AI Anxiety in Hollywood
Hollywood artists and writers are striking due to concerns over compensation, working conditions, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in their industries. The strike highlights the increasing anxiety among creative professionals about potential displacement by AI technologies, potentially resulting in job losses and diminished negotiating power for human creators. They are also seeking fair payment and better working conditions to maintain their careers in the fast-changing entertainment sector.
Screenwriters fear loss of control over their craft, while actors worry that AI-generated versions of themselves might be used without proper compensation. However, some in the industry argue that AI could augment the creative process by providing valuable insights, data-driven character development, and varied storylines. As the technology improves, it could lead to the establishment of clearer rules and regulations to safeguard the rights and income of both screenwriters and actors.
Dr. Alex Connock, a senior fellow at the Said Business School of the University of Oxford, addressed these concerns in a recent podcast. Discussing the adaptation of the market to advancements in immersive technologies and their potential impact on various sectors, Connock emphasized the importance of considering the ethical implications and possible disruptions resulting from integrating these technologies into daily life. He noted that AI technologies like ChatGPT are already being used to generate written content, but none have produced truly original writing. However, as technology advances, AI could produce more creative and sophisticated work, ultimately bridging the gap between artificially generated content and human creativity.
Nevertheless, authors worry that AI could emulate their writing styles and create initial scripts, while actors are troubled by contracts for background talent that allow for the use of their likeliness in AI systems without payment. The potential misuse of AI-generated content could result in ethical quandaries and intellectual property disputes, prompting the need for updated industry policies and regulations protecting individual rights while preserving the benefits of AI technology.
Dr. Connock believes the situation is more complicated, with various factors contributing to the complexity of the issue. He argues that addressing these elements is crucial to fully comprehend and effectively address the problem. For performers, it is unlikely that Hollywood companies would risk using an actor’s image without permission, although the rise of deepfakes and CGI has intensified concerns over unauthorized use of actors’ likenesses. This has led to an urgent demand for stronger protective measures and clear legal regulations to protect performers’ rights and image.
Moreover, AI-generated faces would likely be amalgamations of multiple sources, minimizing resemblance to specific individuals and easing concerns about privacy and exploitation. As a result, businesses, developers, and content creators are increasingly adopting AI-generated faces for compliance with ethical norms as well as customization benefits provided by advanced algorithms.
As for authors, Dr. Connock believes their fears are somewhat overstated, affirming that generative AI lacks originality, and audiences prefer authentic content. While generative AI can rapidly create large volumes of content, it struggles to capture the distinct voice and expression human writers bring to their work. According to Dr. Connock, this innate connection and understanding between authors and their audience will sustain the demand for genuine human creativity in the literary world.
See first source: Sky.com
FAQ
Why are Hollywood artists and writers striking?
They are striking due to concerns over compensation, working conditions, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in their industries. They fear potential displacement by AI technologies, resulting in job losses and diminished negotiating power for human creators.
What are screenwriters’ and actors’ main concerns about AI?
Screenwriters fear loss of control over their craft, while actors worry that AI-generated versions of themselves might be used without proper compensation. Both groups are concerned about the ethical implications, intellectual property disputes, and the need for updated industry policies and regulations to protect their rights.
What are potential benefits of AI in the creative process?
AI could augment the creative process by providing valuable insights, data-driven character development, and varied storylines. As the technology improves, it could lead to the establishment of clearer rules and regulations to safeguard the rights and income of both screenwriters and actors.
How can AI-generated content impact the entertainment industry?
The potential misuse of AI-generated content could result in ethical quandaries and intellectual property disputes, prompting the need for updated industry policies and regulations that protect individual rights while preserving the benefits of AI technology.
How likely are Hollywood companies to use an actor’s image without permission?
According to Dr. Alex Connock, it is unlikely that Hollywood companies would risk using an actor’s image without permission. However, the rise of deepfakes and CGI has intensified concerns over unauthorized use of actors’ likenesses, leading to an urgent demand for stronger protective measures and clear legal regulations.
Are authors’ fears of AI-generated writing well-founded?
Dr. Connock believes that authors’ fears are somewhat overstated. Generative AI lacks originality, and audiences prefer authentic content. While generative AI can rapidly create large volumes of content, it struggles to capture the distinct voice and expression that human writers bring to their work, sustaining the demand for genuine human creativity in the literary world.
Featured Image Credit: izayah ramos; Unsplash; Thank you!
