We talk to entertainment workers on the picket lines in LA and NYC about the ongoing WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes. Topics include the threat of AI-generated writing for television, negotiating likeness ownership, the impact of AI on the industry, lack of transparency in streaming platforms, absence of objective metrics in determining content worth, a wealthy individual's dislike for movies and TV shows, the need for creative control, and solidarity among unions and workers.
The use of AI technology in the entertainment industry poses a threat to performers by creating digital versions of actors that can perpetually host shows without consent.
The rise of streaming platforms has resulted in diminished residual payments for writers and actors, highlighting the need for a viewership-based residual system.
Deep dives
The Impact of AI on the Entertainment Industry
AI is a concern for both TV and film writers and actors, but the immediate threat is for performers. The use of AI technology can create digital versions of actors that can perpetually host shows using their likeness without consent. Background performers and voice actors are also impacted when their likenesses are used without their knowledge. There is a need for regulation and protection against the misuse of AI technology in the industry.
Residuals and the Impact of Streaming Platforms
Residuals, which were a significant part of income for writers and actors, have diminished with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix. Unlike traditional television, streaming platforms do not provide significant residual payments to creators. Writers and actors are advocating for a viewership-based residual system, but this is hindered by the secrecy of streaming platforms that refuse to disclose viewership numbers.
De-Skilling in Television Writing
The trend of de-skilling in television writing has led to the use of mini rooms where only a showrunner is responsible for the bulk of writing, instead of a larger team. This diminishes the opportunities for writers to learn and gain experience on set, reducing the quality of scripts and the overall production. It also deprives writers of the chance to negotiate better wages and working conditions.
Solidarity and the Fight for Fair Labor Practices
The ongoing strike in the entertainment industry has created a sense of solidarity among workers and other unions. Actors, writers, and other industry professionals are coming together to support each other's labor actions. This strike is seen not only as a fight for fair compensation and working conditions within the entertainment industry but also as part of a larger labor movement that seeks to address the growing wealth inequality and protect workers' rights in various industries.
We talk to Alex Press about her reporting on the ongoing WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes, with additional commentary from some of the striking entertainment workers we met on the picket lines in LA and NYC.
Special thanks to the following for speaking to us:
Bex Taylor-Klaus
Catherine Schetina
Jess McKenna
John Hodgman
Max Calder
Read Alex's piece on the strikes in Jacobin here: https://jacobin.com/2023/07/hollywood-writers-actors-strike-studios-streaming
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