Actors Rally in London to Support Striking US Actors and Address AI Concerns

Famous actors, including Brian Cox from Succession and Andy Serkis from Lord of the Rings, gathered in Leicester Square to show solidarity with striking US actors.

This demonstration was organized by British union Equity in support of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra), who initiated a major industrial action.

The protest aims to address concerns related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in undermining the work of actors, an issue that has garnered significant attention in the entertainment industry.

Actor Andy Serkis Speaks Out Against AI Misuse:

Andy Serkis, a member of both Sag-Aftra and Equity, highlighted the misuse of AI technology in the entertainment industry.

Known for his extensive experience with motion capture and computer-generated imagery, Serkis expressed his concern about his image and movements being accessed and utilized without proper compensation to the artists involved.

He emphasized the importance of remunerating actors for their contributions, especially when AI technology is used to recreate their performances.

Sag-Aftra’s Industrial Action and Hollywood Disruption:

Sag-Aftra, representing around 160,000 actors in the US, failed to reach new agreements with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), leading to a major strike.

This industrial action coincided with a strike initiated by the Writers Guild of America, resulting in the first simultaneous strikes by both unions since 1960.

The strikes have caused significant disruptions to Hollywood productions, premieres, and conventions, with notable Hollywood stars joining the picket lines in support of the unions’ demands.

Protesters’ Voices and Demands:

In Leicester Square, protesters held signs expressing their concerns about the impact of AI on the entertainment industry.

They emphasized leaving AI to the realm of science fiction and the need to address the use of AI in creative processes.

The protest provided an opportunity for actors and union representatives, such as Rob Delaney, Simon Pegg, Jim Carter, Hayley Atwell, and Imelda Staunton, to voice their grievances and advocate for fair treatment and compensation for their work.

Equity General Secretaries’ Speeches:

During the demonstration, speeches were delivered by Equity General Secretaries Paul W Fleming and Lynda Rooke, underscoring the importance of supporting the striking actors and their counterparts in the US.

The gathering of famous faces and union representatives aimed to raise awareness about the pressing issues and challenges faced by actors in the age of AI and digital advancements.

Brian Cox’s Perspective on AI and Dramatic Productions:

Brian Cox, known for his role in Succession, stressed the significance of writers in creating compelling dramatic productions.

He pointed out that AI’s increasing role in the industry could threaten the creative process and undermine the contributions of human talent.

Cox expressed concerns about people resorting to using AI-generated avatars as a form of self-protection, further highlighting the complexities surrounding AI’s impact on the industry.

Conclusion:

The demonstration in Leicester Square showcased the united stance of actors and union members in supporting striking US actors and addressing the challenges posed by the misuse of AI in the entertainment industry.

The concerns raised by actors like Andy Serkis and Brian Cox shed light on the importance of recognizing and compensating artists for their unique contributions.

As the strike continues to impact Hollywood productions, the industry faces significant shifts and discussions on how to navigate the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for creativity and the labor rights of artists.