The entertainment industry is currently engaged in a prolonged battle with striking actors and writers. Despite the abundance of money in the industry, with examples like Netflix offering a job posting for a machine learning platform product manager with an annual salary range of $300,000 to $900,000, many actors only make around $200 a day according to their contract with SAG-AFTRA. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating future entertainment is a key topic of debate in this ongoing conflict.
In the job listing, Netflix indicates that AI will not only be used to develop new algorithms for recommending shows and movies but also to “create great content” and integrate artificial intelligence in all areas of its business. The entertainment giant has already taken some tentative steps in this direction. For instance, it currently airs a Spanish reality dating series called Deep Fake Love, which utilizes AI-generated deepfakes by scanning contestants’ faces. Additionally, Netflix’s gaming studio employs generative AI to compose narratives and dialogue.
The introduction of AI into the entertainment industry raises questions and concerns for both striking actors and writers. One major concern is the potential displacement of human talent and the impact on job opportunities. As AI technologies advance, there is a fear that human actors and writers may be phased out in favor of AI-generated content. This would not only lead to a loss of jobs but also raise ethical and creative integrity concerns.
On the other hand, proponents of AI argue that it has the potential to revolutionize the entertainment industry by enhancing creativity and expanding the possibilities for storytelling. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and generate innovative ideas that may not have been conceived by human writers. It can also automate certain tasks, such as scriptwriting or video editing, saving time and resources.
However, striking actors and writers raise valid concerns about the quality and authenticity of AI-generated content. While AI can mimic human behavior and create convincing deepfakes, it may lack the emotional depth and nuance that human actors and writers bring to their craft. The ability to convey complex emotions and connect with audiences on a profound level is a unique human characteristic that cannot be replicated by AI.
Moreover, the use of AI in entertainment raises legal and ethical considerations related to intellectual property and privacy. As AI algorithms generate content based on existing works, questions arise regarding copyright infringement and the ownership of AI-generated content. Additionally, the use of AI in personal data collection and analysis for targeted content creation raises concerns about privacy and data security.
Despite these concerns, AI’s potential to revolutionize the entertainment industry cannot be ignored. It has already demonstrated its capabilities in enhancing production processes and creating captivating content. However, striking actors and writers demand fair compensation and job security as AI becomes more integrated into the industry. Striking parties argue that the vast financial resources of entertainment giants should be utilized to ensure that actors and writers are not marginalized or replaced by AI technologies.
In conclusion, the introduction of AI into the entertainment industry is a subject of intense debate between striking actors and writers and the big entertainment powers. While AI offers exciting possibilities for innovation and creativity, it also raises concerns about job displacement, creative integrity, and ethical considerations. Striking parties demand fair compensation and job security as AI becomes more prevalent in the industry. The resolution of this conflict will shape the future of entertainment and the role of AI within it.
