Actors and actresses have been picketing film and television studios across the United States since Friday. The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA is demanding better remuneration and regulations from studio bosses and streaming services when using artificial intelligence (AI). Around 160,000 actors are affected by the strike – and some of them are already worried about their existence, as the German-American Adrienne McQueen (40) of “Bild” describes.
“The strike sucks, I can’t work. I’ve been involved in several productions. We’re not even allowed to negotiate contracts anymore. Everything has to be laid down. I have existential fears. At some point I won’t have any reserves,” says the actress and the Los Angeles-based producer of the tabloid. Even after the screenwriters laid down their work in May, the job offers became increasingly scarce. “There hasn’t been anything since Friday.”
Not only acting tasks are forbidden for the artists in the context of the strike. Dubbing, stunt recordings, music interludes or similar performances that fall under a contract negotiated with SAG-AFTRA are also prohibited. As McQueen suspects, many must therefore already build up another mainstay.
Nevertheless, she and her colleagues are aware of the special significance of this strike. Fran Drescher (65), “Nanny” actress and President of SAG-AFTRA, made it clear in her speech how important it is now to adopt official regulations for the use of AI in the film industry. It is feared that data could be collected in order to breathe life into artificially created characters – for example for sequels to a film or series – without the actor or actress being paid for it.
Like many of those involved, McQueen wished that the strike would not last. Currently, however, there is a fear that the bosses in Hollywood want to sit out the strike. Information about a possible renegotiation with the film studios is not yet available.
