SAG-AFTRA May Go on Strike to Guardrail AI Use

Los Angeles, CA – The Writers Guild of America (WGA) enters its 12th week of strike with stagnant progress and no agreements from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The minimum basic agreements have yet to be established by both parties while a crucial topic has entered the room this time, artificial intelligence. The future of how generative AI will cohabit the entertainment industry with writers, actors, directors, editors and more.

If both SAG-AFTRA and WGA are able to settle terms with the AMPTP, this could signify stricter restrictions and policies regarding the use of AI tools in the entertainment industry. However, if SAG fails to strike a deal with AMPTP by their new deadline, July 12, then the tables may turn for the WGA. In the event that SAG joins forces with the WGA and goes on strike, the AMPTP may bring a new offer to the table as all productions would come to a halt (excluding news and broadcasting).

For writers, this could bring protection over how they are paid, their authorship credit, as well as their working standards in relation to AI's inevitable presence in the field. As for actors, it could mean escaping the nightmares of living through a Black Mirror Episode like "Joan is Awful" by having more control over how their image and voice can be deployed by AI through better transparency from the AMPTP.

Regardless of the outcome, AI's disruption in Hollywood has already begun rolling.