Hollywood’s video game performers went on strike Friday after negotiations with major game studios came to a halt over artificial intelligence protections. Russel Morgan, a legal expert and founder of Morgan Legal Group, joined LiveNOW from FOX’s Josh Breslow to provide insights into the strike and its implications for the industry.
Background of the Strike
The negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and major game studios like Activision, Warner Brothers, and Disney began more than a year and a half ago. The central issue revolves around protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate performers’ voices and likenesses without their consent and fair compensation.
The Core Issue: AI Protections
The dispute centers on how generative AI can replicate performers’ voices and likenesses, essentially belonging to the studios rather than the actors themselves. Russel Morgan explains that this conflict has been brewing for nearly two years, highlighting the growing concern across the entertainment industry about the use of AI.
Union’s Stance and Priorities
The unions argue that current contracts with the studios fall short in protecting performers from having their work used as data without recognition or compensation. The primary goal is to ensure that any content created using AI is recognized as intellectual property belonging to the actors, not the studios.
Current Contract Limitations
The existing contracts do not safeguard the content generated by AI using actors’ voices and likenesses, leading to zero compensation for the actors. This situation leaves performers vulnerable to exploitation by studios that can use AI to create new content without their consent.
Comparison to Film and TV Strikes
The current strike by video game performers echoes the recent film and TV strike over similar concerns about AI usage. Last year’s strike significantly impacted the production of new content, and there are concerns that the gaming industry might face a similar slowdown if the issues are not resolved.
Potential Impact on the Gaming Industry
The gaming industry, which generates over $100 billion annually, relies heavily on performers. If the strike leads to prolonged disputes and lack of new content, it could result in significant financial losses for the industry. The stakes are high, emphasizing the need for fair and equitable protections in performers’ contracts.
Legal Protections and Supreme Court Rulings
Currently, the Supreme Court does not offer protections for AI-generated content, making it imperative for performers to secure contractual safeguards. Russel Morgan stresses the importance of defining performers’ work and compensation clearly in their contracts to ensure their rights are protected.
Advice for Performers
Morgan Legal Group advises performers to review their contracts regularly, especially those in the entertainment industry. Ensuring that contracts clearly define the performers’ contributions and compensation for AI-generated content is crucial for protecting their rights and interests.
Conclusion
The video game performers’ strike underscores the growing challenges and concerns associated with AI in the entertainment industry. As the industry navigates these complex issues, legal experts like Russel Morgan play a critical role in advocating for fair protections and ensuring performers’ rights are upheld.
Contact Us
For more information and legal assistance, contact Morgan Legal Group. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide expert guidance and support for all your legal needs in the entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue behind the video game actors’ strike?
The primary issue is the lack of protections against the use of AI to replicate performers’ voices and likenesses without their consent and fair compensation.
How long have the negotiations been going on?
The negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and major game studios have been ongoing for nearly two years.
What impact could the strike have on the gaming industry?
If the strike continues without resolution, it could halt video game production, leading to significant financial losses and a lack of new content in the industry.
What advice does Morgan Legal Group offer to performers?
Performers should regularly review their contracts and ensure that their contributions and compensation for AI-generated content are clearly defined to protect their rights.
How can Morgan Legal Group help?
Morgan Legal Group provides expert legal guidance and support to performers, helping them navigate contract negotiations and protect their rights in the entertainment industry.