working non-union jobs because a significant amount of voice acting work (around 80%) is non-union. The pressure to make a living and continue working in the industry outweighs the potential consequences of breaking union rules.

What is the process for an actor to avoid being forced into full union membership while still working?

An actor can theoretically join the union after working for over 60 days under a Taft-Hartley agreement and then immediately go FCOR (Full Card or Off the Record). This would prevent them from being forced into full membership while still working.

How does the social dynamic affect an actor’s decision to work on union versus non-union projects?

Social dynamics play a significant role in an actor's decision-making. Actors may fear being shamed or ostracized by colleagues for working on non-union projects, even if it's legally permissible. This social pressure can be just as influential as the legal implications.

Why is the actor’s decision to work during a strike such a complex issue?

The decision to work during a strike is complicated because it involves not only legal factors like union rules but also personal and social factors. Actors must consider the risk of being recast, the potential damage to their reputation, and how it may affect their future career opportunities, especially if they only have one major project.

How does the Genshin Impact controversy reflect broader issues in the voice acting industry?

The Genshin Impact controversy highlights the broader challenges faced by voice actors, including the tension between union and non-union work, the risk of being blacklisted, and the complications that arise during a strike. It also showcases the role social media and public opinion play in shaping the actors' decisions.

What role does social media play in shaping the discourse around union versus non-union work?

Social media amplifies misinformation and toxicity, which influences the public discourse. It creates a polarized environment where actors face online harassment, rumors, and even threats, making it harder for them to make decisions without being impacted by public opinion.

What is the importance of understanding the complexities of union contracts and voice acting during strikes?

Understanding the complexities of union contracts and the intricacies of voice acting during strikes is crucial because it helps actors navigate the legal and social challenges they face. It also aids in avoiding oversimplified views and encourages more informed discussions about the situation.

How does the lack of clear, measurable social consequences complicate the situation for actors?

The lack of clear, measurable social consequences makes the situation even more difficult for actors to navigate. The social impacts, such as being shunned by colleagues or facing online harassment, are hard to define and can vary greatly, adding an unpredictable and subjective layer to the decision-making process.

What should be the approach to resolving issues like those raised by the Genshin Impact controversy?

The approach should focus on respectful communication, education, and understanding. Instead of engaging in toxic discourse or drawing extreme conclusions, actors, industry professionals, and fans should seek to understand the full picture, recognize the complexities of the issue, and work toward a productive resolution that respects both the actors and the wider industry.