Hollywood studios and actors agree on use of artificial intelligence

Los Angeles – May 30, 2026: Leading Hollywood studios and the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA have reached a landmark agreement to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. The move comes after months of negotiations and aims to protect artists’ rights in the digital era.

The new agreement specifies that digital reproductions of living or deceased artists cannot proceed without clear consent. This particularly concerns synthetic voice production and the use of digital avatars that mimic an actor’s appearance and voice. These technologies have been controversially used in the past without artists’ consent.

Another key point of the pact regulates how AI is used for dialogue and scriptwriting. Going forward, AI-generated content will be ensured not to be used without the involvement of human writers and actors. This is intended to prevent AI systems from replacing human creative work or degrading the quality of works.

Both sides hailed the agreement as a historic step and said it is a necessary measure in an industry where digital technology is increasingly pervasive. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher emphasized that the contract balances technological advancement with protecting artists’ rights, and said the union has always worked to protect members’ interests while fostering innovation.

Studios also welcomed the agreement, stressing that the contract paves the way for responsible use of AI in filmmaking. They said collaboration with the union could serve as a model for addressing future technological challenges within the industry.

Experts see the agreement as an important advancement in maintaining a balance between technological progress and artists’ rights. They stress that such accords are essential to ensure the cultural diversity and quality of filmmaking in the digital age.

The film industry faces the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technological advances while protecting the creative processes that are central to the industry. The agreement between studios and the union is being regarded as a best-practice example for future negotiations within the entertainment industry.

Overall, the development shows that the film industry is prepared to respond to the challenges of the digital age and to protect artists’ interests. The agreement between Hollywood studios and actors on AI use will have significant implications for the wider entertainment industry.