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Are Actors Overthinking the A.I. Threat?

A close look at the three primary concerns raised by SAG-AFTRA members regarding how “synthetic performers” and other computer-generated replacements could threaten their livelihoods.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher speaks as SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland looks on at a press conference discussing their strike-ending deal with the Hollywood studios on November 10, 2023, in Los Angeles.
I stand by my conclusion on Sunday that SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher and national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland achieved the best deal possible, but it’s worth looking at the various concerns that members are raising about A.I. Mario Tama/Getty Images
Jonathan Handel
November 17, 2023

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The A.I. panic is setting in, and opposition to the tentative SAG-AFTRA agreement is growing. The deal is still expected to be ratified by the union’s 160,000 members when voting closes Dec. 5, and I stand by my conclusion on Sunday that president Fran Drescher, national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and the negotiating committee and staff achieved the best deal possible. If members compare the contract to an idealized perfect agreement and vote it down, they may find themselves facing months more on the picket lines—and possibly no A.I. protections at all when the dust settles.