The dual strikes by SAG-AFTRA and WGA have brought Hollywood’s production of new scripted programming to a halt, although the impact is not yet widespread. Jesse Harper, a member of SAG-AFTRA for 30 years, stated that the strike was anticipated, and a lot of content was produced in advance to mitigate the immediate effects. It is expected that it will take two to three months before the strike’s impact is felt by viewers and movie-goers.
Production in Chicago has been significantly affected as well, with shows like “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago PD,” and “The Bear” currently on their summer hiatus. However, commercial contracts, theater contracts, and non-scripted projects remain unaffected at the moment.
The strikes are primarily driven by the need for fair compensation for talent and to address the changing landscape of the industry. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is a critical concern for SAG-AFTRA and WGA members. Harper believes that within the next two to three years, AI technology will be capable of creating actors indistinguishable from real human beings.
One of the contentious issues in the negotiations is the producers’ proposition to use background artists’ images in perpetuity without fair compensation. Harper explained that actors rely on residuals from syndication to sustain their income, but with the rise of streaming services and shorter seasons, the industry’s financial dynamics have changed.
Screenwriter, playwright, and actor James Henry expressed concern regarding AI’s potential impact on written content. He believes that AI-run programs could lead to a loss of originality and diversity of thought in writing.
The strikes by SAG-AFTRA and WGA are at the forefront of the battle against AI development due to its potential to disrupt various industries, not just entertainment. The industry is undergoing significant changes, and resolving the issues raised by the strikes may take time.
Despite the strikes, the Indiana Film Office continues to receive significant interest from film and media creators who want to work in the state. The impact of the strikes on states that are not right-to-work states remains unclear.
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