Hollywood’s alliance with music giants prevents the use of AI

Entertainment industry workers have reached an initial agreement with major record labels such as Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment to secure a higher minimum wage and prevent them from using artificial intelligence (AI).

According to a statement on the website of the Hollywood Screen Actors Guild – the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) – the “sound recording agreement” covers the period from 2021 to 2026 and was unanimously approved. From the SAG-AFTRA Executive Committee, it represents approximately 160,000 actors and media workers.

As the music industry faces the challenge of generative AI-produced songs that allow internet users to easily replicate artists' voices – often without the artists' consent – the proposed agreement with record labels mandates permission and compensation before releasing songs that feature digital versions of the artists' voices.

As with SAG-AFTRA, the terms “artist,” “singer,” and “royalty artist” refer only to persons in this Agreement. The agreement includes improvements to health and retirement benefits, as well as an expansion of the income-earning class where contributions are expected.

A final vote for approval by members is expected in the coming weeks.

The agreement is set to dominate discussions between SAG-AFTRA and major studios through 2023 as AI technology becomes a major threat to the entertainment industry. After a months-long strike, negotiations ended with a contract agreement in November.

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SAG-AFTRA National Executive and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland believes that the essence of music should come from genuine human expression and life experiences.

“This agreement ensures that our members are protected. While technology can enhance the creative process, the content of music must always be rooted in human expression and experience.

In January, SAG-AFTRA reached another agreement with Replica Studios – an AI audio technology company – regarding the use of AI audio in video games. The agreement gives the executors the right to agree and negotiate with the AI ​​company, as well as the power to opt out of the “continuing use” of their votes in “new projects”.

AI has great potential in film, especially in virtual filmmaking. It offers life-like collections and cost-effectiveness. With high creative flexibility and low production costs, this technology has the potential to completely change the filmmaking process. Despite its transformative power, the AI ​​Protection Agreement aims to ensure fair credit for industry contributors.

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