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Reel AI: Erik Barmack’s biweekly article for The Ankler
Call My Agent: Hollywood’s Data Wants a Deal
Erik Barmack’s Reel AI Column from The Ankler
INTRO TO AI
Quick Explainers on Basic AI Terms and Tools
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Focus 2023: Navigating AI in Entertainment
Focus 2023 conference in London is to set the stage for discussions on AI’s creative impact, ethical considerations, and transformative role in entertainment.
Documentary Producers Call for AI Guardrails in Non-fiction Filmmaking
The Archival Producers Alliance, a group of over 100 documentary filmmakers, issued an open letter urging industry standards for the use of generative AI in non-fiction filmmaking.
Warner Music Plans an Edith Piaf Biopic with AI
Warner Music Group announced a biopic project to recreate the voice and image of French singer Edith Piaf with AI technologies.
SAG-AFTRA Agreement Signifies Progress, but with Concerns
The recent SAG-AFTRA agreement includes extensive AI provisions, with essential protections for actors but also lingering concerns.
AI Opens Possibilities for Indie Filmmakers
AI is reshaping filmmaking, and it might help independent filmmakers achieve more creative visions with limited resources.
SAG-AFTRA Approves Deal, Ending the Longest Strike
SAG-AFTRA has unanimously approved a tentative deal, ending the longest strike in Hollywood history with unprecedented AI protections for actors.
SAG-AFTRA Rejected AMPTP’s Recent Offer for Insufficient AI Protections
SAG-AFTRA rejected the latest contract proposal from AMPTP, demanding rights and compensation for the re-use of actors’ digital scans, especially posthumously.
The MPA Warns of “Inflexible Rules” around AI and Copyright
The Motion Picture Association submitted a 77-page filing to the U.S. Copyright Office, stating that the current framework is sufficient without AI-specific regulations, and inflexible and unclear guidelines may harm creative freedom.
The WGA East Members Petitions against AI Takeover in Journalism
1,000+ WGA East members united to sign a petition letter, urging digital media companies to ensure artificial intelligence does not overshadow or replace human journalists.
Music Publishers Filed First Lawsuit against AI
Universal Music Group leads a music publishers’ group charge in a $75M lawsuit against the Amazon-backed AI firm, Anthropic, for mass copyright infringement.
The 45th Telly Awards Opens for Submission with a Generative AI Category
The Telly Awards introduced a new category for generative AI, recognizing the developing storytelling technologies in creative works across screens.
Ghostwriter Proposes a Solution for AI in Entertainment
Ghostwriter, the anonymous music producer and songwriter who went viral, proposed a platform for artists to license their voices for projects.
Adobe’s AI-Driven Tools Tackle Legal and Ethical Concerns
Adobe promised “accountability, responsibility and transparency” in the training and use of their newly-released AI tools.
AI Concerns Remain in Post-Strike Hollywood
Existential crises in Hollywood, including those induced by AI advancement, may not stop even after strikes wrap.
IMAX Uses AI to “Blowup” Images for IMAX Theaters
IMAX CEO, Richard Gelfond, shares the company's use of AI to upscale non-IMAX footage for enhanced viewing experiences.
The WGA Leaders Share Deal Details about AI
Two WGA leaders shared details about the process and outcome of the strike negotiations in an interview.
The WGA Strike Ends, with a Tentative Deal including Frameworks on AI
The WGA announced the end of strike as a tentative deal had been reached with the AMPTP, answering to the union’s demands including protecting writers and their works against the rise of AI technologies.
Writers sue Meta and OpenAI for Infringement, Questioning the Legality of AI Training Data
Renowned writers filed lawsuits against Meta and OpenAI for infringement, and the result could set a legal standard for AI training data, or even the destruction of relevant AI systems trained on copyrighted content.
Viral AI Song is Denied Eligibility to The Emmys
The Viral AI song is deemed not eligible for the Emmys, not because of the use of AI but due to lack of copyright clearance.
Entertainment Companies Boost Spend in Generative AI
Amidst dual strikes in Hollywood, research shows that 96% of entertainment companies are expanding expenditures in generative artificial intelligence.