Paramount Studios faces backlash as strikers protest AI exploitation, inadequate residual checks

Members of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Writers Guild of America (WGA) held a joint demonstration outside Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on Friday. 

Despite scorching summer temperatures, a significant number of actors and writers gathered to voice their grievances against Hollywood studios and streaming platforms. Their main concerns centered around the lack of fair contracts with the respective unions.

Chanting the slogan "Whose stories? Our stories," the protestors displayed unity and solidarity as they raised issues related to pay, residuals, and the overall state of the entertainment industry. Their primary focus, however, was the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), which they believe poses a significant threat. According to the protestors, AI allows studios to exploit actors' likenesses without proper compensation or consent.

Bri Collins, known for her role in Amazon's The Underground Railroad, expressed particular worries about the impact of AI on background actors who often face low wages but depend on their roles to advance in their careers. She strongly criticized the unauthorized use of actors' scans by producers and demanded fair compensation for such usage.

Voice actor Nicole Vigil, recognized for her work in video games, including Harry Potter: Magic Awakened and Assassin's Creed II: Discovery, expressed her frustration with the slow adoption of AI regulations by studios. 

Despite their concerns about AI, the protestors clarified that their goal is not to eliminate AI but to establish responsible usage guidelines and prevent exploitation. Brian Lee, a 30-year-old actor, highlighted the significant income disparity between actors and high-earning CEOs and studio executives, underscoring the urgent need for AI regulation to ensure a fair distribution of benefits within the industry.