The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has officially concluded as leaders have approved a tentative agreement with Hollywood entertainment studios. This deal encompasses various elements, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry.
The strike, which began on May 2, 2023, lasting nearly five months, was declared over on September 27, 2023. Among the key issues raised by the WGA were concerns related to fairer contracts, increased wages, and the adoption of artificial intelligence in the entertainment sector.
Hollywood studios had previously sent a memo to the striking writers and actors in August, offering suggestions for utilizing AI. However, these proposals were insufficient to satisfy the guilds. The official tentative agreement clarifies the stance on AI use: "AI cannot write or rewrite literary material, and AI-generated material will not be considered source material."
This stipulation aims to ensure that AI-generated content does not undermine the credibility of writers. The agreement further states that writers may opt to use artificial intelligence when delivering writing services, subject to the company's agreement and adherence to relevant company policies. Importantly, companies cannot mandate the use of AI software, like ChatGPT, when writers provide their services.
Ellen Stutzman, a leader in the WGA, noted that studios had been resistant to negotiating AI terminology before the strike. Additionally, companies must maintain transparency with authors when using AI-generated content in projects or providing it to authors. The WGA also retains the right to assert that existing agreements or other regulations prohibit the use of writers' material for training artificial intelligence.
This agreement has implications for the WGA, one of the two entertainment unions involved in the strike. The other union, SAG-AFTRA, representing actors and media professionals, joined the strike on July 14, 2023, and is still in the midst of negotiations .
Artificial intelligence remains a significant point of contention for SAG-AFTRA as well. The studios' AI proposal includes scanning background performers, who would only receive a day's pay for their participation. Subsequently, the studio would gain complete ownership of the scans, images, and likenesses.
