Entertainment industry workers have reached a preliminary agreement with major record labels, such as Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, to secure higher minimum wages and protect against the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
According to a statement on the website of the Hollywood actors’ union, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the “Sound Recordings Agreement” covers the period from 2021 to 2026 and has received unanimous approval from SAG-AFTRA’s executive committee, which represents approximately 160,000 actors and media personnel.
As the music industry grapples with the challenge of songs created by generative AI, which enables internet users to easily replicate artists’ voices without their permission, the proposed agreement with record labels requires consent and compensation before releasing songs featuring digital replicas of artists’ voices.
Under this accord, SAG-AFTRA clarifies that the terms “artist,” “singer,” and “royalty artist” exclusively refer to humans. The agreement also includes improvements in health and retirement benefits, as well as an expansion of the portion of streaming revenue subject to contributions.
A final vote for ratification by SAG-AFTRA members is expected in the coming weeks.
This agreement comes at a time when AI technology has become a significant concern in the entertainment industry, dominating discussions between SAG-AFTRA and major studios in 2023. After months of strikes, negotiations concluded in November with a contract agreement.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, believes that music should always originate from genuine human expression and real-life experiences.
In January, SAG-AFTRA also reached an agreement with Replica Studios, an AI voice technology company, regarding the use of AI voices in video games. The agreement grants performers the right to consent and negotiate with the AI company, as well as the power to opt out of the “continued use” of their voices in “new projects.”
AI holds tremendous potential in the film industry, particularly in virtual filmmaking, offering lifelike sets and cost efficiency. With its increased creative flexibility and lower production costs, this technology has the ability to completely transform the filmmaking process. However, the AI protection deal aims to ensure fair recognition for all contributors in the industry.
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