Key Players from SAG/AFTRA and PROCINE Highlight the Need for Cross-Sector Public Policies
Representatives from film, television, streaming, and other audiovisual industries in Mexico and the United States gathered on Thursday to discuss the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation. The conversation, titled “Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Audiovisual Industry and Cinema: Urgency for Regulation,” took place during the VIII Foro Cultura y Economía UACM-UNAM at the Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana.
Participants and Their Roles
- Laura Blum-Smith: Vice Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America West, who spoke about the context during and after the 2023 Hollywood writers’ strike.
- Duncan Crabtree-Ireland: National Executive Director of SAG/AFTRA, who emphasized the importance of international cooperation for AI regulation.
- Abril Alzaga Magaña: General Director of PROCINE in Mexico City, who discussed the lack of guild organization in Mexico.
- Alejandro Cuétara: Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the National Association of Actors (ANDA).
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
Addressing AI’s Impact on Labor Conditions
Laura Blum-Smith highlighted the need for public policy solutions regarding unauthorized AI training using copyrighted creative works. She stressed that such practices amount to theft and that current business models relying on this exploitation are unsustainable.
International Cooperation for AI Regulation
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland emphasized the importance of international cooperation to establish interoperable standards and prevent regulatory arbitrage by moving operations to countries with lax AI regulations.
Mexico’s Guild Organization Challenges
Abril Alzaga Magaña pointed out that Mexico faces significant guild weakness, with most unions experiencing declining membership in the audiovisual sector. She noted that strong guild and union organization, as seen in the US with nearly 98% worker affiliation, is crucial for effective labor negotiations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What are the main challenges posed by AI in the audiovisual industry?
A: The primary concerns include unauthorized AI training using copyrighted works and the need for sustainable business models that respect intellectual property rights. - Q: How can international cooperation help in AI regulation?
A: International collaboration is essential to establish interoperable standards and prevent regulatory arbitrage, ensuring that no entity can evade AI regulations by relocating operations. - Q: Why is guild organization important for effective labor negotiations in the audiovisual sector?
A: Strong guild and union organization, as demonstrated by near-universal worker affiliation in the US, provides the necessary leverage and tools for successful labor negotiations.
