Brian Cox, Andy Serkis, and Mission Impossible’s Simon Pegg, among other actors, have expressed their concerns about AI as they gathered in support of the Hollywood strike. Numerous British stars joined the demonstration at London’s Leicester Square, organized by the British acting union Equity, to show solidarity with performers in the US.
Following the protest last week, where 160,000 members of SAG-AFTRA in the US staged a walkout to voice their grievances regarding pay and working conditions, there were also significant concerns raised about the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry.
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Hollywood Writers And Actors Go On Strike
This strike has virtually halted Hollywood, leading to numerous film and TV productions being forced to shut down. Notably, it marks the first instance in over 60 years where both actors and writers have simultaneously gone on strike. The Writers Guild of America union had initiated a separate walkout two months prior to this event.
Equity actors in the UK are legally prohibited from participating in the strikes; however, if they are working in the US and are SAG-AFTRA members, they can take part. Nevertheless, the walkouts have already impacted production in Britain. Brian Cox, renowned for his role in Succession, emphasized that the concerns at hand resonate with performers worldwide.
“This is a major strike that’s happening in the States and we need to support them,” Brian Cox said.” We’ll be under siege next, we’re already under siege, particularly with artificial intelligence, and it’s something that has to be stopped and nipped in the bud.”
Imelda Staunton, known for her role in The Crown, highlighted that pay remains a significant concern for struggling performers in the industry. Additionally, she pointed out that technological advancements have further intensified anxiety among professionals in the field.
Simon Pegg Doesn’t Want AI To Use His Likeness
Simon Pegg emphasizes the importance of having control over how our likeness is utilized, expressing his reluctance to appear in advertisements for causes he disagrees with, such as fossil fuel companies. He firmly desires to retain ownership of his image and voice, ensuring transparency in its usage and destination.
“I don’t want to turn up in an advert for something I disagree with, some fossil fuel company, because I’m fundamentally opposed to them. I want to be able to hang on to my image, and voice, and know where it’s going,” Pegg said.
In addition, he referred to the current industrial action as a “tipping point” that comes after years of grappling with pay issues and the implications of streaming platforms like Netflix.
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is currently running in theaters.
Source: Sky News
