Re-entry into the post-Writers Guild of America (WGA) negotiations has proven to be a challenging process. After a lengthy battle, the WGA finally secured a deal that granted many of their demands. The members celebrated their victory at the Palladium, with guild leadership acknowledging the support they received from Fake Carol, a Twitter account. However, the hard part was just beginning – it was time to get back to work for those fortunate enough to still have jobs and for the rest, it meant scrambling to find new opportunities.
The return to negotiations with executives in the entertainment industry has been slightly strange. Surprisingly, the creative executives have shown support for the writers, as they too fear being replaced by ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model. This raises the question of whether executives should consider unionizing to protect their own interests, just like many other unions in the industry. It’s worth noting that while the creative executives seem supportive, higher-level executives such as Bob Iger and Ted Sarandos may not share the same sentiment. Unfortunately, I am not fortunate enough to attend the yacht parties where they congregate.
Nevertheless, the most significant difference for writers has been the adrenaline letdown. The long and arduous process of fighting for their rights felt like a constant battle, with writers constantly engaged through social media, blogs, and other platforms. It was as demanding as any writers’ room or screenplay project. Thus, the opportunity to step away from the chaos and enjoy fresh air and the warmth of the sun felt invigorating. It made me wonder if others live their lives like this all the time.
However, the fight is not entirely over. SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing actors, and Fran, the outspoken leader fighting for labor rights, are still in the negotiations. It is enticing to envision being present during their negotiations, particularly to witness Fran using her heart-shaped plushy as a tool to push her agenda against Carol Lombardini, the leader of the AMPTP. The desperation of the AMPTP is evident as they attempt to portray the use of a stuffed animal as the craziest thing an actor has ever done. It’s a clear sign that the negotiation is far from settled.
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In response to Fran’s call, various unions, including WGA, Teamsters, IATSE, TAG, and AFM, converged on Disney recently, creating a united front. The event felt more like a Taylor Swift concert, with hip-hop remixes of Disney songs, free tarot readings, and even food from well-known celebrities such as Kerry Washington and Drew Carey. The solidarity displayed at the rally demonstrated that the fight is not over until Fran Drescher, the voice of the labor movement, sings.
The main reason for the ongoing dispute is the studios’ stubbornness regarding artificial intelligence (AI). It is clear that they are exploring ways to replace actors with deepfake technology. The Motion Picture Association’s (MPA) public comment to the U.S. Copyright Office exemplifies their stance, arguing against any new regulations that would hinder their ability to use celebrities’ likenesses. Their goal is to create digital replicas of iconic actors like Harrison Ford and Arnold Schwarzenegger and insert them into bland, unoriginal films generated by ChatGPT. The WGA has challenged this by trying to prevent AI from being trained on their work. However, the battle ultimately falls to SAG-AFTRA to protect actors from being replaced by digital counterparts.
The frustrating aspect of the situation is that a resolution could be reached quickly if the studios would grant actors the AI protections they demand. This is not solely about money but about recognizing the fundamental role that actors play in the creation of art. By uniting all unions, alongside George R.R. Martin, and filing lawsuits against tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft, the studios could potentially secure a future for their industry.
Studios need to relinquish the illusion that they can compete technologically with companies like Google and Meta. These tech giants prioritize ad dollars rather than the quality of TV, films, or theaters. Their ultimate aim is to flood platforms like YouTube with synthetic content and redirect all advertising revenue towards themselves. This threatens not only the film industry but also influencers on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Even influential media mogul Barry Diller acknowledges the need to redefine fair use to address the challenges posed by AI.
The legacy of Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney, is at stake, as it appears he is prioritizing personal gain over the future of the industry. He must decide whether he will make a deal that supports the unionized actors or retreat with his golden, bitcoin-powered parachute and focus on his yacht. Ultimately, the success of the entertainment industry rests on the collaboration between studios, unions, and creative minds, ensuring that the industry continues to inspire and captivate the world.
