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Miami Herald
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
What's next for SAG-AFTRA as Fran Drescher declines to seek reelection
Fran Drescher's decision to not run for reelection as SAG-AFTRA president opens up the race to lead a major Hollywood labor union at a pivotal time as actors face issues such as the rise of AI and a challenging job market two years after a long strike. Actors Sean Astin and Chuck Slavin are seeking to succeed Drescher in the upcoming election that aims to address concerns about job protections, healthcare and expanding residuals. Astin, known for acting in the "The Lord of the Rings" films, is on SAG-AFTRA's national and local L.A. board, while Slavin is on the union's New England board. "It's time in this specific situation where we really need reform," Slavin said in an interview. "We're not getting it, because what we're getting right now is a rearrangement of the deck chairs on the Titanic." Hollywood's entertainment industry has significant obstacles, as companies cut back on production amid studio consolidation and many TV and films are made elsewhere due to lower costs and financial incentives. Meanwhile, innovation in AI technology has made it easier for artists to create their own visual effects and conceptualization of their ideas without hiring actors. All of that has made it more difficult for performers and other entertainment workers to find jobs that are sustainable to live in Southern California. Hollywood unions are preparing to negotiate new contracts with major studios next year. In 2023 - the last contract negotiations - the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA led dual Hollywood strikes that resulted in companies halting work on many productions. The deals that ended the strikes carved out more pay and AI protections for writers and actors. Drescher was the face of the actors' strike, delivering a fiery speech that addressed class issues in the entertainment industry. She asked whether Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger was an "ignoramus" after he said actors' demands were not realistic. SAG-AFTRA's contract, reached after a 118-day strike, brought an estimated $1 billion in gains for members over three years, according to the union. The contract included streaming bonuses and AI protections, including requiring employers to have consent from actors before creating or using "digital replicas" and to pay performers if those replicas were used. "Here's a woman who's challenging these male moguls and having to arm wrestle them, knowing that her own career could be at stake," said Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. "She was fearless." Drescher, known as the lead character in the sitcom "The Nanny," had positioned herself as a nonpartisan leader. She was reelected amid the strike in 2023, receiving 81% of the votes cast. In her campaign statement, Drescher said that "member unity will be my greatest legacy." Drescher and SAG-AFTRA pushed for national and state legislation to bring more AI protections to performers, including bills that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law last year that gave actors more control over their digital likenesses. Drescher's decision to not run for reelection became official on Friday when her name did not appear on the voter guide distributed by the union. She did not respond to a request for comment. Slavin said that while Drescher did a "fine" job, he felt the AI protections in its current contract could have gone a lot farther. The contract ended up getting approved by 78% of the votes cast by SAG-AFTRA's members. Slavin, who has acted in the movie "Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket," said his platform will prioritize AI guardrails, equitable contracts for all members regardless of their market size, advocate for better residuals and help protect vulnerable workers. Astin is running as part of the "The Coalition" slate, which advocates for issues including AI protections, strengthening U.S. production and expanding residuals, according to its website. Astin's representative did not respond to a request for comment. (Staff writer Meg James contributed to this report.) Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Los Angeles Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
What's next for SAG-AFTRA as Fran Drescher declines to seek reelection
Fran Drescher's decision to not run for reelection as SAG-AFTRA president opens up the race to lead a major Hollywood labor union at a pivotal time as actors face issues such as the rise of AI and a challenging job market two years after a long strike. Actors Sean Astin and Chuck Slavin are seeking to succeed Drescher in the upcoming election that aims to address concerns about job protections, healthcare and expanding residuals. Astin, known for acting in the 'The Lord of the Rings' films, is on SAG-AFTRA's national and local L.A. board, while Slavin is on the union's New England board. 'It's time in this specific situation where we really need reform,' Slavin said in an interview. 