Labor unions for actors and writers are striking over pay, benefits and job protections. But Artificial intelligence technology has become a big issue in Hollywood’s labor fight. AI has introduced a new point of disagreement between artists and production companies. Here is a look at what both sides say they want. With AI, star actors fear they will lose control of their likenesses. Unknown actors fear they will be replaced altogether. Writers fear they will have to share credit with or lose credit to machines. The proposed contracts which the two sides have been attempting to negotiate is to last only three years. Even at the speed at which AI technology is developing, it is unlikely there would be a large displacement of writers or actors within that period of time. But unions and employers know that if they compromise on an issue, it will be harder to get what they want in the next set of negotiations. New technology is important to filmmaking. AI has been used to make actors look younger, like Harrison Ford in the recent film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. All sides in the strike know that use of new technology will continue to increase. That is why both sides are looking to establish legal and creative control.
