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Disney Writer Condemns Preference for AI Over People Amid Actors’ Strike

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its use in the entertainment industry have become a significant issue in recent negotiations between actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and major studios. The negotiations have reached a critical mass, with an actors’ strike likely on the horizon. Industry insiders like renowned screenwriter Gary Whitta have used social media to express their concerns. They are trying to shed light on the studios’ reluctance to address AI-related issues, stressing that these companies would much prefer AI to the annoyances caused by working with creative people. It is important to address this struggle between creative individuals and AI as this feud will have lasting consequences for major studios such as the Walt Disney Company.

Writers Strike Disney

Artificial Intelligence in the Entertainment Industry

Artificial intelligence has significantly advanced in recent years, showing immense potential in various fields. In the entertainment industry, AI has the capacity to automate certain creative processes, leading to cost savings and increased efficiency. Automated systems can generate content, such as scripts or visual effects, and perform tasks without requiring human intervention. This appeals to studios seeking streamlined operations and reduced expenses.

As one of the most influential studios in the entertainment industry, Disney faces a delicate balance between embracing AI technology and preserving the unique contributions of creative individuals. With its vast array of franchises, including Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar, the entertainment giant must prioritize creative integrity or face the possibility of losing talent.

Disney has already dipped its toes into AI-related endeavors. For instance, it has utilized AI algorithms to optimize marketing strategies and personalize content recommendations on its streaming platforms. However, the prospect of utilizing AI to generate or replicate human talent raises significant ethical concerns. Actors’ union SAG-AFTRA’s apprehensions about the misuse of their members’ likenesses or content without consent highlight these very concerns.

Working with Creative People

The WGA strike has already been going on for quite some time. Many prominent Hollywood writers are not producing content until negotiations are meant. This has caused major delays for studios, sending chaos through the entertainment industry.

Gary Whitta, the writer behind major Disney projects such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, points out in a recent Tweet that many studios likely won’t negotiate on AI because not having to deal with creative people is a dream come true for them. He stresses that humans bring opinions, unpredictability, and expenses while computers are submissive.

The studios are refusing to budge on AI because a creative industry without the hassle of having to deal with creative people is their dream. Creative people are opinionated and unpredictable (and expensive); computers do as they’re told without question or complaint.

https://twitter.com/garywhitta/status/1678606438875402241?s=20

SAG-AFTRA Strike Looming

Disney and other studios will almost certainly deal with a major actors’ strike if negotiations fail with SAG-AFTRA. The contract is set to expire this week, and no one seems to be budging. According to Deadline, SAG-AFTRA has indicated that members should not do work involving any projects should the strike authorization occur. This includes premiere and Comic-Con appearances. Furthermore, many significant Hollywood actors would be involved, an issue that would dramatically affect the premiere of Disney’s next major title, The Haunted Mansion.

haunted mansion premiere writers strike
Credit: Eddy Alvarez, Flickr

The evolving relationship between AI and the entertainment industry, encapsulated by the ongoing negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild and the studios, raises important questions about the future of creativity. While AI offers tantalizing possibilities for increased efficiency, studios like Disney must recognize the indispensable role played by creative individuals and the importance of their consent and fair treatment. Striking a balance between technological advancement and artistic integrity will be crucial to preserving the magic that has captivated audiences for generations. Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations will shape the entertainment industry’s landscape and determine how AI and human creativity coexist in the years to come.

Michael Stoyanoff

Michael is a Disney fan with an entertainment background and passion for writing. Living in Orlando, he has been around the theme parks for over a decade. In his free time he enjoys running, playing video games, and traveling the world. He also loves hanging out with his dog, Mr. Pippers the Pug.

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