SAG-AFTRA Strike Could Hinge On AI; Deep Divisions Remain Between Actors & Studios

[highplainsdem]

https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-ai-kim-kardashian-fran-drescher-contract-deadline-1235432142/

“There seems to be no real negotiations here,” a SAG-AFTRA member close to talks tells Deadline on AI talks with the AMPTP. “Actors see Black Mirror’s ‘Joan Is Awful’ as a documentary of the future, with their likenesses sold off and used any way producers and studios want.” The union member is referring to the opening episode of the latest season of the Charlie Brooker-created satire starring Salma Hayek and Annie Murphy. “We want a solid pathway. The studios countered with ‘trust us’ – we don’t.”

Just like the striking WGA before it, the Fran Drescher-led 160,000-strong union wants heavy duty assurances and guarantees in terms of the deployment, reach and scope of AI in the industry for its members. Having just put a new set of proposals on the negotiating table, the AMPTP allegedly doesn’t want to discuss the potentially game-changing matter in any substantial way, various sources tell me.

-snip-

“This is a power grab, pure and simple,” a well-established actress said of the AMPTP’s stance on AI. “We see what’s coming. They can’t pretend we won’t be used digitally or become the source of new, cheap, AI-created content for the studios.”

-snip-

With divisions over AI and issues like residuals running deep in the talks, it appears quite likely at this point that SAG-AFTRA’s members could be on strike by the morning of July 13. Under media blackout, the negotiations continue. However, during the past week, pickets signs are being prepared and lists of volunteers are being set up, among other measures being put in place in anticipation of a strike.

[highplainsdem]

1. Kick

[Prairie_Seagull]

2. Artificial WTFCGW Intelligence

What the fuck could go wrong.

I really can't see how this turns out well for the humans here (I so hope I am wrong) and another step forward for the machines.

[Hugin]

3. If they don't like paying talent and writers...

Just wait until they get the bill from the tech wizards.

[highplainsdem]

4. Studios and producers have already been warned that they could also

be replaced, in a possible future with their audience/consumers just telling a home AI to put together a custom film or TV series for them.

My guess is the studios and producers are hoping to buy or partner with the top AI companies so they will still control premium AI-generated films and series, while people who won't pay for that will have to settle for inferior AI-generated work.

But the human creatives, or almost all of them - writers, actors, cinematographers, artists - will still be replaced and exploited.

[Hugin]

5. Personally, if I were...

The “them” of whom we are speaking… I would be battening down the copyright hatches and making my crew as comfortable as possible. Because after a lifetime in the tech world, I can tell you that along with being wizards the tech people also tend to be pirates.

They aren’t going to sell or partner with anyone if they can get the whole ball of wax without them.