Video Game Actor Strike and a Pokémon Drama

According to a report from Deadline, the Board of Directors for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has unanimously approved the authorization of a potential strike in the event that the upcoming bargaining meeting with the video game industry does not yield satisfactory outcomes. This voting process will take place from Tuesday, September 5, until Monday, September 25. Industry giants such as Activision, EA, Insomniac Games, and WB Games are among the companies that will be involved in the negotiations. SAG-AFTRA aims to secure various protections, including safeguards against the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry, as well as wage increases of 11% retroactive to the expiration date of the previous agreement, followed by 4% increases in the subsequent two years. These demands align with the standards provided to individuals working under film and television contracts. Additionally, the guild is advocating for the presence of a set medic during stunts or hazardous work, similar to the protocols in place for film and television productions, and the prohibition of stunts during self-taped auditions, along with the implementation of vocal stress protections.

The Pokémon Company has forged a partnership with TV Tokyo to produce a live-action drama centered around its enduring franchise.

According to a statement from TV Tokyo’s Twitter, which has been translated by Serebii, the TV series named “Pocket Filled With Adventure” is set to debut on October 19 in Japan. At present, it remains uncertain whether the show will be localized for international audiences or provided with official English subtitles.

Diverging from the approach taken in the previous live-action adaptation, the Detective Pikachu film starring Ryan Reynolds, “Pocket Filled With Adventure” appears to eschew the inclusion of physically embodied versions of the beloved pocket monsters. Rather, the series revolves around the character of Madoka Akagi, portrayed by Nanase Nishino, as she embarks on an immersive journey into the world of Pokémon after receiving her old copy of Pokémon Red from her mother upon relocating to Tokyo for employment at an advertising firm.