Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator for the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA (American Federation of Television Artists and Actors Union), said during a press conference on Thursday (13), that the studios want to have eternal image property of actors, which can be reproduced from the use of artificial intelligence (AI), according to the website “The Verge”.
The interview marked the beginning of Hollywood’s first general strike of actors and writers since 1980 .
Crabtree-Ireland said, according to the website, that it had received a “revolutionary proposal” – but that in fact, the studios only wanted to use the images of actors and actresses “without their consent and without compensation”.
“They propose that our actors can be scanned and only receive one day’s pay for it. And the studios will then own this scan, image and likeness of ours – and be able to use it for the rest of eternity in any project they wish, without consent and without compensation. So if you think this is a ‘revolutionary proposal,’ I suggest you think again,” she said.
The Film and Television Producers Alliance (AMPTP), according to “The Verge”, reported that the proposal included “the possible ‘revolutionary’ use of artificial intelligence to protect the digital likenesses of SAG-AFTRA member actors”.
Understanding the Hollywood Strike
SAG-AFTRA represents about 160,000 Hollywood actors and has announced a general strike for the first time in over 40 years after failing to reach a final agreement with major studios and streaming services.
Fran Drescher, president of the union, said the studio management’s offers were “insulting and disrespectful”.
“Companies refused to engage meaningfully on some topics, and on others they blocked us outright,” he said. “Until they negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach an agreement,” he added.
The union base had already voted 98% in favor of authorizing the strike.
“Instead of continuing to negotiate, SAG-AFTRA has set us on a course that will deepen the financial hardships of thousands who depend on the industry for their livelihoods,” AMPTP said.
The news of the strike came after extensive attempts at agreements, but which were not resolved by both parties.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
