The workers union that represents the majority of Hollywood’s film and television crews has reached a tentative three-year deal with leading studios, which includes guardrails on the use of AI. 

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which includes over 50,000 members of costume designers, camera operators and set designers, said they are planning to ratify the deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents Netflix, Disney and more. 

The deal, known as the Basic Agreement, reportedly includes “language that ensures no employee is required to provide Al prompts in any manner that would result in the displacement of any covered employee.”

Protections around the use of AI in Hollywood filmmaking were also included in the contract. 

Pay raises and streaming bonuses in the contract also amounted to more than $1bn over the three years, according to union leaders.

In 2023, Disney formed a task force to study how GenAI can be used in its entertainment output. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Disney said the group of experts aim to create a range of AI applications that can be used in-house, according to a Reuters report.

Josep Bori, GlobalData thematic research director, told Verdict that the media industry “is going to be significantly impacted by GenAI”.

“The large population of supporting and background actors as well as extras could be entirely replaced by software,” Bori said.

In May 2023, the Writers Guild of America went on strike over ongoing labour disputes with Hollywood’s largest studio companies, with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) joining picket lines later in July.

The strikers’ demands include salary increases aligned with inflation, compensation for shows on streaming platforms, improved health and safety processes on set, and protections against the use of AI in the film industry.