As AI performer Tilly Norwood continues to spark debate about the intersection of Hollywood and technology, the new president of the Actors Guild is doubleping the protections of his members.
“Rudy” star and just-elected leader of Sag-AFTRA, Sean Astin spoke to Variety about his global curiosity about Norwood. She was the founding of a company called Particle 6, which sparked a fuss in late September when a well-known talent agency said she was interested in representing her in her work in film and television.
“I’m grateful that this story captured people’s imagination, but it’s not the first shoe. We’ve been struggling for 118 days and fought very hard to put AI provisions and protection in place. The SAG-AFTRA team has been in this fight longer than people can achieve.
The “Stranger Things” actor said the issue will be addressed at the Talent Agents Association of Talent Agents, a trade association representing major companies such as CAA, WME and UTA.
“Our agreement with the ATA is important and we look forward to healthy and constructive conversations with the institutions to ensure we help each other. We rely on the judgement of our agents and their good work and integrity, and they rely on our talent and marketability,” he said. “The real question is how our work is displayed and what permission and compensation we will obtain for its use.”
Guildhead, the son of film and television Treasure Patty Duke, pointed to a law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday. As for the composite star, Astin said his union “knows what this is and how to handle it.” And that means leverage.
“When it comes to AI, there is extraordinary leverage as viewers want to see real human performers in all other ways that represent their members, including films, television shows, animations, video games, audiobooks, and more,” Astin concluded.
Astin’s remarks come after official Norwood denunciation from Sag-Aftra, followed by protests from dozens of actors, including Emily Blunt, Melissa Barrera, and Lukas Gage.
