Hollywood studios proposed contracts that would allow them to scan actors and create AI that would give them the actors' likeness rights forever

At today's press conference, Hollywood actors confirmed their decision to go on strike. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, disclosed a proposal from Hollywood studios that appears to have been inspired by an episode of the TV show Black Mirror.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), in their statement regarding the strike, mentioned their proposal, which introduces an innovative AI concept aimed at safeguarding the digital likenesses of SAG-AFTRA members.

During the press conference, Crabtree-Ireland was asked about the proposal and expressed his views on it. He stated that the studios presented a so-called "groundbreaking" AI proposal, suggesting that background performers could be scanned, compensated for a single day's work, and have their images, likenesses, and ownership rights handed over to the companies. These companies would have unrestricted usage rights for eternity on any project, without the performers' consent or compensation. He challenged the notion that this proposal is groundbreaking and advised reconsidering its implications.

The inclusion of generative AI technology has been a major point of contention in the negotiations between the two parties, as it has also played a significant role in the ongoing writers' strike. Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the importance of taking a stand at this moment, highlighting the risk of being replaced by machines.

The SAG-AFTRA strike will officially commence tonight at midnight.