SAG Actors react to studios' dystopian AI plan

Hollywood finds itself resembling a dystopian reality as the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) officially announced their alliance with the striking Writers Guild of America (WGA).

Following failed contract negotiations with movie studios and streaming service executives represented by the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP), SAG-AFTRA's 160,000 members are set to join the picket lines. 

The once-in-a-generation scenario marks the first time since 1960 that both unions have simultaneously gone on strike.

The culmination of month-long negotiations and an extended deadline came to a bitter end late Wednesday night, leaving SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher to deliver a fiery speech denouncing the AMPTP's treatment of the union. 

With passionate fervour, Drescher described the studios' actions as "shameful" and "disgusting," highlighting the persistent marginalization, disrespect, and dishonour faced by the union members.

Among the contentious issues at the heart of this battle are concerns over the rapid advancement and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), which has raised fears about the potential replacement of writers and actors. 

The recently revealed "groundbreaking AI proposal" put forth by the AMPTP during the SAG-AFTRA negotiations has sent shockwaves through the acting community. 

According to reports, the AMPTP's proposal revolves around the scanning of background actors, compensating them for a single day's work, and claiming perpetual ownership of their scanned image and likeness. 

Jamie Miller expressed her dismay, stating, "It literally was all of our worst fears confirmed when we heard that. It's kneecapping people from the start."