The Impact of AI on Hollywood: Stunt Coordinators, Actors, and the Struggle for Fair Contracts

Hollywood is grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on the industry. Stunt coordinators, actors, and other behind-the-scenes professionals are concerned about how AI will affect their jobs and the quality of filmmaking. They are pushing for fair contracts that address the use of AI and protect their livelihoods.

The entertainment industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI technology advances, it raises concerns and questions about its potential impact on the roles of stunt coordinators, actors, and other behind-the-scenes professionals. These individuals are fighting for fair contracts that address the use of AI and protect their livelihoods.

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, stars of the upcoming film "The Fall Guy," recently discussed the impact of AI on Hollywood with The Times. Gosling noted that their film, which features a stuntman character, became increasingly relevant after the strikes, with AI being a major issue. Blunt expressed concerns about AI, wondering if it truly benefits the industry and its workers.

AI has become a contentious issue in Hollywood, particularly during recent strikes by writers and actors. One sticking point was the use of computers instead of actors, as evidenced by the reported replacement of an actor with AI for a "Mamma Mia!" project. This raised alarms among performers who fear for their jobs and the quality of filmmaking.

Freddy Bouciegues, a stunt coordinator who has worked with notable stars, participated in the strikes last year and advocated for a fair contract. He emphasized the importance of fair compensation for stunt performers when their likenesses are used in digital replicas.

After months of negotiations, the actors' guild SAG-AFTRA reached an agreement that addresses the use of AI. The new contract requires employers to obtain clear consent before creating digital replicas and compensate performers for the time they would have worked in person.

Stunt coordinators and other behind-the-scenes professionals are particularly concerned about the potential loss of jobs due to AI. They fear that AI could replace their skills, leading to fewer employment opportunities. Additionally, they worry about the impact on the quality of filmmaking, arguing that AI cannot fully capture the nuances and authenticity of human performance.

While concerns about AI are valid, it is important to recognize its potential benefits as well. AI can enhance filmmaking by enabling new visual effects, reducing production costs, and providing efficiency. However, it is crucial to ensure that AI is used in a way that complements human creativity and expertise rather than replacing it.

The integration of AI into Hollywood is inevitable, but it is up to the industry to determine how it will be used. Fair contracts, ethical guidelines, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure that AI benefits all stakeholders while preserving the integrity of filmmaking.

The rise of AI in Hollywood has sparked a debate about the future of the entertainment industry. Stunt coordinators, actors, and other behind-the-scenes professionals are demanding fair contracts that address the use of AI. While AI offers potential benefits, it is crucial to ensure that it complements human creativity and protects the livelihoods of those who make movies happen.