Hollywood Heavyweights Clash Over AI Copyright: Stars and Unions Unite to Protect Creative Industries

The burgeoning use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry has ignited a fierce debate, pitting Hollywood’s creative elite against tech giants vying for dominance in the AI landscape. A coalition of over 400 prominent figures, including Ben Stiller, Paul McCartney, and Ron Howard, has penned an open letter to President Donald Trump, urging the administration to safeguard existing copyright protections in the face of rapidly advancing AI technologies.

The letter, addressed to the Office of Science and Technology Policy, underscores the profound economic and cultural significance of America’s arts and entertainment sector. It highlights the industry’s contribution of over 2.3 million American jobs and $229 billion in annual wages, while also emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of American democratic influence and soft power abroad.

The signatories express grave concerns that AI companies are seeking to undermine this robust ecosystem by advocating for the weakening of copyright protections for various creative works, including films, television series, artworks, writings, music, and even voices. These copyrighted materials are the very foundation upon which AI models are trained, driving the multi-billion-dollar valuations of these tech corporations.

The letter was submitted as part of the public commentary period for the Trump administration’s U.S. AI Action Plan, a strategic roadmap for the development and deployment of AI technologies across various sectors.

Tech Giants Seek Expanded Access to Copyrighted Material

OpenAI and Google, two of the leading AI research and development companies, have submitted their own proposals to the Office of Science and Technology, advocating for expanded access to copyrighted material for AI training purposes.

OpenAI argues that preserving American AI models’ ability to learn from copyrighted material is crucial for securing Americans’ freedom to learn from AI and maintaining the nation’s competitive edge in the global AI race, particularly against countries like China (PRC).

Google echoes this sentiment, asserting that "balanced copyright rules," such as fair use and text-and-data mining exceptions, are essential for enabling AI systems to learn from prior knowledge and publicly available data. These exceptions, they argue, unlock scientific and social advances by allowing the use of copyrighted, publicly available material for AI training without significantly impacting rightsholders. Google also warns that strict copyright enforcement could lead to "often highly unpredictable, imbalanced, and lengthy negotiations with data holders during model development or scientific experimentation."

Hollywood Strikes Back: "No Reason to Weaken Copyright Protections"

The Hollywood contingent vehemently opposes these proposals, arguing that there is "no reason to weaken or eliminate the copyright protections that have helped America flourish." They contend that AI companies can access copyrighted material by simply negotiating appropriate licenses with copyright holders, a standard practice in other industries.

The letter emphasizes that access to America’s vast creative catalog is not a matter of national security and does not warrant a government-mandated exemption from existing U.S. copyright law. They point to the long-standing tradition of U.S. copyright law, which has balanced creator’s rights with the needs of the public for nearly 250 years, fostering the world’s most vibrant creative economy.

The Hollywood letter recommends that the American AI Action Plan uphold existing copyright frameworks to maintain the strength of America’s creative and knowledge industries, as well as American cultural influence abroad.

Simon Cowell: AI "Shouldn’t Be Able to Steal" Human Talent

The debate over AI and copyright has also drawn the attention of prominent entertainment figures like Simon Cowell, who has warned that AI "shouldn’t be able to steal" human talent. This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the creative community that AI could potentially replicate or mimic artistic styles and performances without proper attribution or compensation.

Directors Embrace AI with Caution

While a large group of A-listers is rallying against AI, a team of top-grossing directors, including Joe and Anthony Russo, the brothers behind Marvel’s "Avengers: Endgame," are openly embracing the technology.

The Russo brothers’ recent film, "The Electric State," which explores a world dominated by powerful robots, features AI-driven voice modulation. Joe Russo has acknowledged that AI use is more prevalent in Hollywood than people are willing to admit, but he also cautions against overblown fears and a lack of understanding.

He notes that AI, particularly in its current "generative state," is prone to "hallucinations," making it unsuitable for "mission-critical work." However, he believes that generative AI holds significant potential for creative applications.

AI Fueled Hollywood Strikes

AI, especially generative AI, has been a divisive topic in Hollywood since before the strikes by writers and actors in 2023. Both unions shut down the industry for almost six months.

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland acknowledged the sacrifices made by union members and other industry workers during the strikes, but emphasized that they were "necessary" to address the looming threat of AI.

He expressed frustration that the companies could have made a deal sooner, but also highlighted the importance of anticipating the implementation of AI before it became too widespread.

Unions Seek Federal Legislation

Vanessa Holtgrewe, IATSE international vice president, emphasized the importance of copyright protection in the context of AI, noting that studios are being "very cautious and careful" about the technology.

DGA Associate National Executive Director Rebecca Rhine added that federal legislation is needed to address the complex issues surrounding AI and copyright, and that the unions are discussing potential approaches.