From computer-generated "extras" to AI "zombies," new restrictions against the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood were set out by the actors' union Friday.

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) reached a deal with studios like Disney and Netflix this week to end its nearly four-month strike. Its board members on Friday voted 86 per cent in favour of ratifying the agreement.

Besides a seven per cent minimum pay increase, and a new $40-million-per-year fund to transfer a portion of revenues for hit shows from studios to actors, AI guardrails were a key part of talks.

The deal "allows the industry to go forward -- it does not block AI," SAG-AFTRA negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland told a press conference.

"But it makes sure that performers are protected. Their rights to consent are protected. Their rights to fair compensation and their rights to employment are protected."

Studios have been experimenting with AI in recent years, from bringing deceased movie stars back using realistic "digital replicas," to using computer-generated background figures to reduce the number of actors needed for battle scenes.&nbsp;

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained--end-of-the-sag-aftra-strike-major-implications-for-hollywood-657401">Explained | End of the SAG-AFTRA strike: Major implications for Hollywood as actors return to work</a></h2>

Many cost-cutting producers want a growing role for AI, and have begun requiring some performers to take part in high-tech 3D "body scans" on set, often without explaining how or when the images will be used.&nbsp;

But now, an actor must be paid the same rate for any use of their digital replica as they would have earned doing the same "amount of work" on set themselves in real life, Crabtree-Ireland said.

Amid fears that background workers -- or "extras" -- could be the first to lose their jobs to AI, strict curbs have been put in place.

"No use of a digital replica can be used to evade engagement and payment of a background actor under this contract," he said.

Studios must gain consent from an actor -- or their estate -- every time their digital replica is used in any film or TV episode.&nbsp;

They cannot present actors with boilerplate contracts entitling them to use a replica in perpetuity, but must instead provide a "reasonably specific description" of how it will be used each time.

- 'Zombies' -&nbsp; 
 
AI technology is advancing at breakneck speed, but has never previously been part of the discussions when SAG-AFTRA renegotiates its contract with studios roughly every three years.

SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said it was vital to nail down rules this time, because "in the world of AI, three months is equivalent to a year."

"So if we didn't get those barricades. What would it be in three years?... It would be so far out of our grasp, we would always be chasing something, but never quite get it."

The very final, contentious detail to be thrashed out with studios on Tuesday night concerned use of AI to create "synthetic fake performers." 
 
Referred to by Variety as "zombies," or "digital Frankensteins," these are constructed using the various body parts of different real actors.

"If you're using Brad Pitt's smile and Jennifer Aniston's eyes, both would have a right of consent," Crabtree-Ireland told the trade website.

He elaborated at Friday's press conference, explaining that studios are now required to obtain permission from every actor whose features are used.

They also have to inform SAG-AFTRA each time a "synthetic fake performer" is created. The union will have the right to bargain for compensation on behalf of the actors involved.&nbsp;

- 'Deal breaker' -&nbsp; 
 
Drescher said AI was a "deal breaker" in the talks, and that the guardrails will not just help actors, but many other entertainment industry professions down the line.

"In a synthetic world, you don't need hair and makeup people. You don't need drivers. You don't need set builders," she said.

"And so for us to keep holding out for the best AI package that we could get was also going to spill over into what their futures were going to look like."

Crabtree-Ireland urged politicians to do more to "make AI protections a priority."

"Our members will be advocating for legislative efforts and will remain actively involved in the movement to protect all individuals' rights to their likeness," he said.

From computer-generated "extras" to AI "zombies," new restrictions against the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood were set out by the actors' union Friday.

