The Writers' Strike Concludes: Key Outcomes of AI Negotiations Revealed

After nearly five months of negotiations, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has successfully reached an agreement with Hollywood studios, bringing an end to the writers' strike. Beginning Wednesday, writers will return to work under the new contract's provisions.

One of the most significant issues during this historic strike was the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the writing profession. Although current generative AI tools like ChatGPT have clear limitations, writers expressed concerns that studios might exploit these rapidly evolving technologies to sidestep fair compensation for union members.

“I’m not worried about the technology,” said comedy writer Adam Conover at the onset of the strike. “I’m concerned about companies using subpar technology to undermine our working conditions.”

The newly negotiated contract includes improved residual payments and minimum staffing requirements for writers' rooms, critical steps in ensuring sustainable livelihoods for screenwriters. Importantly, it also sets clear boundaries on the use of AI in the writing process.

According to the agreement, AI is prohibited from writing or rewriting scripts, and any AI-generated content cannot be classified as source material. This safeguard is crucial in ensuring that writers do not lose credit for their work due to AI influences.

Writers retain the option to utilize AI tools if they choose. However, studios cannot compel writers to adopt specific AI technologies during production. Additionally, studios must disclose when writers are provided with AI-generated materials for potential use in their projects.

As stated in the WGA’s contract summary, “The WGA reserves the right to assert that the exploitation of writers’ material to train AI is prohibited by [the contract] or under other legal frameworks.”

While the legal landscape surrounding large language models and copyright remains uncertain, this agreement clarifies that WGA members do not consent to their work being used for AI training by studios.

Meanwhile, the actors union, SAG-AFTRA, continues its strike, having recently voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike against the video game industry. The union is advocating for stunt, motion capture, and voice actors as they raise alarms about how AI could undercut the creative efforts of its members.

“For many performers, their first job may be their last as companies become increasingly eager to scan our members or train AI using their voices upon arrival,” states the SAG-AFTRA website.

While the future of SAG-AFTRA's contract negotiations remains uncertain, the WGA's agreement takes a significant step toward establishing protective measures against the misuse of AI in creative fields.

Anticipation mounts as Hollywood strikes could soon extend into the video game sector.