The writers in the film and television industry are apprehensive about the potential threat it poses to their livelihood as As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace.
Hollywood screenwriter Michelle Amor says she is fearful about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on her livelihood. “I don’t want to be replaced with something artificial”.
Ms Amor and fellow US television and film writers have now been on strike since the start of May.
One of their key demands is that the studios and streaming giants agree to limits on the future use of AI-powered writing tools, such as ChatGPT.
The writers and their union – the Writers Guild of America – want it in writing that AI can only be used for research purposes, and not to ever replace them.
“My mother’s union job as a packer for 35 years was replaced with robotics,” says Ms Amor, who currently has two TV projects in development – The Honorable and PG County.
“That’s understandable because it’s a labour-intensive job, but we create art. Who wants a fake Picasso?”
Ms Amor, who says she is adamantly against the use of AI in screenwriting, adds: “We writers are the heart and soul of this entire industry. No-one works until we do – everyone knows it.”