From computer-generated "extras" to AI "zombies," new restrictions against the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood were set out by the actors' union Friday. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) reached a deal with studios like Disney and Netflix this week to end its nearly four-month strike. Its board members on Friday voted 86 per cent in favour of ratifying the agreement. Besides a seven per cent minimum pay increase, and a new $40-million-per-year fund to transfer a portion of revenues for hit shows from studios to actors, AI guardrails were a key part of talks. The deal "allows the industry to go forward -- it does not block AI," SAG-AFTRA negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland told a press conference. "But it makes sure that performers are protected. Their rights to consent are protected. Their rights to fair compensation and their rights to employment are protected." Studios have been experimenting with AI in recent years, from bringing deceased movie stars back using realistic "digital replicas," to using computer-generated background figures to reduce the number of actors needed for battle scenes. Explained | End of the SAG-AFTRA strike: Major implications for Hollywood as actors return to work Many cost-cutting producers want a growing role for AI, and have begun requiring some performers to take part in high-tech 3D "body scans" on set, often without explaining how or when the images will be used. But now, an actor must be paid the same rate for any use of their digital replica as they would have earned doing the same "amount of work" on set themselves in real life, Crabtree-Ireland said. Amid fears that background workers -- or "extras" -- could be the first to lose their jobs to AI, strict curbs have been put in place. "No use of a digital replica can be used to evade engagement and payment of a background actor under this contract," he said. Studios must gain consent from an actor -- or their estate -- every time their digital replica is used in any film or TV episode. They cannot present actors with boilerplate contracts entitling them to use a replica in perpetuity, but must instead provide a "reasonably specific description" of how it will be used each time. - 'Zombies' - AI technology is advancing at breakneck speed, but has never previously been part of the discussions when SAG-AFTRA renegotiates its contract with studios roughly every three years. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said it was vital to nail down rules this time, because "in the world of AI, three months is equivalent to a year." "So if we didn't get those barricades. What would it be in three years?... It would be so far out of our grasp, we would always be chasing something, but never quite get it." The very final, contentious detail to be thrashed out with studios on Tuesday night concerned use of AI to create "synthetic fake performers." Referred to by Variety as "zombies," or "digital Frankensteins," these are constructed using the various body parts of different real actors. "If you're using Brad Pitt's smile and Jennifer Aniston's eyes, both would have a right of consent," Crabtree-Ireland told the trade website. He elaborated at Friday's press conference, explaining that studios are now required to obtain permission from every actor whose features are used. They also have to inform SAG-AFTRA each time a "synthetic fake performer" is created. The union will have the right to bargain for compensation on behalf of the actors involved. - 'Deal breaker' - Drescher said AI was a "deal breaker" in the talks, and that the guardrails will not just help actors, but many other entertainment industry professions down the line. "In a synthetic world, you don't need hair and makeup people. You don't need drivers. You don't need set builders," she said. "And so for us to keep holding out for the best AI package that we could get was also going to spill over into what their futures were going to look like." Crabtree-Ireland urged politicians to do more to "make AI protections a priority." "Our members will be advocating for legislative efforts and will remain actively involved in the movement to protect all individuals' rights to their likeness," he said.

Actors union explains AI guardrails in strike deal

Hollywood breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday (Nov 9) as actors' union SAG-AFTRA officially ended its strike after 118 days of picketing. The cameras will start rolling almost immediately as several films and web series were stuck due to the strike.

The strike was called off after actors reached a tentative agreement with studios for a new contract including higher pay and protections against the use of artificial intelligence.

The SAG-AFTRA represents some 160,000 performers.

While Hollywood's elite stars earn millions, many less-known actors said it had become almost impossible to earn a decent living in recent years, as long-standing pay structures failed to keep pace with inflation and industry changes. 
 
When SAG-AFTRA walked out in mid-July, Hollywood writers were also on strike, although they have since resolved their own contract dispute.

It was the first time that the two unions had headed to the picket lines simultaneously since 1960, when actor (and future US president) Ronald Reagan led the protests. 
 
Films affected due to SAG-AFTRA strike 
 
Studios that have already delayed the release of major films such as Dune: Part Two and the next Mission: Impossible installment will now be scrambling to restart productions, that also include hit shows like Stranger Things,&nbsp;in time for next year. 
 
Given the backlog of productions waiting to resume, actors and soundstages are expected to be in high demand, creating further bottlenecks for the industry. 
 
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the "fair agreement," noting that the strikes had "impacted millions in Los Angeles and throughout the country."

