The American Actors Union welcomed the new restrictions obtained against the use of artificial intelligence technology after tough negotiations with production companies in Hollywood. The union describes the agreement as ensuring “artist protection” without completely banning this technology.
The union secured a 7% increase in the minimum wage, and the establishment of a new fund worth $40 million annually to redistribute a portion of the revenues from successful productions to artists. This agreement was reached this week between the actors’ union and major production companies such as Disney and Netflix to end a strike that lasted for nearly four months.
The negotiations addressed concerns surrounding the use of artificial intelligence technology, as Duncan Crapetry-Irland, the negotiator for the union “SAG-AFTRA”, explained that the agreement allows to move the industry forward without banning artificial intelligence, ensuring the protection of artists.
In recent years, studios have used artificial intelligence technology to bring deceased stars back to life on screen using realistic digital copies or computer-generated background silhouette designs to reduce scene extras in films.
Many producers have sought to cut costs by focusing on artificial intelligence technology, leading actors to undergo “body scanning” to replicate their movements and expressions without specifying how and when the images will be used.
According to the new agreement, when an actor’s digital image is used, they must receive the same income they would have received if they had performed the work themselves.
