As AI performer Tilly Norwood continues to spark debate about the intersection of Hollywood and technology, the new president of the actors’ union is doubling down on protection for his members.
Sean Astin, star of “Rudy” and the just-elected leader of SAG-AFTRA, spoke to Variety about global curiosity over Norwood. She is the creation of a company called Particle6, which caused uproar in late September when leadership said notable talent agencies were interested in representing her for work in film and TV.
“I appreciate that this story has captured the imagination of people, but it’s not the first shoe to drop. We had a 118-day strike, fighting very hard to put AI provisions and protections in place. The teams at SAG-AFTRA have been in this fight for longer than people might realize. As technology continues to advance at light speed, we’re going to meet the challenge,” Astin said.
The ”Stranger Things” actor also said the matter will be addressed with the Association of Talent Agents, the trade association representing major firms like CAA, WME and UTA, in upcoming agreement talks.
“Our agreement with the ATA is important, and we look forward to a healthy, constructive conversation with agencies to make sure that we continue to help each other. We performers rely on our agent’s judgment and their good work and their sincerity, and they rely on our talent and our marketability,” he said. “The real issue at play is how our work is exhibited and what kinds of permissions and compensations we get for its use.”
The guild head, son of film and TV treasure Patty Duke, pointed to legislation signed by California Governor Gavin Newsome on Friday, for which SAG-AFTRA provided testimony. When it comes to the synthetic star, Astin said his union “knows what this is and how to treat it.” And that means leverage.
“With regard to AI, we have an extraordinary amount of leverage, because the audience wants to see real human performers in movies, TV shows, animation, video games, audio books and in all the other ways that we represent our members,” Astin concluded.
Astin’s remarks come after a formal condemnation of Norwood from SAG-AFTRA, as well as outcry from dozens of actors, including Emily Blunt, Melissa Barrera, Lukas Gage and more.