Title: Fran Drescher Announces Actors’ Strike Over AI Usage: Full Speech Inside
In a historic moment, Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA and renowned for her role as Fran Fine in ’90s sitcom The Nanny, delivered a passionate speech declaring the actors’ strike. The strike comes as a result of failed negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), primarily regarding the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry.
During the press conference held on July 13, Drescher emphasized the importance of the moment and the need for the actors to take a stand. She expressed concerns about the industry’s increasing reliance on machines and big business, warning that if they didn’t stand tall now, they risked being replaced by AI technology.
The main bone of contention between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP revolves around the exploitation of deep-fake technology, which allows studios to use actors’ likenesses without their consent or proper compensation. Drescher expressed disappointment with AMPTP’s lack of consideration for the union’s critical proposals and referred to their responses as insulting and disrespectful, undermining the significant contributions of performers to the industry.
With the extended negotiation deadline passing without achieving a new contract on July 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT, the first actors’ strike since 1980 is set to commence at midnight. Actors will join the picket line on Friday, July 14, in a show of unity and solidarity.
Drescher’s speech highlighted the significance of the negotiation and the far-reaching impact it would have, not only on union members but also on individuals working in ancillary industries that support the entertainment business. She expressed her dismay at being treated poorly by the industry, which she labeled as exceedingly greedy. Drescher condemned the industry’s claims of financial difficulties while rewarding CEOs with hundreds of millions of dollars, terming their actions disgusting and asserting that they were on the wrong side of history.
Furthermore, Drescher emphasized the importance of the labor movement and the need to unite against the marginalization and disrespect faced by workers. Streaming, digital platforms, and AI have fundamentally altered the business model, necessitating a contract that adequately addresses the changes and ensures fair treatment for performers. She urged the industry to recognize the pivotal role of actors and to share the wealth generated, as their artistic contributions serve as the foundation upon which the entertainment industry thrives.
Drescher acknowledged the gravity of the decision to proceed with a strike, stressing that it would impact all individuals reliant on labor. Despite the opposition faced, she mentioned the immense support received from sister unions worldwide and implored the AMPTP to acknowledge the union’s demands and demands of respect.
The president of SAG-AFTRA firmly conveyed that the business-as-usual approach was no longer tenable, and the industry needed to adapt and value the invaluable contribution of its workforce to flourish.
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