By Laila Casiano | Staff Writer

Many unions, especially those in creative industries, went on strike this year for better work environments and wages. But something unprecedented was petitioned: provisions on artificial intelligence (AI).

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) reached a tentative deal with Alliance Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) Sept. 27 after a 148-day strike. 

The strike was over compensation from streaming services as well as AI/digital recreations. 

In addition, The Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) reached a tentative deal Nov. 9 after a 118-day strike over similar issues. 

The overtaking of AI in creative industries is no small challenge, as it now stands as a possible life-long enemy.

Collin Pillow, an emeritus instructor for online creative media production courses, worked in radio and television as an announcer. He was also a director, videographer and cable television coordinator. 

Pillow said he is afraid AI will take over creative industries. 

“It’s a legitimate fear to have,” Pillow said. “You shouldn’t be able to do this (taking someone’s image and likeness), otherwise (AI will) run loose and out of control.”

The usage of AI is not only affecting Hollywood, but anyone working within creative industries.

Leslie Parker, an assistant professor of graphic design and instructor for illustration, worked full-time as a graphic designer and as a creative director in the industry for almost a decade until she came to teach at Arkansas State University.

“I am concerned about generative image models being trained on the work of artists who did not give their consent,” Parker said.

Parker said public access to these generative images is not going anywhere and regardless of personal opinion, these tools and systems are staying.

“Creators will need to adapt so they aren’t left behind. As educators, it is our duty to prepare students for changes and evolution in our industries and our disciplines,” Parker said.

The graphic design professor said she sees benefits of AI usage in graphic design, such as creating a more efficient workflow with these tools, but the consequences concern her more than the benefits. 

Parker said the creation of deepfakes, the spreading of misinformation and the instilling of biases are most concerning to her.

For Natalie Pittman, an assistant professor of animation, the ethics of AI is her major concern. 

“AI is trained on the hard work and skill of artists who did not consent to their work being used that way,” Pittman said. “This is a disturbing common dictation of artists and their skill.”

In animation, AI is seeping into pre-visualization or concept development areas. These quickly generated designs and ideas are being used rather than a concept artist. 

“Fleeting art should not be where AI shines,” Pittman said.

The animation professor said she does not believe AI will talk over creative industries as a whole. 

“The work it produces is banal and we already see AI devouring its own tail as it becomes increasingly self-referential and assuming its own characteristics,” Pittman said. 

She said art should not be a mass-produced product. 

“Art is an expression and a skill, as soon as art is seen as nothing but a product, then we have out what art is,” Pittman said. 

Categories: Arts & Entertainment