The increasing use of AI in film production, including digital cloning and crowd tiling, is seen as a potential threat to the livelihood of background actors. Union officials argue that while AI can offer benefits, such as allowing an actor to be at two shoots at once, it should not be used without adequate compensation and consent. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers insists they will offer "fair compensation" and only use AI creations after receiving permission from the actor. However, disagreements persist over the definition of consent and the terms of compensation.
Key takeaways:
- Background actors are being scanned and digitally replicated for use in film and television productions, often without clear consent or understanding of how their digital likeness will be used.
- The practice of body-scanning actors is becoming more common, and many fear retaliation if they refuse. This has become a central issue in the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike with studios.
- Advancements in AI technology are enabling more extensive use of digital extras, potentially threatening the jobs of background actors. Some fear that AI could eventually make background actors obsolete.
- There is disagreement between unions and studios over consent and compensation for the use of an actor's digital likeness. Studios propose asking for permission once, while union officials argue that consent should be obtained each time the digital likeness is used.