Sean Penn is a distinguished actor, director, and activist. He boasts a rich collection of honors, including dual Academy Awards for his exceptional performances in Mystic River and Milk. Beyond his entertainment career, Penn is recognized for his significant contributions to humanitarian work and political advocacy, with a focus on disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
Sean Penn is leaving no room for ambiguity as he criticizes studios’ intentions to utilize artificial intelligence for exploiting actors’ likenesses and voices in upcoming ventures. During a recent interview with Variety, Penn expressed his strong opinions on a prominent issue that has become a major concern for SAG and WGA amidst ongoing strikes, transforming the previously distant AI threat into an unsettling reality.
Sean Penn Blasts Studios For Intentions To Use AI
In his pitch, Sean Penn envisions a scenario involving himself and a camera crew in a meeting with studio executives. He would propose a direct challenge to the executives, suggesting they exchange personal data.
Sean Penn told Variety:
“So you want my scans and voice data and all that. OK, here’s what I think is fair: I want your daughter’s, because I want to create a virtual replica of her and invite my friends over to do whatever we want in a virtual party right now. Would you please look at the camera and tell me you think that’s cool?”
The WGA and SAG-AFTRA remain at an impasse with the AMPTP, locked in disputes involving AI, equitable compensation, and residuals. This summer, key figures within the AMPTP appeared to strengthen their commitment to utilizing AI in writing and performance.
Disney reportedly established an AI task force spanning its theme parks, television, and advertising divisions. In July, Netflix advertised a position for an AI product manager aimed at “enhancing” film and TV production through machine learning. Filmmakers, ranging from Charlie Kaufman to Tim Burton, have strongly criticized the notion of AI as a filmmaking tool.
Dwayne Johnson And Other Actors Come In Aid Of Strikers
Hollywood superstar and action icon, Dwayne Johnson, also joined in to support the strikers. Courtney B. Vance, president of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, appreciated the actor’s generosity and encouraged others to lend a helping hand during this critical period.
In addition to Johnson, a host of other well-known celebrities have made substantial donations to the foundations. The list includes George and Amal Clooney, Luciana and Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, Julia Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, and many more.
Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, have joined the ranks of celebrities supporting the striking workers. The couple recently contributed $1.5 million to assist the protesting entertainment industry employees, offering both financial aid and solidarity to their cause.
Source: Variety
