Actor Bryan Cranston has spearheaded an initiative urging OpenAI to collaborate with the Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA following the launch of Sora 2, an AI video production tool that raised concerns over copyright infringement.
Soon after the release of AI video creators, instances of videos utilizing copyrighted content emerged, including titles like Star Wars and Pokemon. This triggered a swift reaction from actors, studios, and copyright holders, who feared that unlawful use of protected material in Sora 2 could become rampant.
Sora 2 sparked significant backlash within Hollywood due to its ease of reusing others’ artwork and imagery. Almost immediately, the Motion Picture Association called on OpenAI to restrict the use of copyrighted material in Sora 2’s functions.
Numerous actors expressed unease about OpenAI’s new software, particularly concerned that their images and voices could be used without consent. Cranston, known for his role in Breaking Bad, voiced his worries publicly about Sora 2’s potential misuse, as reported by The Wrap.
“I felt a deep concern, not only for myself but for every performer whose work and identity could be exploited in this manner. We are grateful for OpenAI’s enhanced policies and safeguards and hope that all companies involved honor our rights to control how our voices and likenesses are reproduced,” Cranston said.
“Bryan Cranston represents many performers whose voices and likenesses could be subject to broad misappropriation through such technologies. He took the right step by reaching out to his union and professional representatives,” remarked SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin. “This situation highlighted a positive way forward, and we are pleased that OpenAI is committed to an opt-in system, allowing artists to decide whether they wish to be part of AI applications using their likenesses.”
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has been feeling the heat from concerned voices regarding potential misuse of the product.
“We’ve received feedback from numerous rights holders expressing excitement about this new form of ‘interactive fanfiction,’ believing it will generate significant value for them,” Altman shared in a blog entry. “However, they want the authority to control how their characters can be utilized, even if that means not allowing usage at all.”
He has now agreed to meet with the actors’ union, a step toward establishing those necessary safeguards.
OpenAI announced its plan to allocate 1 million CPUs to Sora 2 to accommodate user requests for video generation, a move that seemed to unnerv Altman somewhat.
The first highly viral creation from Sora 2 was a spoof surveillance clip depicting Altman supposedly stealing a computer component from a Target store. This video appeared to be a light-hearted jab at Altman’s AI creation software, which was derived from his own service.
AI is already making significant strides in reshaping the employment landscape in the entertainment sector. Reports indicate that Hollywood has seen over 200,000 job losses, and this number seems to be growing. So far, studios have largely stayed quiet on the subject, possibly out of fear regarding these sweeping changes.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook: Facebook.com/Warner.Todd.HustonTruth Social @WarnerToddHustonor on X/Twitter @wthuston
