AI and Entertainment: A Not-So-Sci-Fi Anymore Tale from UTA AI Symposium (3) AI in Media

Navigating the New Wild West

Hannah Joo @themissingfox
KLleon
3 min readNov 22, 2023

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Let’s dive into the wild, wild world of AI in media, as explored in the UTA AI symposium’s third session. We’re talking about a landscape that’s evolving faster than a viral TikTok trend, and let me tell you, it’s as thrilling as it is complex.

AI in Media: Defining the Future Guardrails
Moderator: Stefanie Liquori (General Counsel, UTA) | Speakers: Stu Levi (Partner, IP and Technology Transactions and co-head of Web3/Digital Assests Practice, SKADDEN), Woody Schultz (SAG-AFTRA National Board Member/Performance Capture Artist, Co-Chair of AI subcommittee)

AI: Hollywood’s New Co-Star and Legal Enigma

AI’s the new kid on the block in Hollywood, and let me tell you, it’s shaking things up. Unions and guilds are in a tango with AI, trying to figure out the steps between innovation and protection. Think of it as drafting the rulebook for a game that’s still being invented.

Copyrights and AI: Who’s the Real Author?

So, who gets the credit when AI’s behind the masterpiece? Current copyright law is all about human touch, leaving AI-generated works in a bit of a limbo. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

AI’s Brush with Publicity Rights

If AI’s using someone’s face or voice, who calls the shots? With states playing by different rules, it’s like a legal jigsaw puzzle. Imagine an AI creating a blockbuster using your face, and you’re like, “Wait, when did I star in that?”

Fair Use or Foul Play?

AI’s been dabbling in creating content that’s eerily similar to existing works. It’s a legal tug-of-war between infringement and fair use, and the line’s as blurry as a censored scene.

Guilds: Navigating AI’s Role in Entertainment

Guilds like SAG-AFTRA are laying down the law, making sure AI doesn’t upstage human talent. It’s all about keeping the human in the limelight, with AI as the supporting act.

The Policy Puzzle: Fitting AI into the Legal Framework

Policymakers are scratching their heads, trying to whip up laws that keep up with AI’s pace. From the US to the EU, everyone’s drafting their version of an AI legal thriller. Here’s a solid example. Reflecting this trend, New York is considering a bold move with proposed legislation (S7422A, introduced in May 2023) that might shake up the scene. If passed, this law would prevent film and TV productions from cashing in on the state’s film tax credits if they swap human workers for AI. It’s a clear message: in the Empire State, preserving human roles in entertainment is taking center stage.

AI’s Production Costs: Not Ready for Prime Time?

Creating AI masterpieces isn’t exactly pocket change. For now, AI’s more like a high-maintenance star than a cost-effective solution.

Pro Tips for Entertainment Pros in the AI Era

  1. AI: Handle with Care — Embrace AI, but keep one eye on the legal radar.
  2. Know Your Rights — Get cozy with copyright and publicity laws. You don’t want AI playing fast and loose with your work.
  3. Brace for Impact — Stay prepped for more rules as AI keeps evolving.
  4. Demand Your Due — Your face, your rules. Make sure AI respects that.
  5. Stay on Top of the Law — Keep tabs on those legislative plot twists.

The AI in Media session wasn’t just insightful; it was a masterclass in navigating the complex intersection of AI, law, and entertainment. As we step into this brave new world, let’s keep our wits sharp and our understanding sharper. After all, in the story of AI and entertainment, we’re all protagonists.

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Hannah Joo @themissingfox
KLleon
Editor for

🇰🇷🇺🇸 Entertainment & Tech | MBA@UCLA | Program Manager | hannahjoo.tech