**AI’s Impact on Hollywood: Unexpected Disruptions**

Many perceive AI as a threat, causing understandable fears. President Joe Biden’s recent executive order on the technology responded to the perceived risks to national security. Last week, 28 countries, including members of the European Union and China, signed an agreement to control AI advancements, citing the potential for “serious, even catastrophic, harm.” In Hollywood, concerns focused on AI’s unauthorized use to recreate actors’ performances without consent or appropriate compensation, as well as the possibility of AI-powered scripts replacing human screenwriters.

**Negotiating AI Protections: SAG-AFTRA’s Stand**

SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) haven’t disclosed the agreement’s details yet. However, based on their tweets, SAG likely achieved the AI protections they advocated for. The Hollywood Reporter reported that AMPTP’s earlier proposal aimed to allow studios to use AI scans of performers’ likenesses, known as “Schedule F” performers, without the consent of their estates or SAG. The guild resisted this and demanded compensation and consent.

**AI in Recent Strikes and Industry Concerns**

Writers and actors made AI a major point of contention in this year’s strikes. In the previous major work stoppage, the writers’ strike of 2007–08, key issues were fair compensation for web-created content and improved residual payments for downloaded content. However, this was before the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and their significant impact on the industry. These recent strikes serve as a warning of future labor disputes as streaming becomes the dominant force in entertainment, replacing traditional network TV and big-screen blockbusters.

**Industry Concerns and Contract Renegotiation**

Industry concerns during this year’s negotiations focused on the rapid advancements of AI and the significant impact of streaming. As contracts with studios are renegotiated every three years, SAG-AFTRA aimed to address potential threats and disruptions from AI by securing provisions against the unregulated use of generative AI.

**Ongoing Concerns and Future Scenarios**

While recent agreements provide some reassurance, concerns remain. Actor and filmmaker Alex Winter wrote in WIRED that the deals place great faith in studios to responsibly handle AI’s potential. Winter hoped SAG-AFTRA’s contract would include language acknowledging that studios are as threatened by Big Tech as artists and that both sides need to find common ground in navigating these technological advancements. Studios may have the ability to leverage AI for deepfake performances or scriptwriting, but given enough time, the technology could surpass the need for studios altogether. Although AI-generated videos may not currently meet cinema-quality standards, advancements in artificial intelligence could change that. In the future, individuals might find it easier to create their own TV shows instead of relying on studios or streamers. Tech disruptions can be indiscriminate, and while the threat of AI halted Hollywood for nearly six months, its full potential is yet to be realized.