Artificial intelligence is reshaping Hollywood, and its impact is reverberating across various sectors of the entertainment industry. Many fear that AI technologies could render traditional roles obsolete; for the last year, writers have been struggling with industry giants to address the issue, and now, animators are facing a similar existential threat.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), representing editors and other craftspeople, recently approved a contract that allows studios to require employees to use AI technology. While some union leaders believe this was the best possible outcome during an industry downturn, others, like Christopher Glass, criticize the lack of concrete protections: “The language they used in the agreement says we’re required to use AI if the studio so chooses.”
Meanwhile, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has taken a stand against AI’s encroachment in the video game industry, leading a second strike in less than a year. The union’s chief contracts officer, Ray Rodriguez, notes that tech companies view actors “as data,” overlooking the nuanced performances AI attempts to replicate. Video game companies often exploit AI to create new voices and body movements, making it difficult for actors to track their work and receive due compensation.
While AI poses challenges, it also offers opportunities for innovation for previously unrecognized markets. Digital Domain, a leading visual effects firm, announced a $25.6 million investment in a global innovation center in Hong Kong, focusing on AI-driven visual production technologies. Daniel Seah, CEO of Digital Domain, believes that AI can empower the film industry and transform Hong Kong into an “Oriental Hollywood.”
The debate over AI in Hollywood is a balancing act between innovation and job security. As industries navigate this integration, the challenge lies in protecting human artistry while embracing technological advancements. In the short term, one can look to growing new markets as people rush to take advantage of the latest developments.
