The article also discusses the potential benefits and threats of generative AI for Hollywood writers. While AI could assist writers in developing scripts and performing daily activities, it could also replace writers or degrade the quality of remaining jobs. The article notes that current versions of generative AI can generate an entire script, albeit of rudimentary quality. However, as the technology improves, there are fears that it could replace human writers entirely. The article concludes by noting that the use of AI could also exacerbate financial insecurity among writers, particularly given the already precarious nature of Hollywood writing careers.
Key takeaways:
- Hollywood writers, including Danny Tolli, are concerned about the potential threat of artificial intelligence (AI) to their careers, particularly with the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT 3.5, which excels at non-routine skills considered quintessentially human.
- The Writers Guild of America West successfully negotiated a three-year contract with major Hollywood studios, securing protections from AI for writers. The contract stipulates that writers have control over the use of generative AI and receive full credit and compensation if it is used.
- Generative AI has the potential to augment or replace jobs, depending on how it is deployed. In creative fields like writing, it could assist in brainstorming ideas, drafting dialogue, and other tasks, but it could also be used to generate entire scripts, potentially eliminating jobs.
- There are concerns that the use of AI could degrade remaining writing jobs, with writers being relegated to polishing and editing AI-generated drafts. This could lead to job losses and increased financial insecurity in the industry.