AI tools reshape the enchantment of Hollywood cinema

In the ever-evolving world of film production, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making a significant impact. From helping actors deliver more authentic performances to creating lifelike imaging and audio, AI is becoming an integral part of the industry.

Recently, AI has been instrumental in aiding actors to convincingly portray characters speaking complex languages, such as Hungarian, as seen in the Oscar-nominated films The Brutalist. AI technology, like that developed by Ukraine-based company Respeecher, replicates an actor's voice to sound more like a native speaker, ensuring a more authentic portrayal.

However, the increasing use of AI has raised concerns among artists and unions in the film industry. In 2023, Hollywood's largest union, SAG-AFTRA, went on strike partly due to these concerns. After six months of negotiations, a new three-year contract was secured in 2025. This agreement addressed pay models, job protections, and set A.I. guardrails to protect the rights of actors regarding AI use in film production[1].

Similarly, visual effects (VFX) workers at Saturday Night Live ratified their first union contract in 2025 with a worker-centric AI policy to ensure their craft evolves alongside technology without losing worker protections[2].

Voice actors, in particular, have expressed concerns that AI could threaten job opportunities and the artistry of voice performance. To address these concerns, unions and artists advocate for regulation that requires consent before an actor's voice can be cloned or used for AI training. This movement has led to strikes and legislative proposals worldwide to protect voice actors from AI misuse in dubbing and related fields[3][4].

Studios like Netflix openly use generative AI for effects while voice actors seek to ensure that their rights and creative contributions are respected in this new technological landscape[1][4]. For instance, Netflix used AI to help actors appear younger or older for certain roles, such as in Pedro Páramo, and to build new worlds, as seen in the series El Eternauta.

Scanning and drone technology were also used to capture 3D models of real neighborhoods in Buenos Aires for El Eternauta. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences even considered requiring films with Oscar potential to disclose if AI was used.

The White House A.I. and Crypto Czar, David Sacks, compared the role of AI in the entertainment industry to the ship computer in Star Trek Enterprise—a non-autonomous AI that assists the crew and needs human supervision[5].

The growing use of AI in the entertainment industry is not without its challenges, but the industry seems to be navigating these challenges with a balanced approach. As Microsoft President Brad Smith stated, "Everyone needs to navigate through AI's impact together"[6]. Video game actors also reached an agreement after a year-long strike over A.I. protections.

In conclusion, the film industry is embracing AI as a tool to enhance production while ensuring that human oversight and creative control are maintained. This balancing act between innovation and protection is shaping the future of the industry.

References: 1. SAG-AFTRA Reaches Three-Year Deal with Major Studios 2. Saturday Night Live's Visual Effects Workers Ratify First Union Contract 3. AI and the Voice of the Actor: The Global Response 4. The Impact of AI on the Film Industry: A Balancing Act 5. David Sacks on the Future of AI and Crypto 6. Microsoft President on AI and Ethics

The integration of artificial intelligence in the film industry has sparked a political debate, with SAG-AFTRA going on strike in 2023 and securing a new contract in 2025 to establish "AI guardrails" and protect the rights of actors.
There's a growing opinion among artists and unions that AI could potentially threaten job opportunities, leading to a movement advocating for regulation requiring consent before an actor's voice can be cloned or used for AI training.
In the economic landscape of the entertainment industry, studios like Netflix are using AI to enhance production, such as helping actors appear younger or older, while ensuring human oversight and creative control are maintained.