Unions in B.C.’s Film and TV Industry Split on AI Adoption

In British Columbia’s film and television sector, unions are grappling with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), with differing views on regulation and adoption. While some unions push for stricter controls to safeguard jobs, others see AI as a potential tool to enhance production without compromising human expertise.

Regulations Shield Screenwriters from AI Threats

Screenwriting remains largely untouched by artificial intelligence for now, thanks to protective measures from unions like the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC). Jason Filiatrault, a council member of the WGC Pacific-Western region, notes that efforts to restrict AI use have yielded positive results.

“We had a strong strike vote that largely aimed to stand against AI in our industry, and we were successful in that regard,” Filiatrault says.

The WGC’s recent three-year contract with the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) outlines stringent protections against AI, such as mandatory disclosure of AI-generated materials, prohibition of AI credits and compensation, and required consent for AI training using screenwriters’ work.

Concerns Over AI’s Ethical Use and Impact

Filiatrault emphasizes the need for transparency and ethical AI use. “Nobody should be able to steal other people’s work to train an AI and then use it to put people out of work. That’s unacceptable,” he explains.

He further highlights the quality issue with AI-generated content. “AI screenwriting often lacks human creativity. It’s not going to save you money—it’s going to do a worse job,” Filiatrault says. “There are too many risks, and nobody will use it to replace a screenwriter.”

AI’s increasing presence in areas like visual effects and sound-mixing has raised further concerns. Filiatrault questions whether the technology is improving and worries about the potential devaluation of Canadian creatives.

“Replacing Canadian writers with AI to write Canadian stories without a sense of national identity is ethically questionable,” he adds.

IATSE Local 891: Striking a Balance with Technology

In contrast, IATSE Local 891, representing over 9,000 B.C. professionals in the film and TV industry, adopts a more collaborative approach. Crystal Braunwarth, the union’s business representative, acknowledges the transformative power of technology without rejecting it.

“There isn’t a rejection of technology/AI by Motion Picture Unions and workers. Quite the opposite,” Braunwarth explains. “We leverage technology so that it is human-centred, ensuring we and our work is applied in the most efficient, safe, innovative, and creative ways possible.”

The union is currently negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the CMPA to establish safeguards for their “human-centred” approach to AI, aiming to protect jobs while embracing progress.

The Future of Film and Television in B.C.

As AI technology continues to advance, its integration into the film and television industry presents a complex challenge for unions. Striking a balance between safeguarding jobs and embracing technological innovation is crucial.

“We want AI to do the mundane stuff so that we’re free to make art,” Filiatrault says, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many in the industry.

Braunwarth’s perspective underscores the potential for synergy between human creativity and AI, suggesting a future where both elements coexist harmoniously.

Industry’s Position Moving Forward

With opinions varying widely, the industry’s stance on AI remains split. Some unions like the WGC advocate for robust regulation to protect human jobs, while others like IATSE Local 891 pursue strategic integration to preserve the quality and essence of B.C.’s film and television products.

The ongoing debates and negotiations will shape the landscape of the industry, influencing how AI technologies are adopted and managed in the future.

Conclusion

The B.C. film and television industry navigates a critical juncture as it assesses the role of AI in the creative process. While some unions push for stringent regulations to protect their members, others aim to embrace technological advancements while ensuring human-centric approaches.

As these discussions continue, it remains to be seen how AI will shape the future of storytelling in British Columbia.

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