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In Hollywood writers’ battle against AI, humans win (for now)

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Summary

After a 148-day strike, Hollywood screenwriters have negotiated significant guardrails against the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. The strike was largely about streaming-era economics, writers room minimums and residuals, as well as the threat of AI in script writing. The proposed contract requires studios and production companies to disclose to writers if any material given to them has been generated by AI partially or in full. It also states that AI cannot be a credited writer, cannot write or rewrite "literary material", and cannot be source material. Hollywood actors will soon resume negotiations with studios, and experts believe this deal could be a model for other content-creation industries. The agreement doesn't prohibit all uses of AI, but a company cannot require a writer to use AI software. The WGA and the studios agreed to meet at least twice a year during the contract's three-year term to discuss any changes. The deal will be watched closely by other industries and is seen as the first of many AI labor disputes.

Q&As

What were the key points of the agreement between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers?
The key points of the agreement between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers include requiring studios and production companies to disclose to writers if any material given to them has been generated by AI partially or in full, AI cannot be a credited writer, AI cannot write or rewrite “literary material”, AI-generated writing cannot be source material, and writers can use AI if the company consents.

How does the agreement address the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in script writing?
The agreement states that AI cannot be a credited writer, AI cannot write or rewrite “literary material”, AI-generated writing cannot be source material, and writers can use AI if the company consents.

What are the implications of the agreement for other industries facing automation?
The agreement between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is seen as a forerunner for labor battles to come, as it sets a precedent for other content-creation industries. It also insures that if AI is used, it will be used alongside humans.

What actions has the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) taken regarding AI?
SAG-AFTRA has taken action against AI by going on strike and demanding safeguards against AI, which can potentially use a star’s likeness without his or her permission or replace background actors entirely. SAG-AFTRA members have also voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization against video game companies.

What are the opinions of experts on the agreement between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers?
Experts believe the agreement between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers will be a model for other content-creation industries, and that it insures that if AI is used, it will be used alongside humans. Some skeptics doubt whether the writers made significant headway on AI, while others believe limiting AI is unproductive. It is agreed upon that this was just the first of many AI labor disputes.

AI Comments

👍 The screenwriters' deal is an inspiring example of how labor battles can be won against AI, setting a precedent for other industries in similar situations.

👎 The agreement between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers does not sufficiently address the use of AI and fails to protect writers from exploitation.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about the Hollywood screenwriters' battle against AI. After a 148-day strike, they secured some protections against the use of AI in script writing. They have to disclose if any material given to them has been generated by AI and AI cannot be credited as a writer.

Friend: Wow, that's a big deal! So what are the implications of the article?

Me: Well, the deal between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers could be a model for other content-creation industries. Also, it will be interesting to see how the actors union, SAG-AFTRA, responds to the use of AI in the industry. And, of course, it will be interesting to see how AI is used in the future and if any other tech-related labor disputes arise.

Action items

Research the legal implications of using AI in the workplace.
Reach out to other industries facing automation to learn how they are dealing with the issue.
Stay informed on the latest developments in AI technology and its potential implications for the workplace.

Technical terms

SAG-AFTRA: Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, a labor union representing actors, broadcasters, and recording artists.
Generative AI: Artificial intelligence that can generate new content, such as scripts, based on existing data.
Residuals: Payments made to actors, writers, and other creatives for the reuse of their work.
Firebrand: A person who speaks out strongly and passionately in support of a cause.
Literary material: Written works, such as books, scripts, and articles.
Source material: The original material used to create a work, such as a book or script.
Separated rights: Rights to a work that are held separately from the rights to the underlying material.