SAG-AFTRA Podcast: “Will AI Augment or Automate Us? Experts Weigh In.”

Generative AI is a topic causing excitement and concern in the entertainment industry. The powerful technology used in deepfakes, ChatGPT and Dall-E-2 is rapidly impacting the content creation process — from editing and special effects to the scripts and performances themselves. In fact, its greater presence in the industry is leading many to question where Hollywood’s AI revolution leaves real-life entertainers. Will there ever come a time when AI completely replaces people? And for those willing to embrace these changes, how can they ensure that their work is safe from exploitation?

SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland discuss this hot-button issue for the podcast’s 100th episode. Joining them are Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse author and generative AI expert Nina Schick and former editor for The Hollywood Reporter and Puck founding partner Matt Belloni. The group’s conversation breaks down the influence of technology on today’s industry and further explores the question of whether AI will augment, automate or replace us.

This episode was recorded on-site at CES 2023. 

Visit the SAG-AFTRA podcast page to hear our other interviews about technology with leading subject-matter experts — and make a New Year’s resolution to not miss our upcoming episodes! Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or Tune In to listen to your favorite episodes on the go. 

Photo: Author and Generative AI expert Nina Schick and Puck founding partner Matt Belloni.

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.