Hollywood’s in a bit of a tizzy, and it’s all because of AI.
The Strike Begins
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing 160,000 actors and artists, has decided to join the WGA union on the picket lines. Why? They’ve failed to secure a new contract with the bigwigs at movie studios and streaming services. The negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP) have been going on for a month, but the deadline came and went with no resolution in sight.
A Rallying Cry
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher didn’t mince words in her speech. She called out the AMPTP for their “shameful” and “disgusting” treatment of the union. It’s a sentiment that’s echoed by both SAG-AFTRA and WGA, who are both on strike for the first time since 1960.
The AI Threat
One of the main sticking points? The rapid development of AI and the fear that it could replace writers and actors. And it’s not just paranoia. The AMPTP’s “groundbreaking AI proposal” could potentially wipe out an entire pathway into the industry.
The AI Proposal
The proposal is simple but chilling. Background actors could be “scanned, get paid for one day’s pay” and then the company would “own that scan of their image, their likeness, and to be able to use it for the rest of eternity in any project they want with no consent and no compensation.” It’s a nightmare scenario for actors, and it’s already causing a lot of fear and anger in the industry.
The Impact on Actors
The potential impact of this proposal is huge. Background actors are a vital part of any film or TV project. They fill up the scenes, add realism, and often serve as a stepping stone for actors looking to break into the business. But with this proposal, that pathway could be closed off.
The Future of Hollywood
The future of Hollywood is uncertain. The strike is ongoing, and the AMPTP seems determined to hold out until the union members are desperate. But the actors are standing firm, united in their fight against the exploitation of their work and their images. It’s a tense time in Tinseltown, and only time will tell how this standoff will end.
