2023-07-21 21:17:58
The rally in London’s Leicester Square was also attended by stars including The Crown actress Imelda Staunton and Downton Abbey star Jim Carter. Also present were Simon Pegg and Hayley Atwell, who recently starred in the new Mission Impossible movie.
Rob Delaney, David Oyelowo, Andy Serkis, Rakie Ayola and Penelope Wilton also attended the London rally, according to the Guardian, which said a second protest organized by union Equity was also taking place in Manchester at the same time.
Archyde.com/Hollie Adams Alongside Brian Cox, the London protest was attended by, among others, Jim Carter, Imelda Staunton, Andy Serkis and Simon Pegg
AI as “worst aspect”
Cox, who plays media mogul Logan Roy on HBO’s hit series Succession, told AFP in London that the use of AI in the entertainment industry poses a “really serious” threat that needs to be addressed.
Cox considers it a “completely unacceptable attitude” that actors and actresses have to agree during negotiations that the studios “can do whatever they want with the pictures they take”. “We will stop that,” the 77-year-old said combatively. He related it to a friend who was just confronted with such negotiations, as reported by “Vanity Fair”.
Wages are “one thing,” Cox continued, “but the worst aspect is the whole idea of AI and what AI can do to us.” Banners with slogans such as “Support artists, not algorithms” were waved.
First strike since 1980
In the USA, the actors went on strike last Friday following the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) union failed to negotiate with the major film studios. It is the first strike by US actors since 1980. Because US screenwriters have also been on strike for weeks, Hollywood has experienced a double strike for the first time in more than 60 years, which has paralyzed many film and series projects.
IMAGO/UPI Photo/John Angelillo There has been a strike in Hollywood since last week
Equity’s US sister union, SAG-AFTRA, represents 160,000 actresses and actors. The union is demanding higher fees from studios and streaming providers such as Disney, Paramount and Netflix, as well as assurances regarding the future use of AI. One of the major points of criticism is the “sometimes only minimal residual fees” that actors receive for repeated broadcasts of films or television programs.
The actors also fear that their acting performances and voices might be used as data for AI or reproduced at will without receiving any money for it.
Venice Biennale changes opening film
The striking actors recently stayed away from the premieres of the Hollywood blockbusters “Oppenheimer” and “Geistervilla”. A number of productions are delayed, which also affects film festivals. The Venice Film Festival announced on Friday that the film “Comandante” will replace the previously planned opening film “Challengers”.
“Challengers” will not take part in the Venice Film Festival due to production decisions, according to the official statement from the festival management. This decision will probably only be the beginning of a revolution in the festival’s programme, which will be officially presented by Biennale President Roberto Cicutto on Tuesday.
Many US productions are not only postponing their festival appearances, but also theatrical releases. Challengers was originally scheduled for a world premiere in Venice on August 30 and a theatrical release on September 15. The theatrical release has now been postponed to a later date.
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