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After failing to reach a contract resolution with the studio union, more than 11,000 film and television writers remain on strike. Among the many topics under consideration in this year’s Writers Guild of America contract discussions, one emerging technology has stoked opposition among negotiators: artificial intelligence.
“I hope I’m wrong, but I think the use of artificial intelligence will dominate the entertainment industry,” said Justin Bateman, a member of the Writers, Directors and Actors Guilds. “And I think it’s going to be really bad.”
The implementation of generative AI could mean dramatic changes in the entertainment industry. Advocates of AI see it as a tool that can elevate content creators and break barriers to entry.
“It will be very soon until we can literally write an instant message and see something as a consumer,” said AI filmmaker Caleb Ward. “And you don’t have to have any kind of skills as a visual effects artist or as someone in the entertainment industry.”
Since the last book strike in 2007, widespread consumer adoption of streaming video has shown how new technologies can transform the entertainment industry. Now, however, the leaders in broadcasting are dealing with the inflated costs of high-quality, high-quality content.
Today, the only thing we know about having positive cash flow is… Netflixsaid Dan Rayburn, broadcast media analyst. Every other company out there is losing money—DisneyAnd Discovery Warner BrothersYou lose billions and billions and billions of dollars annually.”
As streaming companies scramble to preserve their bottom line, content is removed from the platforms, preventing creators from receiving compensation.
“Every time a content deal is made with a streaming or distribution platform, it has a direct impact on those who created the content — distributors, producers, writers, actors — because they get royalties based on that,” Rayburn said.
As the entertainment industry faces another disruptive technology in the form of artificial intelligence, the Writers Guild of America is demanding that regulatory standards around the technology ensure fair working conditions and compensation for Hollywood professionals.
Watch the video above for more information on how AI is fueling the WGA’s fight for a fair contract.
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