Hollywood Faces Threat from AI: Writers Strike Against Studios
The ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) against the studios is not only about income disparities but also centers around the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the creative workforce. Artificially intelligent programs like ChatGPT have become a cause for concern, as studios view them as a tool that could replace human writers.
ChatGPT is an AI program that, although not truly intelligent, has been trained on an extensive collection of text to predict words following a given prompt. Studios perceive generative AI as a means to automate the writing process, potentially leading to cost savings and a shift in the ownership of scripts from copyrightable works to work-for-hire.
However, even if studios embrace generative AI, they may find that the results are subpar. The allure of AI has captivated studio executives, who believe it can reduce labor costs. What they fail to realize is that the AI plans of Silicon Valley could parallel what the tech industry did to news and music. This enshittification, as Cory Doctorow describes it, refers to the bait-and-switch tactics employed by social media platforms. They initially offer benefits to users, only to modify the product to cater to advertisers once they have hooked their audience.
The video streaming industry illustrates this tactic. Initially, streaming platforms enticed users with increased investment in high-quality, limited-run series. However, writers soon discovered that the number of episodes per show had decreased, resulting in shorter employment periods. Furthermore, streaming affected television syndication, a significant source of writers’ income. Streaming’s initial advantages have diminished as more studios entered the market, saturating consumer demand and compelling cost-cutting measures.
Hollywood must recognize that its interests align with those of writers, directors, and all creative individuals. CEOs should understand that embracing generative AI solely for cost reduction purposes could harm the industry. Silicon Valley’s influence poses a danger to Hollywood’s profit margin, just as it did to news and music.
While AI undoubtedly has its uses, it is crucial for industry stakeholders to consider the potential consequences carefully. Maintaining the integrity of storytelling and creativity should be a priority. Moreover, a balanced perspective that includes the opinions of different stakeholders is essential when navigating this transformative era. Hollywood’s long-standing legacy in captivating audiences relies on the talent and imagination of its creative professionals. Embracing AI as a supplement rather than a replacement holds the potential for a harmonious future, ensuring that Hollywood continues to captivate audiences for generations to come.
