TL;DR:
- SAG-AFTRA’s agreement allows members to grant consent and receive compensation for AI-generated likenesses.
- The agreement with AMPTP establishes guidelines for AI usage and marks a historic development for the union.
- While addressing AI concerns, the agreement falls short of granting a share of streaming revenue to actors.
- It outlines a revenue distribution model for streaming shows, with 75% going to top performers.
- The remaining 25% allocation for other performers lacks clear specifics.
- Digital likeness creation requires performer consent and defines compensation structures.
- This agreement follows AI protections set by the Writers Guild of America.
- It aligns with the broader trend of Hollywood addressing AI-related challenges.
- Lawmakers and regulators are also considering AI safeguards.
- Schumer’s AI Insight Forums and Senate hearings are part of this legislative discussion.
- The Biden administration has issued an executive order on AI, urging risk management by leading companies.
Main AI News:
In a significant milestone, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has unveiled an agreement that grants members the authority to grant consent and receive compensation for the utilization of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate their image. This development comes as part of a comprehensive summary of the union’s tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), marking a historic moment for SAG-AFTRA, which represents approximately 160,000 actors and media professionals.
The pressing need for safeguarding actors against the ever-expanding influence of AI technology, capable of producing lifelike depictions of performers, has been a growing concern. While addressing these concerns, this agreement did not fully meet all of the union’s demands. Notably, SAG-AFTRA had sought a share of revenues generated from streaming productions. However, the tentative agreement introduces a more limited framework that places a cap on residual earnings for actors, as reported by Variety.
The agreement delineates a revenue distribution model for streaming shows, with a substantial 75 percent allocated to performers in the most-watched productions. The remaining 25 percent is designated for other performers, although the specifics of this distribution have yet to be clearly defined, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Effective on November 9, bringing an end to a 118-day strike by actors, this tentative agreement mandates that the creation of a digital likeness necessitates explicit consent from the performer. Furthermore, it outlines the compensation structure for performers in connection with the use of these digital replicas, encompassing the time invested in their creation and their subsequent utilization.
This pivotal agreement closely follows the precedent-setting AI protections established by the Writers Guild of America in September, which similarly addressed the responsible application of AI in the entertainment industry. The momentum generated within Hollywood to confront AI-related challenges through union negotiations coincides with the broader discussions among lawmakers and regulators regarding the need for AI safeguards, ranging from AI’s impact on employment to its potential to amplify the spread of misinformation.
On the legislative front, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has convened a series of AI Insight Forums in the Senate, bringing together a diverse group of industry experts, civil rights leaders, and scholars to deliberate on the benefits and risks associated with AI. Concurrently, Senate committees have held hearings to address AI risks, while bipartisan proposals have been introduced and are awaiting further action.
The Biden administration has also taken significant steps by issuing an expansive executive order on AI and securing voluntary commitments from leading corporations to proactively manage the risks posed by AI. These developments underscore the evolving landscape of AI governance, with congressional action potentially on the horizon.
Conclusion:
SAG-AFTRA’s groundbreaking AI protection agreement represents a significant step forward for the entertainment industry. While providing actors with essential consent and compensation rights for AI-generated likenesses, it also reflects the industry’s ongoing efforts to grapple with the complexities of AI. However, the agreement’s limitations on sharing streaming revenues and the absence of precise details on distribution may continue to be points of contention. The broader context of legislative discussions and executive actions in the AI landscape suggests that the industry will face increasing scrutiny and regulation in the coming years.
