Sean Astin is already taking up some big responsibilities after being elected president of the SAG-AFTRA association a few weeks ago. The actor was recently chosen as the head of the labor union organization that represents thousands of workers in the entertainment industry, and upon coming to terms with his duties, he has reacted to news that shook Hollywood recently. Representing SAG-AFTRA, Astin has addressed the situation of AI “actress” Tilly Norwood, and agents trying to represent the lifeless piece of code.
As reported by Variety, Astin released a statement claiming that, as head of the SAG, he will stand up for its members. After news broke that agents were seeking to represent the AI figure, many industry figures were quick to react, and obviously, the reactions were not positive. The actor, known for his roles in the Lord of the Rings franchise and Stranger Things, said the following in the official statement:
“I appreciate that this story has captured the imagination of people, but it’s not the first shoe to drop. We had a 118-day strike, fighting very hard to put AI provisions and protections in place. The teams at SAG-AFTRA have been in this fight for longer than people might realize. As technology continues to advance at light speed, we’re going to meet the challenge.
“Our agreement with the ATA [Association of Talent Agents] is important, and we look forward to a healthy, constructive conversation with agencies to make sure that we continue to help each other. We performers rely on our agent’s judgment and their good work and their sincerity, and they rely on our talent and our marketability. The real issue at play is how our work is exhibited and what kinds of permissions and compensations we get for its use.”
Does AI (In Any Shape or Form) Have a Place in Creative Arts?
Any mention of AI in the entertainment business is immediately met with backlash. From (some) consumers to the entire industry workforce, the reaction is negative, with most claiming that the ever-advancing technology poses a danger. Meanwhile, executives will always focus on cutting costs, regardless of the risks the use of AI represents and how it affects the moviegoing and TV-viewing experience. The dividing line is simply getting broader by the minute.
Astin’s statements are a direct nod to those promoting the use of AI in the industry. AI might be able to work faster, but real artists are still producing vastly superior creations. AI-rendered videos still look a bit… off. For the sake of thousands of workers, it should stay that way, as we will face the real problem when the machines get powerful enough to replicate content with enough accuracy to confuse us. Astin closed his statement with the following:
“With regard to AI, we have an extraordinary amount of leverage, because the audience wants to see real human performers in movies, TV shows, animation, video games, audiobooks and in all the other ways that we represent our members.”
- Birthname
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Sean Patrick Duke
- Birthdate
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February 25, 1971
- Birthplace
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Santa Monica, California, USA