The SAG AFTRA AI deal has caused people in the gaming industry to raise their eyebrows. Lastly, the union was fighting against the AI dynasty and now they made a deal with one of the companies. Let’s take a closer look at the details below.
This blending of Hollywood and advanced tech isn’t without its challenges. The SAG AFTRA AI deal sparks conversations about the potential of AI in entertainment. While the idea of AI-generated voice replicas brings innovation, it also raises concerns among actors, especially considering past clashes like the 2023 strike. Follow us as we unravel the details of this groundbreaking collaboration, explore its impact, revisit past challenges, and shine a light on the key players shaping the dynamic relationship between art and artificial intelligence.
What is the SAG AFTRA AI deal?
SAG AFTRA, a group of actors, just made a big deal with Replica Studios, a tech company. The deal? They’re teaming up to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create digital copies of actors’ voices for video games. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the head of the union, spilled the details at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The deal comes with rules – like getting permission to use AI voices and keeping the digital copies safe.
The goal? Make technology work for actors, not against them. Crabtree-Ireland wants to use new tech to help actors, not hold them back. However, this conflicts with the union’s recent actions.
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SAG AFTRA video game strike
SAG-AFTRA, representing actors, voted to go on strike against big video game companies before. Why? These companies didn’t meet the members’ demands. This echoes a similar struggle in film and TV. The common issue? Making sure actors get fair pay and protection against too much use of AI.
The fight centers around the Interactive Media Agreement, a deal covering union members working with big game companies. Originally set to end last November, it got extended because of disagreements. The core problem? The union wants rules on how AI can be used in making video games. This includes capturing the movements and expressions of actors for animation.
It’s not just about digital stuff; even voice actors in video games are worried. SAG-AFTRA is demanding agreements to protect their jobs from being taken over by AI.
The worries spread beyond just digital actions; background actors in film and TV on strike fear AI might replace them. The concern is that studios might use AI to manipulate 3D scans of actors on set, maybe replacing them altogether. Even though studios deny this, it shows how much AI is changing the entertainment world.
Who leads SAG AFTRA?
In charge at SAG AFTRA is Fran Drescher, the famous actress and comedian known for creating “The Nanny.” Drescher is the national president of SAG AFTRA, leading the union through the challenges of entertainment and new technologies.
It’s clear – the union is navigating a new path. Finding the right balance between actors and AI is a challenge. With exciting possibilities ahead and the need to protect art, SAG-AFTRA’s journey reminds us of the dance between technology and timeless storytelling, ensuring both thrive together.
Featured image credit: Claudio Schwarz/Unsplash
