AI in Film Industry: IATSE Deal Advances Tech with Worker Safeguards

Published Date: 30/06/2024

The IATSE deal allows workers to request consultations on AI use and prohibits forced input of prompts that displace workers.

The recent agreement between the major studios and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has paved the way for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool in the film industry, while also establishing safeguards to protect workers. According to the deal, workers can request a 'consultation' with their employers regarding AI use, and a committee will be formed to provide AI skills training. Furthermore, AI use cannot be outsourced to non-union labor. The agreement also stipulates that workers will not be forced to input prompts that displace other union workers. If a worker uses their own AI system, they can charge a 'kit rental fee', similar to what they would for sound recording equipment or other employee-owned gear.

 IATSE contracts already provide for severance pay and retraining if a member loses their job due to 'technological change', which would include job losses incurred as a result of AI. The new contract adds language that ensures no employee will be forced to input prompts that displace other union workers. The role of AI was a major theme of last year's strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. In the end, both unions got deals that give creators control over how they use AI within company policies and guarantees that AI use will be compensated. The IATSE terms are somewhat different, in part because the union is bargaining on behalf of a broad range of disciplines. The terms do provide one protection that parallels the SAG-AFTRA deal  IATSE workers must give separate consent to any AI scanning, and scanning cannot be a condition of employment. 

The union is set to hold a series of town halls with members to answer questions ahead of the ratification vote. From the start of talks nearly four months ago, the union has made clear that it sees AI as a tool with potential upsides for workers. Under the deal, the employers retain the right to bar employees from using AI in their work. If they do permit the use of AI, employers will indemnify workers from legal liability, except in cases of 'gross negligence or willful misconduct.' The agreement also provides for quarterly meetings with individual employers to discuss AI, and bi-annual meetings with the studio group, as needed. The AI terms were resolved well before the end of negotiations last Tuesday. 

The final issues to fall into place were the funding streams for the benefit plans and general wage increases. The union was able to negotiate a 7% increase in the first year, followed by increases of 4% and 3.5%. And the health and pension funds will benefit from new streaming residuals. Overall, the employers agreed to provide more than $700 million in increased funding for the plans, to cover a significant shortfall caused by the pandemic and the twin strikes.

FAQS :

Q: What is the main provision of the IATSE agreement regarding AI use?

A: The agreement allows workers to request consultations on AI use and prohibits forced input of prompts that displace workers.

Q: Can AI use be outsourced to non-union labor under the IATSE agreement?

A: No, AI use cannot be outsourced to non-union labor under the agreement.

Q: What protection does the IATSE agreement offer regarding AI scanning?

A: The agreement stipulates that IATSE workers must give separate consent to any AI scanning, and scanning cannot be a condition of employment.

Q: What is the significance of the 'kit rental fee' mentioned in the agreement?

A: The 'kit rental fee' allows workers to charge a fee for using their own AI system, similar to what they would for sound recording equipment or other employee-owned gear. 

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