IATSE Members Vote on AI Provisions in New Hollywood Contract

As IATSE members begin voting on a new contract with Hollywood studios, the focus is on how the deal addresses the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). The three-year agreement, reached on June 26, is expected to be ratified, and the vote concludes on July 17.

The nearly three-hour virtual town hall held by IATSE International president Matthew Loeb and other union leaders focused on the AI provisions in the contract. While the deal is seen as a starting point for addressing AI in the entertainment industry, IATSE leaders emphasized that it's a crucial first step in protecting jobs and ensuring members' creative work is not exploited by AI models.

The memorandum of agreements includes a clause for regular meetings between IATSE and the studios to discuss and monitor the use of AI systems in production. Both parties agreed to meet semi-annually, while producers will also meet with IATSE quarterly to discuss the potential impact of AI on jobs covered by the agreement.

Union leaders urged members to report their experiences with AI to their local chapters, acknowledging that different departments will face unique challenges as the technology evolves. While the AI component was negotiated at the national level, future bargaining may be handled by individual locals, allowing for a more tailored approach.

Concerns around AI prompted the Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700) to send an email to its members, addressing questions and concerns about the AI provisions. They emphasized that the contract safeguards members' rights, ensuring their work remains under the jurisdiction of the union, even when using AI tools. The email also reiterated the importance of reporting experiences with AI to collect data and advocate for members' interests.

The IATSE contract negotiations were closely watched this year, following last year's strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. A swift ratification of the contract is expected to boost production and provide work opportunities for many in the industry. While the AI provisions of the agreement are just a starting point, they mark a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by this rapidly evolving technology in the entertainment industry.