Hollywood's AI Showdown: Writers Win Big, Actors Still on Strike
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has come to a close, marking a significant turning point in the entertainment industry. On September 26th, WGA members voted to approve a new three-year contract that addresses the growing influence of AI in film and television production.
A key provision of the new contract is the strict limitation on the use of AI in the creative process. Under the agreement, AI technology is prohibited from being employed to write or rewrite scripts or to generate any form of literary material. Furthermore, AI-generated content will not be recognized as source material, safeguarding writers' rights to screen credits and other separate rights.
In a groundbreaking move, writers will now have the autonomy to decide whether they want to utilize AI tools during the writing process. Studios are barred from compelling writers to employ AI, and they are obligated to disclose whether any materials provided to writers have been AI-generated.
Importantly, the Writers Guild of America has been granted the authority to assert that any exploitation of writers' work to train AI is strictly prohibited, either through the terms of the agreement or by other applicable laws.
These provisions mark a significant triumph for writers who have been apprehensive about the potential displacement of AI technology. The new contract is set to ensure that writers continue to receive fair compensation for their creative contributions, even in an era of rapidly evolving AI advancements.
SAG-AFTRA Remains on Strike
While the resolution of the WGA strike signals a positive shift in the industry, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) remains entrenched in its own labor dispute.
SAG-AFTRA's concerns revolve around the growing threat of AI exploitation in the film and television sectors, as well as in the gaming industry. The union is particularly troubled by the prospect of AI-generated digital twins replacing human actors in movies and TV shows.
In a move reflective of their deep concerns, SAG-AFTRA is currently conducting a vote to authorize a strike against the gaming industry, citing the fear of objectifying its talent.
The outcome of the SAG-AFTRA strike remains uncertain, but it is abundantly clear that AI's influence is a pressing issue with profound implications for the entertainment world.
The WGA's successful negotiation of this contract sets a significant precedent for other unions within the entertainment industry. It demonstrates that the creative workforce is determined to ensure that AI is harnessed fairly and ethically in the arts.
As the industry grapples with these transformative changes, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike underscores that there is much work still ahead. Balancing the potential of AI with the protection of creative talent will undoubtedly be a central challenge in the years to come.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Jonathan Gasca in collaboration with OpenAI’s GPT-3.5.