Fran Drescher Relinquishes Ambition for Another Tenure as SAG-AFTRA President
SAG-AFTRA Presidential Election: Sean Astin and Chuck Slavin Square Off
In the upcoming 2023 SAG-AFTRA election, two candidates are vying for the position of president – Sean Astin and Chuck Slavin. The current president, Fran Drescher, who led the union during the recent four-decade-long strike against major film and TV companies, has announced that she will not seek another term [1][2].
Sean Astin is running as part of "The Coalition" slate, which focuses on key issues such as AI protections, strengthening U.S. production, and expanding residuals. Astin, best known for his roles in "The Goonies" and "Lord of the Rings," has served on the negotiating committee and the national and local boards [1][2].
His opponent, Chuck Slavin, is a member of the local board in New England. Slavin emphasizes stronger AI guardrails, equitable contracts for all members regardless of market size, better residuals, and protecting vulnerable workers [1][2]. Peter Antico and Slavin are running as independent candidates in the election.
During her tenure, Drescher aimed to unite a factional organization. She was re-elected in 2023 on a "unity ticket," as the two primary factions – Unite for Strength and Membership First – put aside their differences amid the strike [1][2]. Maya Gilbert-Dunbar, who received about 19% of the vote in the 2023 SAG-AFTRA presidential election, supported Slavin in the race [1][2].
The SAG-AFTRA election includes races for national officer positions, the national board, and numerous local boards. Astin is running for president alongside Michelle Hurd under a new slate called "The Coalition." The focus of the negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, scheduled for next year, will be on issues such as health and pension benefits, streaming residuals, and protections against generative AI [1][2].
Ballots for the SAG-AFTRA election are set to be distributed to members on Aug. 13, with a return date of Sept. 12 [1][2]. This election marks a significant moment for SAG-AFTRA, as its members choose the leadership that will guide the union through the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
[1] Variety. (2023). SAG-AFTRA Presidential Candidates: Sean Astin, Chuck Slavin, and More. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2023/film/news/sag-aftra-presidential-candidates-sean-astin-chuck-slavin-1235382385/
[2] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023). SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher Won't Seek Reelection. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sag-aftra-president-fran-drescher-wont-seek-reelection-1235383835/
In the forthcoming SAG-AFTRA election, the candidates Sean Astin and Chuck Slavin are contesting for the presidency, focusing on key entertainment industry issues such as movies-and-tv productions, celebrity rights, and AI protection. Sean Astin, a renowned actor from "The Goonies" and "Lord of the Rings," has served on the negotiating committee and national boards [1][2]. His opponent, Chuck Slavin, emphasizes AI guardrails, equitable contracts, and residuals, and is a member of the local board in New England [1][2].
