This is a horrible thing to do to any human being. One of the most disturbing things The companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) — which include Amazon/MGM, Apple, Disney/ABC/Fox, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount/CBS, Sony, Warner Bros. Discovery (HBO), and others are proposing to the actors is that they want to be able to scan a background performer's image, pay them for a half a day's labor, and then use an individual's likeness for any purpose forever without their consent. They also want to be able to make changes to principal performers' dialogue, and even create new scenes, without informed consent. As well as to be able to use someone's images, likenesses, and performances to train new generative AI systems without permission or compensation.
The benefit the studios see is that using an actor's image, paying us for half a day's work, and using it in perpetuity can be considered a good thing because paying an actor for half a day's work rather than a full day or multiple days can be cost-effective, especially if the project doesn't require extensive filming or the actor's role is limited.
Using an actor's image in perpetuity without adequate compensation or without their explicit consent is exploitative and unethical. It's essential to balance the interests of all parties involved to create a mutually beneficial and respectful arrangement.
We are entering week three. Yes, The Strike continues, and It will take as long as it takes. The AMPTP thinks we will relent, but the will of our membership has never been stronger. We have the resolve and unity needed to defend our rights.
I'm grateful to Fran Dresher, Our SAG-AFTRA President, for not allowing abuse. Being on strike is not an easy thing for anyone. We need transformative contracts, on the most critical issues that affect the very survival of our profession. We need fair compensation that accounts for inflation, revenue sharing on top of residuals, protection from AI technology, and updates to our pension and health contribution caps, which haven't been changed in decades.
I have to ask you, What are your thoughts on the practice of using an actor's image, compensating them for half a day's work, and utilizing it in perpetuity? Share your insights and opinions below!"