Hollywood studios and actors agree on the use of AI

Los Angeles – 30.05.2026 : In a historic agreement, major Hollywood studios and the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA have signed a contract regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in film production. This move follows months of negotiations and aims to protect artists’ rights in the digital age.

The new contract stipulates that the digital reproduction of living or deceased artists can only be carried out with their explicit consent. This particularly concerns the creation of synthetic voices and the use of digital avatars mimicking the appearance and voice of actors. These technologies have previously sparked controversies because they were used without the consent of the artists.

Another key point of the agreement concerns the regulation of the use of AI for the creation of dialogues and scripts. Henceforth, it will be ensured that AI-generated content cannot be used without the participation of human writers and actors. This aims to prevent AI systems from replacing human creative work and harming the quality of productions.

The agreement has been described as historic by both parties and considered a necessary step in an industry increasingly marked by digital technologies. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher emphasized that this contract establishes a balance between technological progress and the protection of artists’ rights. She insisted that the union always strives to defend the interests of its members while promoting innovation.

The studios also welcomed the agreement, highlighting that it paves the way for a responsible use of AI in film production. They stated that collaboration with the union constitutes a model for managing future technological challenges in the industry.

Experts consider this agreement an important step to maintain the balance between technological progress and artists’ rights. They highlight the necessity of such agreements to preserve cultural diversity and the quality of film productions in the digital age.

The film industry faces the challenge of keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies while protecting the creative processes that are at the heart of the sector. The agreement between the studios and the union is seen as a model for future negotiations in the entertainment industry.

Overall, this development shows that the film industry is ready to meet the challenges of the digital age while protecting the interests of artists. The agreement between Hollywood studios and actors regarding the use of AI could serve as a reference for the entire entertainment sector.