Actors' union offered better deal over AI protections

Artificial intelligence protections for performers could be implemented for the first time, as union negotiations to establish a framework progress.

Last month, Equity members voted overwhelmingly to refuse digital scanning on set.

With a turnout of over 75%, over 99% of those who voted said they would be prepared to refuse a set scan.

Digital scanning is a process through which an actor's likeness is captured for future use. There have been growing concerns among actors that their work, voice and likeness are being used without their explicit consent, with Equity pushing for transparency of terms, and fair remuneration for usage via an enforced industry standard.

Equity says it has now received an offer with "new wording" concerning AI protections from the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), which showed "improvements".

The two unions agreed to enter a further period of negotiations "in good faith" on Tuesday.

Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming said: "Equity members should be in no doubt that it is their support and determination to secure AI protections which led to this improved offer.

"Last month's ballot result showed that an overwhelming majority of performers are prepared to refuse scanning on set, and that focused the minds of producers leading to this improved offer.

"It doesn't cover everything we've asked for, and the coming weeks will be instrumental in securing the protections performers need in the age of AI and scanning on set."

Equity said PACT had met its deadline on Monday, providing new wording with improvements in relation to AI protections, which had been in dispute.

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The Equity-PACT agreement underpins the terms and conditions of the vast majority of UK film and TV work for performers, including actors, stunt artists, singers and dancers.

"A constructive meeting took place with PACT where we discussed the revised offer and further improvements we are seeking," Mr Fleming said.

"Given the progress being made, we will enter into further negotiations with PACT on AI, as well as royalties and residuals, pay, self-tapes and fairer contracts to secure the best possible deal.

"However, if we decide this offer is not good enough, and PACT refuse to give the protections that are needed, we are prepared to move to a statutory ballot of members with the intention to undertake industrial action on upcoming productions."

Equity is seeking AI protections for the first time as the technology and its use grow rapidly.

The union has raised concerns that artists' likeness, voice and work could be used by generative AI without their consent.

Mr Fleming has said previously that it was a "basic right of performers to have autonomy over their own personhood and identity".

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