"Now, we must lean in on local production to ensure that our entertainment industry rebounds stronger than ever and our economy is able to get back on its feet," she said in a statement.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-hollywood-actors-strike-focus-on-artificial-intelligence-and-residuals-615859">Hollywood actors' strike: Decoding two main issues — artificial intelligence and residuals</a></h2>

President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, saying it reflected successful collective bargaining, and labor and management working together in good faith. The result, Biden said in a statement, "allows our entertainment industry to continue telling the stories of America."

Celebs welcome the decision 
 
The news spread instantly across Hollywood, with celebrities expressing joy and relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Incredible! I'm so happy we were all able to come to an agreement. Let's get back to work! Let's go! I'm so stoked," Zac Efron told reporters at a premiere for The Iron Claw. 
 
"PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF!" wrote Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis on Instagram.

Residuals and AI 
 
In resolving the standoff, both sides compromised on minimum pay, settling on an increase from the previous contract of around eight per cent.

That is less than what actors had originally wanted, but higher than what the writers obtained, and the biggest increase in decades.&nbsp;

An improved bonus structure for starring in hit shows or films was also agreed upon. 
 
The growth of streaming platforms, which typically pay minimal "residuals" when hit shows are re-watched, had severely eroded actors' incomes, so the new provision on that front will be welcome news for performers. 
 
AI proved a major sticking point in the final stretch of negotiations, as actors feared the technology could be used to clone their voices and likenesses. 
&nbsp;

Hollywood breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday (Nov 9) as actors' union SAG-AFTRA officially ended its strike after 118 days of picketing. The cameras will start rolling almost immediately as several films and web series were stuck due to the strike.

Hollywood breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday (Nov 9) as actors' union SAG-AFTRA officially ended its strike after 118 days of picketing. The cameras will start rolling almost immediately as several films and web series were stuck due to the strike. The strike was called off after actors reached a tentative agreement with studios for a new contract including higher pay and protections against the use of artificial intelligence. The SAG-AFTRA represents some 160,000 performers. While Hollywood's elite stars earn millions, many less-known actors said it had become almost impossible to earn a decent living in recent years, as long-standing pay structures failed to keep pace with inflation and industry changes. When SAG-AFTRA walked out in mid-July, Hollywood writers were also on strike, although they have since resolved their own contract dispute. It was the first time that the two unions had headed to the picket lines simultaneously since 1960, when actor (and future US president) Ronald Reagan led the protests. Films affected due to SAG-AFTRA strike Studios that have already delayed the release of major films such as Dune: Part Two and the next Mission: Impossible installment will now be scrambling to restart productions, that also include hit shows like Stranger Things, in time for next year. Given the backlog of productions waiting to resume, actors and soundstages are expected to be in high demand, creating further bottlenecks for the industry. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the "fair agreement," noting that the strikes had "impacted millions in Los Angeles and throughout the country." "Now, we must lean in on local production to ensure that our entertainment industry rebounds stronger than ever and our economy is able to get back on its feet," she said in a statement. Hollywood actors' strike: Decoding two main issues — artificial intelligence and residuals President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, saying it reflected successful collective bargaining, and labor and management working together in good faith. The result, Biden said in a statement, "allows our entertainment industry to continue telling the stories of America." Celebs welcome the decision The news spread instantly across Hollywood, with celebrities expressing joy and relief. "Incredible! I'm so happy we were all able to come to an agreement. Let's get back to work! Let's go! I'm so stoked," Zac Efron told reporters at a premiere for The Iron Claw. "PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF!" wrote Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis on Instagram. Residuals and AI In resolving the standoff, both sides compromised on minimum pay, settling on an increase from the previous contract of around eight per cent. That is less than what actors had originally wanted, but higher than what the writers obtained, and the biggest increase in decades. An improved bonus structure for starring in hit shows or films was also agreed upon. The growth of streaming platforms, which typically pay minimal "residuals" when hit shows are re-watched, had severely eroded actors' incomes, so the new provision on that front will be welcome news for performers. AI proved a major sticking point in the final stretch of negotiations, as actors feared the technology could be used to clone their voices and likenesses.

Hollywood rejoices, films resume work as SAG-AFTRA ends strike after 118 days

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Actors union explains AI guardrails in strike deal

Hollywood rejoices, films resume work as SAG-AFTRA ends strike after 118 days