Making Sure AI Doesn’t Replace Actors in Hollywood

There’s been a lot of worry recently about artificial intelligence (AI) taking over the jobs of actors. We’re here to talk about these risks and fight for more protection for our actors against AI.

Why Are Actors Worried?

Recently, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) – the big actors’ union – went on strike for the first time in 43 years. Why? They’re scared about how AI is being used in the industry. As their talks with the people who produce films and shows didn’t go well, the union said there needs to be more protection for actors against AI.

The main guy from SAG-AFTRA, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, didn’t like the ideas that studios were suggesting. One pretty creepy idea was to scan the faces of extras (background actors), so producers could use and keep their images forever without asking them or paying them. It’s like something out of a “Black Mirror” episode, which is not a good thing.

The “Black Mirror” Warning

In a “Black Mirror” episode called “Joan Is Awful,” with famous actor Salma Hayek, her AI double gets used by a production company without her knowing or saying it was okay. This is exactly the kind of thing real actors are worried about, and it shows us what could happen if we don’t control how AI is used in the industry.

More Than Just Hollywood

This isn’t just about Hollywood actors. Liam Budd from the UK acting union Equity, points out that AI is being used in lots of ways, like automatic audiobooks, voiceover work, corporate videos with digital characters, and deepfake technology in movies. As AI keeps showing up everywhere, actors are getting more and more worried, so unions are trying to teach their members about their rights.

Do We Really Need AI in Movies?

Justine Bateman, a well-known film-maker and writer, doesn’t think we need AI in the industry. She says we have plenty of good writers, actors, and film-makers, so AI isn’t really necessary. The main people who would benefit from more AI are the big companies who could save money by not paying creative people as much. But if we rely too much on AI, it could really mess up the industry.

Writers Are Worried Too

It’s not just actors who are worried. The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) says AI could cause a bunch of problems for writers, like people using their work without permission, not enough jobs, lower pay, and less contribution to the UK’s economy and culture. The WGGB is asking AI developers to get permission before using writers’ work and to be open about the data they use to train their AI tools. They think we need better rules to protect creative people while still allowing for new technology.

We Need New Laws

AI is creating new issues about who owns what and how to protect it. AI-generated images are especially tricky because the law hasn’t really figured out how to deal with them yet. Dr. Mathilde Pavis, a legal expert on digital cloning, says it’s really strange that our faces and voices aren’t protected as well as things we own, like cars or houses. She thinks the law needs to catch up with technology to make sure everyone in the creative process is protected.

What’s Next?

As the entertainment world keeps changing, we need to find a balance between using new technology and protecting creative people. We need stronger rules and a code of ethics to make sure AI doesn’t ruin the industry but actually makes it better in a fair way.

We’re pushing for a future where AI is used responsibly and ethically. We’re all about understanding the risks and fighting for more protection, so we can keep the creative spirit alive while also looking after the future of the industry.

Remember: This article is just for information. If you need legal advice, you should talk to a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entertainment industry?

AI is changing the entertainment industry in many ways, including automated voiceover work, audiobooks, digital avatars, and even deepfakes in films. However, this has raised concerns about the jobs and rights of actors and creative professionals. For instance, an actor’s digital likeness might be used without their consent or compensation.

2. Why are actors and writers worried about AI?

Actors and writers are worried that AI could result in job loss, lower pay, and unauthorized use of their work. There’s also concern about actors’ digital likenesses being used indefinitely without their consent. Writers are concerned about their work being used to train AI without their permission.

3. What is performance cloning?

Performance cloning is the practice of using AI to recreate an actor’s performance digitally. This can include everything from the actor’s voice to their facial expressions and movements.

4. What are some real-world examples of AI’s impact on the entertainment industry?

A recent strike by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) over concerns about AI’s impact is one example. Also, the “Black Mirror” episode “Joan Is Awful” depicted a scenario where an actor’s AI double was exploited without her consent, reflecting real-life fears.

5. What measures are being proposed to regulate the use of AI in the entertainment industry?

Unions like SAG-AFTRA and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain are advocating for better rules to protect their members’ rights. They’re pushing for things like getting explicit permission before using an actor’s or writer’s work, greater transparency about the data used to train AI, and more. Legal experts are also calling for updated laws to protect people’s digital likenesses.

6. Why is it important to balance technological advancement with protection for creative professionals?

While AI can bring many benefits, it’s essential to protect the rights of those who contribute to the creative process. Without balance, there’s a risk of job loss, exploitation, and a decrease in the overall quality and diversity of creative output. Balancing technological advancement with protection for creative professionals ensures that progress benefits everyone involved.

Source From BBC News