Hollywood Actors and Writers Strike Amidst AI Threat
Hollywood is currently experiencing a significant standstill as actors and writers unite in a historical strike, fighting for fair pay, benefits, and appropriate residuals. However, the industry is also facing a looming threat – the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher has been vocal about the catastrophic impact AI could have on the industry, potentially rendering artists and writers jobless.
In a recent conversation with Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the guild’s national executive director, and Ben Whitehair, the guild’s executive VP, Drescher expressed her concerns and criticism of AI. She highlighted the dangerous combination of Wall Street, greed, technology, and lacking empathy, referring to it as a deadly cocktail that must be avoided. Drescher stressed the importance of handling AI with care and implementing safety regulations. She questioned the future of their business, which revolves around their likeness, gestures, acting, and voices. The ambition to mimic human traits on AI platforms threatens their profession, while the public enjoys dystopian series as entertainment.
Drescher’s concerns were not new. Back in July, she warned about the existential threat AI poses to creative professions. She emphasized the need for contracts that protect actors and performers from having their identity and talent exploited without consent or fair compensation. If they fail to stand tall against this technological takeover, the consequences could be dire. The fear of being replaced by machines looms over every artist and writer.
Crabtree-Ireland revealed a concerning proposal presented by studios and streamers in July. They suggested that background performers could be scanned, paid for just one day’s work, and have their image, likeness, and scan owned by the company indefinitely. This proposal, if accepted, would pave the way for AI to become a game-changer in the industry. However, it raises serious concerns regarding the rights and livelihood of writers and actors, particularly those in the background or extra roles. AI’s potential to assist with various aspects of filmmaking, such as screenwriting, voice manipulation, and even recreating actors using breakthrough technologies, poses a significant threat.
The ongoing strike and the fight against AI’s encroachment have brought the entertainment industry to a crossroads. While studios and streamers eye the powerful capabilities of AI, writers and actors fear being replaced by machines. The industry must find a balance where technological advancements can coexist with the creativity and talent of human professionals. It is crucial to protect the rights and interests of artists and writers to ensure a sustainable and flourishing future for the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, the Hollywood actors and writers strike not only addresses concerns over fair pay and benefits but also shines a light on the growing threat of AI. Fran Drescher, along with other industry professionals, emphasizes the need to handle AI with caution, as its unregulated use could disrupt the livelihoods of countless artists and writers. As the strike continues, the fate of the industry hangs in the balance, with the potential for drastic changes and the need to find a harmonious balance between technology and human creativity.
