This Friday, SAG-AFTRA released a statement about using artificial intelligence and digital doubling when simulating an actor’s performance. 

“Human creators are the foundation of the creative industries, and we must ensure that they are respected and paid for their work,” The statement said, “The terms and conditions involving rights to digitally simulate a performer to create new performances must be bargained with the union. Companies are required to bargain with SAG-AFTRA before attempting to acquire these rights in individual performers’ contracts. To attempt to circumvent SAG-AFTRA and deal directly with the performers on these issues is a clear violation of the National Labor Regulations Act.”

SAG-AFTRA also emphasized its Global Rule One, which “covers entering into any agreement with an employer to digitally simulate a member’s voice or likeness to create a new performance. As such, members should not assign these rights to any employer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the union.”

SAG-AFTRA also urged members to contact the guild if they believe producers or contractors are asking them to surrender AI rights. “The union will investigate and take appropriate steps to protect members based on the specific circumstances.”

Stay with MXDWN for more news about the use of AI in films.