WGA struck a deal with AMPTP

AI should not dilute writer's contribution: John August

For the first time we have put enforceable definitions and limits on use of AI: John August

The Writer’s Guild of America have been successful in meeting their demands after a 148-day-long protest after a deal was struck between them and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. 

This has significant implications while dealing with the domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as well. “In this contract, we have done what no other union could. For the first time, we have put enforceable definitions and limits on the use of AI. That’s going to have a huge impact on writers’ daily lives,” John August, union member and writer of Charlie’s Angels said in an interaction with WIRED UK. 

The union also look at the advent of AI as a way to undermine a writer’s contribution to the production. “I had always understood the major concern of the writers was that studios would use AI to dilute the credit/compensation due to writers working on their shows. This agreement appears to address that concern and acknowledges the reality that many writers will choose to use AI tools to accelerate their workflow. Leaving the writers with a genuine choice in this regard is an important victory for the WGA,” John argued. 

The legality and enactment of the terms of the contract, given the undetermined nature of the relationship of the AI companies with the production houses, is yet to be fully explored. “We made a deal with our employers, the studios. We have no contractual relationship with the major AI companies. So this is not the end of the fight,” John mentioned.