Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is doubling down on support for content creators with the launch of its Creator & Influencer Committee, which aims to strengthen protections and resources for creators working in digital media. Patrick Janelle, a longtime lifestyle influencer and creative entrepreneur, has been named the inaugural chair.

What the committee will do

The new committee is focused on advocacy, education and policy shaping. While SAG-AFTRA has offered a membership path for influencers since 2021, many creators still don’t know what benefits the union provides or how to access them.

One of the committee’s goals is to build broader awareness of SAG-AFTRA’s influencer agreement. It also aims to provide clearer resources to help creators understand what union membership entails. Just as importantly, the committee plans to address the unique needs of creators who operate at the intersection of entrepreneurship and performance.

Janelle has firsthand experience with these challenges. He built his brand through Instagram, co-founded creative agency Untitled Secret, and has worked with companies like Lincoln Center and Soho House. His career reflects the mix of artistry and business that defines most full-time creators today.

The inclusion of creator community

This committee comes at a time when creators are asking for more transparency, legal protection and representation. Many still face murky contract terms, inconsistent pay structures and brand relationships that favor companies.

SAG-AFTRA’s inclusion of creators in its structure is both strategic and necessary. It positions the union as a player in shaping the future of online content work, not just film and television.

It also acknowledges that the creator economy is no longer a niche. With brand deals and creator-led media now worth billions, the industry’s labor protections need to catch up.

If you’re a full-time or aspiring creator, this committee could affect how you approach contracts, content licensing, and long-term career planning. Union membership through SAG-AFTRA’s influencer agreement may offer access to health insurance, residuals and other benefits that are still rare in the creator space