More details have emerged regarding the demands of striking actors in the entertainment industry. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) went on strike due to major studios’ refusal to meet their demands. These demands include a two percent cut of streaming revenue and a significant increase of 230 percent in foreign streaming residuals, among other issues.
According to Variety, one of the main concerns raised by SAG is the use of generative AI and actors’ digital likenesses. The union strongly believes that performers should have the right to consent to any use of their performance to train an AI system. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) has agreed to this condition, but only in cases where AI training is used to alter or recreate the likeness of the performer in question. However, the AMPTP has refused to grant consent for studios to use AI systems to create “synthetic” performers or for any other undisclosed purposes.
Another point of contention between SAG and the studios is the need for union consent on individual uses of AI. SAG-AFTRA firmly believes that the studios should seek union authorization for every specific application of AI, ensuring that the rights and interests of their members are protected. Unfortunately, the studios have resisted granting this consent, further worsening the ongoing dispute.
In addition to the concerns over AI and digital likenesses, there is also a disagreement regarding background actors. SAG-AFTRA aims to secure fair and appropriate compensation for background performers, who often play crucial roles in setting the scene and creating a realistic environment for a film or TV show. The union believes that these actors should receive fair wages and benefits that reflect their contributions to the production process. However, the studios have not been willing to meet these demands, thus contributing to the growing tensions between the two parties.
The strike initiated by SAG has caused significant disruptions in the entertainment industry. Productions have been halted, casting has been put on hold, and countless crew members and workers have been affected. The strike is a clear indication of the growing dissatisfaction among actors and other industry professionals who feel that their rights and fair compensation have been disregarded. It serves as a powerful statement that actors are no longer willing to accept unfair working conditions and inadequate representation.
Streaming revenue has become a major source of income for studios, thanks to the rise of platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. However, actors argue that they are not receiving a proportional share of the revenue generated by these platforms. With the increasing popularity of streaming services, actors believe that their contributions to the success of these shows and films should be acknowledged and compensated fairly.
Foreign streaming residuals have also become a contentious issue in the negotiations between SAG and the studios. As streaming platforms expand their reach globally, actors want to ensure that they receive a fair share of the revenue generated from international viewership. They argue that their performances are being distributed and consumed worldwide, and therefore they should receive proper compensation for their work.
The dispute over the use of AI and digital likenesses reflects a broader concern within the entertainment industry. As technology advances, there is a growing fear among actors that their roles may be replaced by synthetic performers created through AI systems. SAG is seeking to protect their members from potential job losses and ensure that their performances are not exploited without their consent.
In conclusion, the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild highlights the pressing issues faced by actors in the entertainment industry. Their demands for a fair share of streaming revenue, increased foreign streaming residuals, protection of their digital likeness in AI systems, and fair treatment for background actors are all critical aspects that need to be addressed. The strike serves as a wake-up call for studios to recognize and respect the rights and contributions of actors, as well as the importance of fair compensation and representation in the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
