Photography is undoubtedly a fascinating industry that has embraced technological advancements over the years. However, recent developments in AI technology have raised concerns among actors and writers in Hollywood.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) has proposed a groundbreaking AI initiative that would allow background actors to be digitally scanned and their images to be used indefinitely without compensating or obtaining consent from the actors.
This proposal has been met with severe criticism from the SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the chief negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, expressed his disagreement with the AMPTP’s proposal during a press conference.
He highlighted the unjust nature of the proposal, explaining that background performers would only receive a day’s pay for their scanned images, while the production companies would have complete ownership and control over these images for eternity.
Crabtree-Ireland emphasized the lack of consent and compensation for the actors, debunking the perception that this proposal was groundbreaking in any positive way.
Following the press conference, the AMPTP released a statement refuting the claims made by Crabtree-Ireland.
According to spokesperson Scott Rowe, the AMPTP’s proposal does not allow for the perpetual use of digital replicas of background actors without their consent or compensation.
The current proposal permits the usage of these replicas solely within the motion picture for which the background actor is employed. Any other usage would require the consent of the background actor and would need to be mutually agreed upon, with a minimum payment.
AI technology has already made its mark in Hollywood, with the upcoming film Indiana Jones 5 featuring a de-aged Harrison Ford using AI. However,
the actors’ strike led by SAG-AFTRA is not solely driven by the perceived injustice of the AI proposal. Money plays a significant role as well, with actors experiencing a decline in their pay due to the dominance of streaming services in the market.
Moreover, concerns around AI regulation have also fueled the strike, as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) is advocating for restrictions on AI-generated content.
They are seeking a ban on AI writing and rewriting “library material” and on using AI to generate source material. Writers are also adamant about their work not being utilized to train AI tools.
As both actors and writers stand united in their strikes, it marks the first time these two professions have simultaneously taken such action since 1960.
While monetary concerns take the forefront, it is clear that the issue of AI regulation cannot be overlooked.
For now, the AMPTP has rejected the proposed AI restrictions put forth by the WGA and has instead offered to schedule annual meetings focused on discussing technological advancements.