'We're not getting it, because what we're getting right now is a rearrangement of the deck chairs on the Titanic.' Hollywood's entertainment industry has significant obstacles, as companies cut back on production amid studio consolidation and many TV and films are made elsewhere due to lower costs and financial incentives. Meanwhile, innovation in AI technology has made it easier for artists to create their own visual effects and conceptualization of their ideas without hiring actors. All of that has made it more difficult for performers and other entertainment workers to find jobs that are sustainable to live in Southern California. Hollywood unions are preparing to negotiate new contracts with major studios next year. In 2023 — the last contract negotiations — the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA led dual Hollywood strikes that resulted in companies halting work on many productions. The deals that ended the strikes carved out more pay and AI protections for writers and actors. Drescher was the face of the actors' strike, delivering a fiery speech that addressed class issues in the entertainment industry. She asked whether Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger was an 'ignoramus' after he said actors' demands were not realistic. SAG-AFTRA's contract, reached after a 118-day strike, brought an estimated $1 billion in gains for members over three years, according to the union. The contract included streaming bonuses and AI protections, including requiring employers to have consent from actors before creating or using 'digital replicas' and to pay performers if those replicas were used. 'Here's a woman who's challenging these male moguls and having to arm wrestle them, knowing that her own career could be at stake,' said Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. 'She was fearless.' Drescher, known as the lead character in the sitcom 'The Nanny,' had positioned herself as a nonpartisan leader. She was reelected amid the strike in 2023, receiving 81% of the votes cast. In her campaign statement, Drescher said that 'member unity will be my greatest legacy.' Drescher and SAG-AFTRA pushed for national and state legislation to bring more AI protections to performers, including bills that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law last year that gave actors more control over their digital likenesses. Drescher's decision to not run for reelection became official on Friday when her name did not appear on the ballot distributed by the union. She did not respond to a request for comment. Slavin said that while Drescher did a 'fine' job, he felt the AI protections in its current contract could have gone a lot farther. The contract ended up getting approved by 78% of the votes cast by SAG-AFTRA's members. Slavin, who has acted in the movie 'Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket,' said his platform will prioritize AI guardrails, equitable contracts for all members regardless of their market size, advocate for better residuals and help protect vulnerable workers. Astin is running as part of the 'The Coalition' slate, which advocates for issues including AI protections, strengthening U.S. production and expanding residuals, according to its website. Astin's representative did not respond to a request for comment. Staff writer Meg James contributed to this report.
Indianapolis Star
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Meet IndyStar digital content producer Madyson Crane
It takes a staff of dedicated journalists to bring you the news from around Central Indiana. In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our newsroom staff — or, rather, we let them introduce themselves. Up this week is Madyson Crane. Alternative forms digital content producer August 2024 Getting to highlight my favorite random finds in the city I grew up in! A new week always holds something different. I have always been told that I bring people together and have a great network. When I lost my job at the beginning of 2024 I wasnt sure what to do, so I just started capturing my life. Turns out, that is a lot of what journalism is! Finding the interesting or important things happening in your community and sharing them is the role of a journalist. So it was only fitting that when this position was created I applied to integrate my unique skill set and perspective to the Star's impressive coverage. And the rest is history! I love a good-priced margarita, and there is a little hole-in-the-wall spot in Plainfield called Iguana's that I can never get enough of! I work out five days a week, stick to my routines (which me saying will probably make most of those who know me laugh), and unplug. I have a horrible habit of not looking away from a screen for hours so some forced unplugged time is amazing for destressing. I have been watching "The Nanny" for the first time all the way through. "Push past your limits." — Captain Yami of the Black Bulls from Black Clover, the anime Whenever I think something is difficult or I am struggling, this genuinely gets me through it. Remembering where I came from, where I used to think I could only ever dream of reaching, only inspires me to keep going and not to give up. Anything Meg Thee Stallion! "Let them choke." I used to struggle (and still very much do) with my confidence and I would mask my personality to blend in with the room. That did nothing for me but make me seem fake and disingenious. I was easy to swallow. Now no matter the situation I stay true to who I am and not what would make myself palatable for others. I don't care if people choke on me, I'm a lot to swallow! I love all animals! I have both a dog and a cat. Freya is the first official IndyStar rePAWter. I sailed for almost 10 years and can still fully rig a Flying Scott by myself.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I can't help but think The Young and the Restless' Kyle and Claire are about to experience some infidelity
