When producers use artificial intelligence to mimic an actor’s performance, they must negotiate it, SAG-AFTRA said in a statement Friday about the use of AI and digital duplicating.
“The terms of the right to digitally simulate an artist to create new performances must be negotiated with the union,” the guild said in a statement.
“These rights are mandatory bargaining points under the National Labor Relations Act,” says the guild. “Companies must negotiate with SAG-AFTRA before attempting to obtain these rights in individual artist contracts. Bypassing SAG-AFTRA and engaging directly with artists on these issues is a clear violation of the NLRA.”
The WGA took a similar position. That’s the pattern of demands for upcoming contract talks, which begin Monday, as the Writers Guild seeks to “regulate the use of material created with artificial intelligence or similar technology.”
“Human creators are the foundation of the creative industries and we must make sure that they are respected and paid for their work,” says SAG-AFTRA. “Governments should not create new exceptions to copyright or other intellectual property rights that allow artificial intelligence developers to use creative works or professional voices and likenesses without permission or compensation. Trust and transparency are essential to the success of AI.
“SAG-AFTRA will continue to prioritize the protection of our member artists from the unauthorized use of their voices, likenesses and performances. We are in regular contact and actively work with other artist unions around the world on these important issues. We follow the latest developments in AI technology, its use in the entertainment and media industry, and the evolving legal landscape. We will continue to negotiate and enforce regulations on these technologies and their use so that employers and artists can work together.”
The guild also noted that Global Rule One, which requires members as part of their contract to work on projects filmed anywhere in the world, requires that “an agreement be made with an employer to use the voice or image of ‘ a member to digitally broadcast a new performance. Members may therefore not transfer these rights to an employer who does not have a basic minimum agreement with the union.”
SAG-AFTRA also encouraged members to contact the guild if they believe their employers are asking them to give up AI rights. “The union will investigate the matter and take appropriate steps to protect members based on the specific circumstances,” the guild said.
Source: Deadline
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
