Negotiations between major studios and streaming companies with the actors’ union have failed again, and in the midst of the crisis, Disney receives strong criticism for having used AI-generated background actors in they film Prom Act.
One of the most important points in the negotiations, not only for the actors but also for the writers, includes a regulation on the use of artificial intelligence tools within the industry.
In the case of actors, to avoid indiscriminate scanning of their image and it being used to avoid paying them for their work days, placing their AI-generated replicas instead of the real persons. Something that the House of Mouse has already implemented and it looks terrible.
Following confirmation that talks between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP have been paused until further notice, Discussing Film published images from the film Prom Pact on their X page, in which Disney inserted the image of actors recreated by artificial intelligence. Citing the post, user @GeekLawGrad shared a video showing the actors in greater detail, looking completely unnatural:
Earlier this year, actors who participated in productions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe accused the company of scanning their image without being explained how and when it would be used, so it is not the first time that Disney has implemented such a strategy.
Released in March 2023, Prom Pact follows the story of Mandy Coleman, an excellent student who dreams of attending Harvard. However, when her name is put on the waiting list, she gets closer to the boy she hates the most in the entire school, Graham Lansing.
The popular athlete needs a tutor, and Mandy does not hesitate to help him since his father is a man with a lot of power, and a former Harvard student. As the prom approaches, Mandy will discover that love, a concept she despises so much, is not as horrible as she imagined, and Graham either.
The breakdown in negotiations between major studios and the actors’ union, exacerbated by the contentious use of AI-generated background actors in Disney’s “Prom Pact,” highlights the industry’s ethical concerns.
The issue revolves around the regulation of artificial intelligence tools, particularly the indiscriminate scanning of actors’ images for potential AI replicas.
Disney’s prior use of such tactics, as seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, raises questions about consent and transparency. This clash underscores the need for a fair and accountable framework that respects artists’ contributions while responsibly navigating the intersection of creative industries and technology.