SeriesFest, an annual event celebrating episodic television, was held from April 29 to May 4, 2025, in Denver. SAG-AFTRA, a supporter of the festival and its nonprofit namesake, participated in the 2025 edition known as SeriesFest: Season 11.
Lisa Ann Walter, a SAG-AFTRA National Board member and actor from Abbott Elementary, took part in a panel on May 1 titled “The Evolving Role of Actors in Television.” She was joined by fellow actors Tawny Cypress (Yellowjacket), Mayan Lopez (Lopez vs. Lopez), Jocko Sims (Grosse Pointe Garden Society), and moderator Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly. The discussion revolved around how actors are adapting as storytellers amid changes in the television industry brought about by streaming services and digital platforms.
On May 3, another panel sponsored by SAG-AFTRA and Deadline called “Understanding A.I. in Entertainment With SAG-AFTRA” took place. Moderated by Peter White from Deadline, the panel featured Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator; Scott Mann, Co-Chief Executive Director & founder of Flawless; Nikola Todorvic, co-founder & CEO of Wonder Dynamics; with opening remarks by Sonny G., President of SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local. The conversation focused on protecting performers’ rights against exploitative practices involving artificial intelligence and collaborating with A.I. companies.
