Hollywood has been instrumental in portraying science fiction scenarios, envisioning dystopian futures where machines threaten humanity. And in this day and age, actors and screenwriters find themselves in a significant battle against artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 21: Members Of SAG-AFTRA and WGA go on strike at Netflix, Sunset Gower and Paramount Studios on July 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Members of SAG-AFTRA, Hollywood's largest union which represents actors and other media professionals, have joined striking WGA (Writers Guild of America) workers in the first joint walkout against the studios since 1960.
Concerns Over AI
Since June, the use of artificial intelligence in film and television has been debated by Hollywood studios and performers. According to Reuters, this has profound implications, as it may establish the benchmark for labor rights and compensation in professions that were once safe from AI.
The inability to reach a consensus on AI-related matters led the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA union), representing actors and media professionals, to participate in a joint strike with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) last Friday.
It marked the first time in 63 years that such a simultaneous strike occurred, highlighting the gravity of the issue. One of the most significant fears among actors is the rise of synthetic performers.
While negotiations between the two sides have covered various topics, such as using images and performances as training data for AI systems and digitally altering performances during editing, actors are concerned that AI-generated actors will replace them and steal their roles.
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Is Banning AI the Solution?
This reportedly has not happened yet. However, Reuters reported that studio sources expressed their intention to reserve that right as part of the contract talks.
According to MSNBC, SAG-AFTRA's chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland acknowledged how heavy the situation is, labeling AI as an "existential crisis" for actors.
He added that the union's stance does not call for a complete ban on AI usage. Instead, they advocate for companies to consult with the union and seek approval before casting a synthetic performer to replace an actor.
Television series "Homeland" actress Carly Turro believes that if it was not a big deal to use AI to replace actors, it would be a "no-brainer to put in the contract," allowing the actors to "sleep with some peace of mind."
"The fact that they won't do that is terrifying when you think about the future of art and entertainment as a career," the actress added.
The Verge reported that the major studios' representative, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), is negotiating with SAG-AFTRA and WGA.
According to AMPTP spokesperson Scott Rowe, their proposal only allows a company to utilize the digital replica of a background actor in a motion picture for which they are employed. He said any other use would need the background actor's consent and would negotiate with actors on payment.
However, SAG-AFTRA noted that the Hollywood studios agreed to obtain consent at the time of initial employment, arguing that it contradicts the idea of additional compensation.
"What that actually means is those companies will tell background performers, 'If you don't give us the consent we demand, we won't hire you and we'll replace you with someone else... That's not meaningful consent," said Crabtree-Ireland.
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