Disney's $1 Billion Deal with OpenAI Sparks Caution from SAG-AFTRA
The union has expressed its openness to a deal between Disney and OpenAI, but not without raising some eyebrows. With Disney investing $1 billion in the AI-powered platform, over 200 of its beloved characters have been licensed for use on the Sora video platform and image generator ChatGPT.
Industry insiders were initially skeptical about the partnership, with reactions ranging from disappointment to outright concern. However, when asked about the implications for the acting industry, SAG-AFTRA union presidents Sean Astin and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland seemed cautious rather than confrontational.
While details of the agreement remain murky, it's clear that Disney and OpenAI are trying to mitigate potential concerns. The deal reportedly includes "certain assurances" such as excluding any licensing of performer images or voices. But experts like Crabtree-Ireland wonder why Disney would make a move before IP litigation is resolved.
"This could be smart," Crabtree-Ireland said, suggesting that by partnering with OpenAI now, Disney may be trying to avoid potential copyright and trademark issues down the line. It's also worth noting that SAG-AFTRA has made significant strides in securing protections against synthetic performers and actors being forced to sign away their voice rights.
The union's 2023 contract requires companies to disclose if they've created and used a synthetic performance, with zero instances of non-compliance reported so far. Moving forward, every future negotiation will involve SAG-AFTRA's team examining the impact of AI on the industry. Their goal is to create clear separation between machine learning technology and human creativity.
For now, Disney can proceed with its partnership, but it's clear that SAG-AFTRA is watching closely and looking for opportunities to protect its members' interests in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.
The union has expressed its openness to a deal between Disney and OpenAI, but not without raising some eyebrows. With Disney investing $1 billion in the AI-powered platform, over 200 of its beloved characters have been licensed for use on the Sora video platform and image generator ChatGPT.
Industry insiders were initially skeptical about the partnership, with reactions ranging from disappointment to outright concern. However, when asked about the implications for the acting industry, SAG-AFTRA union presidents Sean Astin and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland seemed cautious rather than confrontational.
While details of the agreement remain murky, it's clear that Disney and OpenAI are trying to mitigate potential concerns. The deal reportedly includes "certain assurances" such as excluding any licensing of performer images or voices. But experts like Crabtree-Ireland wonder why Disney would make a move before IP litigation is resolved.
"This could be smart," Crabtree-Ireland said, suggesting that by partnering with OpenAI now, Disney may be trying to avoid potential copyright and trademark issues down the line. It's also worth noting that SAG-AFTRA has made significant strides in securing protections against synthetic performers and actors being forced to sign away their voice rights.
The union's 2023 contract requires companies to disclose if they've created and used a synthetic performance, with zero instances of non-compliance reported so far. Moving forward, every future negotiation will involve SAG-AFTRA's team examining the impact of AI on the industry. Their goal is to create clear separation between machine learning technology and human creativity.
For now, Disney can proceed with its partnership, but it's clear that SAG-AFTRA is watching closely and looking for opportunities to protect its members' interests in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.
. I mean, what's next? Gotta ask, why would they rush into this before the IP lawyers can even get a handle on it? It seems like they're trying to avoid getting sued for using those familiar faces and voices without proper clearance 
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. I love how they're pushing for clear separation between human creativity and machine learning tech 
. That's a good move, 'cause we don't want our performers being typecast as AI avatars just yet 
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. As AI becomes more integrated into our entertainment landscape, unions are gonna have to adapt fast 
. For now, I'm keeping an eye on this one 
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Disney's got $1 billion into OpenAI and they're already making moves on their iconic characters 
i mean, i get why SAG-AFTRA is being cautious but come on, this is a huge deal 
it could totally change the game for actors and creators everywhere. but at the same time, i'm low-key kinda hyped about the potential for more protections for performers 
like, we've seen how messy IP litigation can get so maybe this is actually a smart move by Disney 
I'm a bit concerned about this deal 
It's like they're playing catch-up with AI tech 
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. They want to make sure their members' rights are protected 
It's a valid concern 
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That would be super disappointing 
. The union is right to keep an eye out for any potential issues 
. They need to make sure AI tech isn't replacing human actors entirely 
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. SAG-AFTRA needs to find a way to work with Disney while still protecting their members' interests 
. Fingers crossed everything works out smoothly 
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. What's next? Gonna be "AI-generated" movies and TV shows with no one behind the scenes?