Tech & AI: Catalysts of the 2023 Writers Strike and the New Era of Transparency in Hollywood
In industries where human creativity has always been essential, disruption is inevitable when artificial intelligence clashes with it. This was evident in the 2023 Writers Strike, where the Writers Guild of America (WGA) took a strong stance against the impact and influx of technology and AI on content creation and storytelling.
Understanding the Writers Strike of 2023
The 2023 Writers Strike marked a significant turning point for the entertainment industry, highlighting the tension between technological advancements and human creativity. The dispute centered around pay raises and the increasing use of AI in the creative process, which are closely tied to Hollywood’s structural and financial aspects. The latest agreement negotiated by the WGA has secured essential victories for writers, including improved compensation and measures to prevent AI from taking over creative roles.
To comprehend the depths of this historical event, my video analysis explores the intricate details of how technology and artificial intelligence came to play a central role in this industry-transforming movement. (Watch the video above).
AI: The Understated Antagonist of Creativity
Artificial intelligence has become omnipresent in our digital world, and Hollywood is no exception to its influence. With AI shaping viewer preferences and potentially being used for scriptwriting, it could overshadow authentic human-driven storytelling. However, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has established clear boundaries for AI in their new contract to ensure that it does not infringe upon the essential human element of literary creation.
Moreover, the WGA has prohibited using writers’ material for training AI, protecting human creativity from potential technological advancements.
Tech Disruption Beyond AI: Streaming Data and Pay Parity
Technology, including AI and streaming platforms, has disrupted the entertainment industry. These platforms have also revolutionized data management practices. Before the latest contract, companies like Netflix and Disney Plus hid their performance data, making it difficult to determine a show’s success. This lack of transparency impacted pay structures and project futures because they were often based on performance indicators.
We are currently experiencing a new era of transparency in the entertainment industry. It is now mandatory for studios to provide essential streaming data to the WGA. This practice eliminates the ambiguity that allows studios to create their own stories, regardless of their performance and viewership. This change accurately reflects a project’s success and ensures its creators receive fair compensation and recognition.
Implications and Forward Momentum
The 2023 Writers Strike represents a more significant global challenge as traditional practices are disrupted by technological advancements and AI capabilities.
Hollywood’s recent stand-off and contract changes will have far-reaching effects, particularly on streaming platforms. This will result in realigning power structures to keep creators in the digital transformation wave. The WGA’s historical movement marks a significant moment in protecting creative intellect from being overshadowed or exploited by technological capabilities.
As we enter a new era, other industries could learn from Hollywood’s story by considering the balance between preserving human creativity and integrating technological advancements. The relationship between technology and human ingenuity may shift over time. Still, the 2023 Writers Strike will serve as a reminder of the significance of valuing and protecting human creativity amidst the constant advancements of technology.
