By Mitesh
SAG-AFTRA vs. Hollywood: AI Battle
Hollywood actors and major studios remain at an impasse over concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI) and other issues, according to the SAG-AFTRA union. Negotiations aimed at ending an 111-day strike have yet to yield a resolution.
SAG-AFTRA disclosed that it had submitted a revised proposal to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents prominent media companies like Netflix and Walt Disney.
The union, in a message to its members, shared that it had engaged in discussions with the AMPTP “for more than three hours this afternoon and evening to present and review our revised proposal.”
The primary concern of SAG-AFTRA has been to establish limitations on the utilization of generative AI technology by studios in the production of movies and TV shows. Actors are apprehensive about the possibility of being replaced by digital performers or the unauthorized use of their likenesses.
As this statement was delivered, it was emphasized that additional matters related to the negotiations are currently being reviewed. SAG-AFTRA further communicated, “We are patiently awaiting the response from AMPTP regarding our comprehensive counterproposal package, which was submitted on the previous Saturday and addresses the unresolved issues.”
Representatives from the AMPTP have not yet responded to requests for comments.
SAG-AFTRA initiated the strike in mid-July, with demands including higher minimum salaries and other concessions. Union members have been picketing outside studio offices in both New York and Los Angeles.
The strike by film and television writers also transpired this year, driven by concerns over AI protections and increased compensation in the era of streaming TV. They were able to reach an agreement with the AMPTP in late September.
These dual strikes caused a substantial disruption in scripted production across the United States, leading to thousands of crew members being without work and resulting in an estimated economic loss of at least $6 billion for California, according to the Milken Institute.
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