Hollywood studios and actors reach agreement on the use of artificial intelligence

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

The new contract stipulates that the digital reproduction of living or deceased artists can only occur with their explicit consent. This particularly concerns the creation of synthetic voices and the use of digital avatars that mimic the appearance and voice of actors. Similar technologies have previously caused controversies due to their use without the consent of the artists.

Another key point of the agreement is the regulation of AI use in the creation of dialogues and scripts. In the future, it will be ensured that AI-generated content is not used without the involvement of human writers and actors. This is to prevent AI systems from replacing the creative work of people and compromising the quality of productions.

The agreement has been described as historic by both parties and a necessary step in an industry increasingly influenced by digital technologies. Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized that the contract creates a balance between technological progress and protection of artists’ rights. She highlighted that the union is always committed to safeguarding the interests of its members while promoting innovation.

The studios have also welcomed the agreement positively, highlighting that the contract paves the way for responsible use of AI in film production. They stated that collaboration with the union sets a model for addressing future technological challenges in the industry.

Experts consider this agreement an important step to maintain the balance between technological progress and artists’ rights. They emphasize that such agreements are necessary to ensure cultural diversity and the quality of film productions in the digital age.

The film industry must face the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technological development while protecting the creative processes at the heart of the industry. The agreement between studios and the union is seen as a model for future negotiations in entertainment.

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