LOS ANGELES: Hollywood finds itself at a crucial juncture as members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) cast their votes on a pivotal deal with studios.
The outcome, expected by 5:00 pm Pacific Time (0100 Wednesday GMT), will determine whether the contentious agreement is accepted or if the entertainment industry faces a resurgence of uncertainty.
While the deal is anticipated to pass with approval figures between 75 percent and 85 percent, concerns have mounted in recent weeks, particularly regarding perceived inadequacies in protecting against the encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI). Dissenting voices, such as actor Michael Vaccaro, have criticized the terms, expressing a willingness to return to strike if necessary.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher has lauded the agreement as “the most lucrative, innovative, and protective contract in entertainment union history.” However, criticisms have emerged, particularly regarding the potential impact of AI on actors. Performers fear being replaced by entirely synthetic counterparts generated by AI, using body parts from numerous individuals.
The deal does not outright prohibit the use of generative AI but mandates studios to inform the union when deploying such technology. SAG-AFTRA would then have the right to negotiate compensation on behalf of the actors involved. Critics argue that identifying these individuals could pose a significant challenge.
In the event of non-ratification, the union may need to reopen negotiations with studios, potentially leading to renewed industrial action and exacerbating disruptions in an industry already grappling with ongoing challenges.
