People Stunned As They Spot Entire Row Of AI Extras In Background Of Disney Show

A scene from Prom Pact that uses actors with artificial intelligence in it.

Credit: Disney

This development is set against the backdrop of the Writers' Guild of America (WGA) strike in July 2023.

The strike also involved representatives of the film industry, notably SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). In a show of solidarity, approximately 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members withdrew from participation in Hollywood films.

Remarkably, the stars of "Oppenheimer" even chose to skip the film's premiere in London, UK, as a result of the strike.

Credit: Disney

While the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have managed to negotiate a tentative agreement, significant disagreements persist among SAG-AFTRA members.

These disputes revolve around issues such as wages, working conditions, and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The recent resurgence of a video from Disney+'s "Prom Pact," which premiered in March, has garnered viral attention on social media due to its innovative use of AI.

Anya Adamas serves as the director of the romantic comedy "Prom Pact," making its debut on the Disney Channel on March 30, 2023.

Clips from the film have been shared on "X," previously known as Twitter, showcasing the integration of artificial intelligence actors in the background of a scene.

According to a report from Deadline, The Walt Disney Company's Chief Executive Officer, Bob Iger, shared his thoughts during a conference call following the company's earnings in May 2023. Bob Iger expressed optimism about the opportunities presented by AI, stating, "It’s pretty clear that AI represents some pretty interesting opportunities for us, and some substantial benefits."

He noted that Disney had already begun using AI to enhance efficiencies and better serve consumers, emphasizing the goal of getting closer to the consumer. However, Bob Iger also highlighted the disruptive potential of AI, especially concerning intellectual property management.

The impact of AI extends to the negotiations within SAG-AFTRA, as outlined by Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the Chief Negotiator and National Executive Director of SAG-AFRTA. During a press conference cited by Consequence Film, Crabtree-Ireland explained the AMPTP's proposal for AI's application in movies and television.

The proposal includes the scanning of background performers, with payment for a single day's work, and the company's ownership of the scan for future use without consent or compensation. This proposal has sparked considerable debate within the industry.

It raises important questions about the rights and compensation of performers in an era where AI is increasingly influential in entertainment.

The "Prom Pact" video, with AI actors, shows how AI is changing the film industry, bringing both opportunities and problems.