Actors in Hollywood are expressing their concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in film and television, fearing that AI-generated characters may replace them in roles. This fear has become a critical issue, leading to the first simultaneous strike by the SAG-AFTRA union and the writers guild in 63 years.
One of the main fears among actors is the use of completely AI-generated actors, known as metahumans, who could potentially steal their roles. While negotiations between the union and studios have covered various aspects of AI implementation, such as using actors’ images and performances as training data for AI systems and digitally altering performances in post-production, the concerns around the use of AI-generated actors remain prominent.
Actress Carly Turro, known for her appearances in shows like Homeland, stated that if using AI to replace actors was not a significant concern, it would be a straightforward inclusion in the contract negotiations. However, the fact that the studios are hesitant to address this issue is unsettling for actors who see their careers in jeopardy when considering the future of art and entertainment.
One particular concern being discussed is the creation of artificial performers using a mixture of actors’ images. Although this hasn’t happened yet, studios are aiming to secure the right to do so through the contract talks.
The SAG-AFTRA union’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Eire, describes AI as an existential crisis for actors, as they worry about their past, present, and future work being used to generate synthetic performers who could replace them. The union is not seeking an outright ban on AI but rather requesting that companies consult with them and gain approval before substituting an AI-generated performer for a human actor.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the major film and television producers claim to have addressed many of the union’s concerns in their latest proposal. However, the union has not yet responded to the proposal, leaving the negotiations in a state of uncertainty.
One area of contention is the creation of digital replicas of background performers. The studios have offered to seek the actor’s consent to use their digital duplicate outside the production for which they were initially employed. However, SAG argues that this contradicts the concept of additional compensation, as the studios could potentially reject background performers who refuse consent and replace them with someone else.
Additionally, the studios want to continue the practice of using 3D body scans to capture an actor’s likeness, which would then be used to create AI-generated digital replicas. Although the studios have promised to obtain the performer’s consent and negotiate separately for subsequent uses of their digital double, the union is concerned about retaining rights to the digital replicas for future works.
Another point of contention is the studios’ desire to digitally alter performances in post-production to align more closely with the character, script, and director’s vision. This capability could save significant costs by avoiding the need to reshoot scenes. The producers have offered to seek the performer’s consent for any changes beyond typical post-production alterations.
SAG interprets this as an overreach of AI and insists on seeking permission before any changes are made to an actor’s image, likeness, or voice.
The negotiations between the SAG-AFTRA union and the major studios continue as both parties aim to find common ground that addresses the concerns and fears of actors while meeting the creative requirements of the industry. The outcome of these negotiations will play a vital role in shaping the future landscape of film and television production, as well as the role of AI-generated characters in the entertainment industry.
