The week's developments on the intersection of AI and creative content | 3.10.23

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SAG-AFTRA is now back at the negotiating table in an attempt to conclude an agreement for actors. Could the Writers Guild agreement form a template for the deal? 

Industry leaders, including Netflix and Disney, have come together to create the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SIA) in an effort to oppose new government regulations on streaming. Meanwhile, top consulting firms are advising Hollywood not to replace creativity with AI, but instead find ways to leverage the technology for improved productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Explore these topics — and the latest details on the WGA agreement, Spotify’s decision not to ban AI-made music and the Sphere’s launch in Las Vegas — in the CogX Must Reads. 

—Charlie & the Research & Intelligence team

P.S. Did you miss some of the sessions at the festival? The CogX Festival 2023 is now available on demand! Watch inspiring sessions on the future of work, AI and leadership from the likes of Yuval Noah Harari, Stephen Fry and Steven Bartlett on our YouTube channel now.

CogX Must Reads

Top Stories

Writers guild deal may influence SAG-AFTRA talks

We covered the WGA deal last week, and there are signs that the negotiation might help shape the SAG-AFTRA talks. Similar models for dealing with AI’s impact might be considered, although differences in labour compensation may present unique challenges for each union’s negotiations. (Hollywood reporter)

Streaming giants band together

Streaming giants, including Netflix and Disney, have established the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SIA). It aims to provide a unified front for streamers, protecting their interests and avoiding unintentional consequences of legislation targeting other internet sectors. (The Verge)

Hollywood

Hollywood’s new AI rules

More details have emerged over the WGA’s deal with studios on AI including: 1) Requisite consent for writers to employ AI tools. 2) Designating AI-generated content as "non-literary material." 3) Implementing routine assessments to monitor AI's impact on film and TV production. (ScreenRant)

Top consulting firm urges caution in AI use for Hollywood

A report by Bain & Co advises Hollywood studios against replacing creative processes with AI, but outlines ways to leverage the technology for streamlining production and reducing costs. The report emphasises the importance of transparency, and careful implementation to ensure AI supports creativity without disrupting the industry’s creative process.  (Hollywood reporter)

Entertainment

Spotify won't ban AI-made music

Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, announced that the platform won't ban AI-generated music but stressed that AI should not impersonate human artists without consent. Ek sees three categories of AI use in music: tools like auto-tune to enhance music are acceptable; tools that mimic artists are not acceptable; and tools where AI-created music is influenced by existing artists need more debate. (BBC)

U2's spectacular debut at the Sphere

U2's debut show at the Las Vegas Sphere captivated the world with its cutting-edge technology. The massive LED-covered dome, equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, avatar scanners, and dynamic machine learning artwork, provided a stunning backdrop for the band’s performance. Given its inaugural success, will the Sphere’s sensory overload set a new standard for future live entertainment? (EDM)

Creative Industry

Artists seek fair compensation amidst generative AI monetisation

As tech companies delve into monetising generative AI, artists are demanding fair compensation for their work used in training these models. However, the agreement on how much creators should be paid remains elusive, with vague policies leaving artists unsure about what they can realistically expect to earn from these AI-driven projects. (TechCrunch)

Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones calls AI in music a "toy town."

Keith outlined that AI can either be a tool or a toy, and in his opinion, it often leans towards being superficial. There is a debate to be had on the impact of AI in musical creativity. (NY Times)

Quote of the Week

"We have to think about [AI] like the first automobile: impressive but by no means the finished article"

-Stephen Fry speaking at the CogX festival 2023

In case you missed it

Karen Palmer, a pioneering "Storyteller from the future," showcases how AI can be used for real-time emotion tracking in filmmaking at CogX Festival 2023:

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