Hollywood’s writers’ strike over pay is taking a new turn, with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) urging studios to rule out the possibility of artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human writers in the future. The WGA had been demanding binding agreements regulating the use of AI during negotiations with studios and streamers, but talks broke down on Monday.
WGA proposal rejected by studio
People picket outside Paramount Pictures Studios during a Hollywood writers strike on May 4, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images via AFP)
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The WGA has proposed that nothing written by an AI can be considered “literary” or “source” material, and that scripts written by WGA members cannot be “used to train an AI.” rice field. However, the studio rejected the proposal, offering to meet only once a year to “discuss advances in technology.”
Concern about AI replacing writers
WGA’s proposal was part of ongoing negotiations with studios and streamers that collapsed Monday, leading to a writers’ strike over wages. But studios and streamers are even more insulted because they believe it’s possible.
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Writers fear executives will use AI to write hit shows and cut costs. Comments from top Hollywood executives at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills this week did little to allay their concerns. His CEO at Fox Entertainment, Rob Wade, predicts that AI will be able to do everything related to filmmaking within his decade.
The studio’s take on using AI
The studio’s explanation of the broken WGA negotiations offers a more nuanced view. He said he was happy to use AI “as part of the creative process” unless it wasn’t.
Availability of AI in writing
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Some writers, such as Layla Cohan, writer of the Netflix blockbuster Bridgerton, believe that the only usefulness of AI for writers is in coming up with names for characters. predicts that you’ll “start using AI to create an incredibly bad first draft, then hire writers to rewrite it.” The possibility is “very scary,” Cohan said. Even sci-fi writer Ben Ripley believes there is no role for AI in writing, but thinks the law is needed now to put guardrails in place. is the antithesis of originality.
Members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) East hold a sign as they walk the picket line outside Peacock New Front in New York City May 2, 2023. (Getty Images via AFP)
final hollywood strike
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In the final Hollywood writers strike of 2007-2008, writers earned the right to be paid to watch their shows and movies online. This was very prescient for a time when streaming was still in its infancy. At the time, Netflix had barely started watching online, and the likes of Disney+ and Apple TV+ were more than a decade ahead of him.
Also read | Late-night writers’ strike continues How long can viewers withstand reruns?
The current strike, which began on May 2, has already halted production of several TV shows and could delay the release of the much-anticipated series. Therefore, it is not yet known how long the strike will last and what its ultimate outcome will be.
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(with input from AFP)
