The ongoing conflict between Hollywood actors and big corporations seems to be intensifying, as evidenced by a recent job posting by Netflix for a machine learning platform product manager. This position offers an annual salary ranging from $300,000 to $900,000, a stark contrast to the average daily income of many actors, which is around $200 according to the SAG-AFTRA contract.
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of entertainment is a topic of major concern for both striking parties. The job listing suggests that AI will not only be used to develop new algorithms for recommending shows and movies but also to “create great content.” Netflix is actively seeking to incorporate AI into “all areas of the business.” The company’s website even states that AI is utilized to optimize the production of original movies and TV shows.
Netflix is not the only company offering high-paying AI-related positions. The company is also hiring a technical director for generative AI at its gaming studio, with an annual salary of up to $650,000. This recruitment effort aligns with Netflix’s recent ventures into AI-driven projects, such as the Spanish reality dating series called “Deep Fake Love,” which utilizes AI-generated “deepfakes” to scan contestants’ faces, and the use of generative AI in composing narratives and dialogue for their gaming studio.
These developments come in the wake of striking actors rejecting a proposal from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The proposal offered a one-time payment of $200 to actors to scan their likeness and use it in perpetuity as AI-enhanced CGI simulacrums without consent or compensation. SAG-AFTRA strongly objected to this, asserting that the company would have complete ownership of the actors’ image and likeness, with the unrestricted ability to use it in any project without any form of compensation.
The clash between these two factions highlights the growing tension between traditional entertainment industry practices and the advancements in AI technology. While actors are concerned about their rights and fair compensation, corporations like Netflix are eager to leverage AI capabilities to revolutionize the entertainment landscape.
The application of AI in the entertainment industry has its benefits and challenges. On one hand, AI can enhance the creative process by assisting in content creation and optimization. It can also streamline production, reduce costs, and provide personalized recommendations to users. However, the use of AI also raises ethical issues, particularly in terms of consent, ownership, and compensation for actors whose likeness is scanned and integrated into AI-driven projects.
As the Hollywood strikes continue, it remains to be seen how these contentious issues will be resolved. Both actors and corporations have valid concerns and interests that need to be addressed in order to find a mutually agreeable solution. Balancing the potential of AI with the protection of actors’ rights and fair compensation will be crucial for the future of the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, the recent job postings by Netflix for AI-related positions with significant salaries demonstrate the company’s commitment to integrating AI into its operations. This intensifies the ongoing conflict with striking actors who reject proposals that compromise their rights and compensation. The clash between traditional entertainment practices and the advancement of AI raises important questions about the future of the industry. Finding a balance between harnessing the potential of AI and ensuring fair treatment of actors will be pivotal in resolving this dispute.
