WHY STRIKING MATTERS

Hollywood writers scored a significant victory this week by coming to an agreement on the use of artificial intelligence in film and television projects. The WGA (Writers Guild of America) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers finally ended one of the longest labor strikes in the history of Hollywood after the writers and actors picketed for months as part of a "double strike".

The use of AI was one of the most closely watched aspects of this negotiation as writers and actors feared it could dramatically reshape Hollywood and undermine their roles. However, with terms of AI use finally agreed, some writers are finally feeling relieved. The agreement does not outlaw the use of AI tools but instead establishes guardrails to ensure that the new technology remains in the control of workers, rather than being used by their bosses to replace them.

One of the most important aspects of this agreement is that it allows writers to choose whether to use AI as a research tool, without undermining their credit or compensation. The agreement also prevents studios from using AI-generated content as "source material" and then assigning screenwriters to complete the writing process for less pay and credit.

The new contract is a model for other industries to emulate. It allows for the use of AI as a complementary tool that will ultimately result in a better product for the studios. While not every union will have the power to win the kind of protection that Hollywood writers have achieved, this agreement is a victory for all workers and a testament to the striking process.

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