For over a century, filmmakers have brought monsters to life on the silver screen. However, in 2023, the true monster takes the form of artificial intelligence (AI) that resembles human beings.
The use of AI in film and television has sparked heated debates among Hollywood studios and performers since June. The inability to reach a consensus on AI was one of the factors that led to the historic simultaneous strike by the SAG-AFTRA union representing actors and media professionals, along with the writers guild.
One of the primary concerns for actors is the emergence of synthetic performers created entirely by AI, often referred to as “metahumans,” who may steal their roles. Carly Turro, an actress known for her appearances in shows like “Homeland,” expressed her fear regarding the future of the arts and entertainment industry if AI replaces actors. She mentioned that if AI replacement was not a significant issue, it would be a simple matter to include it in the contract to provide some peace of mind.
Creating synthetic performers by combining the images of various actors is a contentious issue being discussed in the contract negotiations. Although it has not been implemented yet, studios are seeking the right to do so in the future. This has raised concerns among actors who worry that their work, both past and future, will be used to generate AI-powered synthetic performers who could potentially replace them.
While SAG-AFTRA is not seeking a complete ban on AI, they are demanding that companies consult with the union and gain approval before casting a synthetic performer instead of an actor. The major film and television producers claim to have addressed the union’s concerns in their latest proposal but are still waiting for a response from SAG.
Aside from synthetic performers, another contentious point in the negotiations revolves around the creation of digital replicas of background performers. The studios have expressed their intention to obtain the actors’ consent before using their digital replicas in any other production. However, SAG argues that this contradicts the concept of additional compensation since consent is sought only during initial employment.
The studios also want to continue their practice of 3D body scanning to capture an actor’s likeness and create AI-generated digital replicas. The intention is to utilize these replicas in post-production to replace an actor’s face or double them on the screen. The producers have offered to seek a performer’s consent for any substantial changes post-production, but SAG believes this amounts to AI overreach and insists that permission should be obtained before any alterations to an actor’s image, likeness, or voice.
In short, the use of AI in the entertainment industry has become an existential crisis for actors who fear being replaced by AI-generated performers. While the studios have made some concessions, the negotiations are still ongoing, with both sides fighting for their interests and the future of the industry at stake.
[Source: Thomson Reuters 2023]
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