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As if it weren't enough that The Young and the Restless' Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Claire (Hayley Erin) were having to contend with Victor's (Eric Braeden) interference and Summer (Allison Lanier) looming around offscreen, I can't help but think the happy couple has some infidelity in their near future. If you've been keeping up with the episodes, you're probably thinking I'm referring to Kyle and Audra (Zuleyka Silver). Thanks to Victor's enticing offer, Audra has made it her mission to destroy #Kylaire, and at Victor's suggestion, it seems as if Audra is willing to achieve that mission by enticing him a bit, using their past chemistry as bait. While I was initially side-eyeing the prospect of Audra using her powers of seduction, that changed when Holden (Nathan Owens) astutely pointed out that it appears Audra may still have lingering feelings for Kyle. Sure, she's been livid with him for getting her fired from Glissade and she thinks of him as an entitled brat, but their banter isn't completely of the 'I hate you' variety. Thinking about this, their vibe actually reminds me of Niles (Daniel Davis) and C.C. (Lauren Lane) on The Nanny or Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Kyle and Audra straddle the line of wanting to metaphorically strangle each other, but perhaps they secretly see the banter as foreplay. Now I recently predicted that Audra and Kyle would find themselves having drinks soon, and in a moment of drunkenness, they would hook up. But perhaps I'm wrong. In fact, I'm starting to think Claire may actually find herself hooking up with Holden. I can imagine a scenario in which Claire spots Kyle and Audra in a compromising position and assumes the worst, believing they hit the sheets. Then, a distraught Claire goes to the Athletic Club, where she runs into Holden, and he offers her a listening ear and a few Vespers. The two have had nothing but friendly interactions so far, but who's to say a heartbroken Claire won't decide to have some fun with the handsome newcomer? To add, if Claire tells Holden that something happened between Kyle and Audra, Holden may find himself a little heartbroken. He's not so secretly been pining away for Ms. Charles, so he might find comfort in Claire as much as she'd find comfort in him. Not for nothing, I like the idea of a Kyle and Claire pairing. To be clear, this is all speculation from my part. But the wheels of this #Kylaire train seem primed to fall off soon. New episodes of The Young and the Restless air weekdays on CBS. Episodes become available to stream on Paramount Plus the next day.
New York Post
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
New York accents are hated by a majority of Americans — and a shocking number of New Yorkers, too: survey
New York's distinct accent — the one that brought us Joe Pesci's defensive 'Funny how?' in 'Goodfellas' and Fran Drescher's thick 'Oh, Mr. Sheffield' from the sitcom 'The Nanny' — is rubbing a lot of Americans the wrong way. Nearly 60% of Americans say they find the accent annoying, according to a new survey by Podcastle, an AI voice platform. And it's not just outsiders who feel that way. Advertisement 6 Fuhgeddaboudit! Nearly 60% of Americans say the iconic New York accent — think Edith and Archie Bunker of 'All in the Family' fame, as played by Jean Stapleton (left) and Carroll O'Connor — is straight-up annoying, a new Podcastle survey says. CBS /Landov A surprising 45% of New Yorkers agree that their own accent is grating. 'How we speak and how others hear us can shape everything from trust to how we connect emotionally. This survey shows just how much accents matter, not just in daily conversations but in the kind of content people enjoy and even those they find attractive,' said Podcastle. Advertisement Only 10% of Americans say they trust someone with a New York accent. In contrast, folks with a Southern drawl were deemed 256% more trustworthy and 232% more appealing than New Yorkers, the survey found. 6 How we speak, and how New Yorkers like 'The Nanny' star Fran Drescher (above right, with Roseanne Barr) speak, shapes trust and connection — even attraction, Podcastle said. 6 Even 45% of New Yorkers admit their accent is nails-on-a-chalkboard, per Podcastle. Podcastle Advertisement 6 Brooklyn-born Steve Buscemi (right, with director Tolga Karaçelik last month in NYC) might not be thrilled with this survey. Getty Images Michael Newman, a linguistics professor at Queens College, told Fox News that the classic NYC accent is fading — but it's not going away anytime soon. 'Some of the features that have been traditionally associated with New York City English are diminishing,' he said. 'What's being lost is the final 'R.' You get in the 'caw' and you go to the 'baw.' It's now 'car' and 'bar.'' Meanwhile, a Guide2Fluency study previously found New Yorkers' accents aren't just annoying to people — they're baffling to artificial intelligence systems, too. Advertisement According to the study, AI assistants like Siri and Alexa struggled to understand New Yorkers' 'caw' and 'baw,' with AI algorithms ranking the New York accent the second hardest to comprehend. 6 Just one in 10 Americans trust someone with a New York accent — think Pete Davidson (above left, with Jon Stewart). Meanwhile, Southerners came off as 256% more trustworthy and 232% more charming, the survey found. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post 6 Cardi B also offers as a thick-as-the-South-Bronx accent. Getty Images Still, some say the sound of New York is the sound of home. 'None of us as New Yorkers really want to sound like we are from somewhere else,' Newman admitted.
