Tom Cruise Unveils Mind-Blowing Stunts & Groundbreaking AI Insights During SAG Negotiating Session

Mission Impossible actor Tom Cruise was involved in SAG-AFTRA negotiations before the recent actors' strike, advocating for the guild's concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence and stunt performers. Despite weeks of negotiations leading up to the July 12 contract deadline, SAG-AFTRA was unable to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP). The guild subsequently voted to initiate an official strike on July 14, joining the Writers' Guild of America to demand fair pay and improved conditions.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cruise was called upon during initial negotiations to persuade studios and streaming services to address the growing use of AI in the industry. Additionally, as SAG-AFTRA represents both stunt professionals and actors, Cruise was able to provide valuable insights on proposals concerning their membership. It is also mentioned that Cruise proposed the idea of allowing actors to promote their movies during the strike, considering the current state of movie theaters.

Why AI Has Been A Topic Of Contention In The WGA And SAG-AFTRA Strikes

Thanks to the popularity of online tools like ChatGTP and DALL-E, artificial intelligence has rapidly progressed from a concept in science fiction to a readily accessible content generation tool with countless real-life applications. While some critics may dismiss the quality of AI-generated movie trailers and TV scripts, there is no denying that this technology is advancing at a speed that poses a significant threat to those in the film and television industry.

This technology has the potential to replace entire teams of writers or even digitally recreate actors' performances at a fraction of the cost of traditional on-set appearances. It's easy to understand why major guilds in Hollywood are concerned about the potential misuse of this emerging technology by studios. While it may be tempting to condemn the use of creative tools powered by artificial intelligence, the truth is more complex, as explained by director Christopher Nolan. While there are valid ethical concerns surrounding this technology, it also has the potential to greatly enhance the modern filmmaking process.

AI has already made its mark in Hollywood, allowing VFX artists to seamlessly digitally de-age actors like Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. It has also enabled retired actors like James Earl Jones to continue voicing characters like Darth Vader. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA face the challenge of establishing clear guidelines around AI's use to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of their members. This complex issue has even caught the attention of A-listers like Tom Cruise.