The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has called on Hollywood studios to “come off the sidelines” and prevent tech companies from allegedly using its members’ works to train AI platforms.
The guild urged studios to take “immediate legal action” against any tech firms that it says have used writers’ work to train their AI systems.
The WGA sent a letter to the chief executives of Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, Paramount Global, NBCUniversal, Sony, Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios outlining its concerns. The letter was published in full by key Hollywood trades.
“It’s time for the studios to come off the sidelines,” the letter stated. “After this industry has spent decades fighting piracy, it cannot stand idly by while tech companies steal full libraries of content for their own financial gain.”
The letter cited a recent article in The Atlantic titled There’s No Longer Any Doubt That Hollywood Writing is Powering AI which it said confirms that “tech companies have looted the studios’ intellectual property – a vast reserve of works created by generations of union labour – to train their artificial intelligence systems.”
The letter said: “The studios, as copyright holders of works written by WGA members, have done nothing to stop this theft. They have allowed tech companies to plunder entire libraries without permission or compensation. The studios’ inaction has harmed WGA members.”
It added: “The studios should take immediate legal action against any company that has used our members’ works to train AI systems.”
UKTV reports digital growth following U rebrand
British broadcaster UKTV has reported strong VOD growth following its decision to unite its channels and streaming service under the new U masterbrand and to combine its previously separate linear and VOD divisions.
.jpg)
Film and TV Charity unveils first ambassadors
The Film and TV Charity has announced its first official ambassadors.
Conclave leads nominations for 2025 BAFTA Film Awards
Papal drama Conclave has emerged as the front runner for the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards with 12 nominations, including best actor for Ralph Fiennes.
Richard Welsh elected SMPTE President
SMPTE has announced that Richard Welsh has been elected by its membership to serve as SMPTE president, serving a two-year term to 31 Dec, 2026.
Report highlights risks to human rights across UK post-production sector
Research published by the TV Industry Human Rights Forum in partnership with the Film and TV Charity has documented several key areas where post-production workers have reported impacts on their human rights, ranging from exploitative working practices, health and safety issues, family life imbalance, and impediments to diversity.
