After nearly 4 months of a tough fight with A-list actors such as Jennifer Aniston, David Harbour, Tom Cruise, and Brad Pitt, the SAG-AFTRA strike ended satisfactorily. For the first time in a while, audiences witnessed the pioneers of Hollywood get out on the streets for a cause they believed in and more importantly their own protection from Artificial Intelligence.

While the actors and film-makers fought tirelessly for the same, it was the words of the chief negotiator that ultimately helped the SAG-AFTRA union sieze the day.

Studios to take permission from Jennifer Aniston and other actors

After a long fight of around 4 months, SAG-AFTRA did not win every negotiation. However, they got the most out of it. Owing to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the studios finally agreed to ask for permission from the actors before using any of their features for the AI. Crabtree-Ireland had said, as reported by Variety, “If you’re using Brad Pitt’s smile and Jennifer Aniston’s eyes, both would have a right of consent.”

Sean Penn, among other actors, made an intense point while condemning the studios’ use of artificial intelligence to replicate actors. He previously said if the studio wanted an actor’s scans and voice data, he should get the same in return as well. Although he wanted to make his point by citing an example, his argument scored a major win for the actors’ union. So, the studios agreed not to use AI without the actors’ permission.

To further ensure complete protection of identity, the union advocated for protecting the rights of the late actors as well.  Thus Robin Williams’ daughter, Zelda Williams, became a major part of the protests.

What did Zelda Williams say about the AI use?

The American actress-producer talked about how she witnessed the use of AI to recreate the demised actors during the strikes. She expressed her grief over people’s use of her late father’s voice with the artificial intelligence tools. While it broke her heart knowing she could not protect it, Zelda revealed the living actors deserved a chance. She said the actors deserved to choose their characters or voice cartoons. She added they deserved “to put their HUMAN effort and time into the pursuit of performance.”

So, according to California law, the dead actors’ estates can control their names and likenesses for 70 years after their demise. While it led to the delay of several shows and movies, the SAG-AFTRA strikes definitely came bearing their own gifts in the form of protection of the actors’ identity.

What do you think about the big win for the actors against the use of AI? Tell us in the comments below.