Justine Bateman Concerns about AI Provisions in SAG-AFTRA’s New Deal
Actress, writer, filmmaker Justine Bateman vocally opposes the AI clauses in the latest SAG-AFTRA contract, continuing the industry-wide debate on the future role of technology in filmmaking.
Justine Bateman, the accomplished actress, writer, and filmmaker, has recently voiced her strong opposition to the provisions concerning artificial intelligence (AI) in the new tentative deal reached by SAG-AFTRA with studios. In an interview with MSNBC's Ali Velshi, Bateman expressed her belief that union members should approve the deal only if they are prepared to be replaced by AI-generated entities.
The new contract, which was approved by a significant majority of the union's board members, has been a heated topic due to its implications for the future of AI in the film industry. Bateman, who has also worked as a union advisor for generative AI, shared her concerns that the film industry is shifting its focus away from human involvement, leaning more towards technology-driven production. This move, according to her, signifies a departure from the traditional film business.
One of the most controversial elements of the agreement is the inclusion of provisions for 'Synthetic Performers' or 'AI Objects'. Bateman argued that this would enable studios and streamers to use AI to create human-like characters, potentially reducing opportunities for real actors. She views this as a direct contradiction to the principles of a union contract, which traditionally protects the roles and rights of human actors.
Contrasting Bateman's viewpoint, actor Jason George, from "Grey’s Anatomy," shared a different perspective on the AI clauses in the contract. He emphasized that the new provisions actually offer stronger protections for actors, highlighting that the agreement mandates informed consent and compensation if an actor's likeness is used to create a digital replica. George also pointed out that the contract maintains the obligation for producers to hire real background actors, explicitly stating that they cannot be replaced with digital replicas.
Although the contract has not been shared with the public yet, the head negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, detailed some aspects in the deal covering AI protections that are in reference to consent and compensation. Despite these assurances, Bateman remains critical and active in raising awareness about the AI-related clauses in the contract. She has been vocal on social media, urging her peers in the industry to understand the full implications of these provisions.
The discussion sparked by Bateman's comments reflects a broader debate that may not simply end with the end of strikes and the new deal within the industry about the role and impact of AI in filmmaking.