❮
❯
TRENDING
Jan. 24, 2024
Hollywood Musicians Demand Negotiations on Streaming and AI
The union that represents Hollywood musicians will start bargaining next Monday, with demands for streaming residuals and protections from artificial intelligence. By: Dylan Low
The
American Federation of Musicians (AFM) has already started talks in a
rain-soaked rally at the Sherman Oaks Galleria, home of the Alliance of Motion
Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates on behalf of major studios.
The
musicians’ current leading issues are the same representatives who led the
Hollywood writers and actors on strike last year, putting the industry on hold
for up to six months.
Similar to
the other unions, the AFM is not aiming to entirely block artificial
intelligence or “instrument replacement technology.”. However, the union looks
to ensure that musicians can use it as a tool, and are not dismissed in the
process.
“We’re not
Luddites,” claimed Tino Gagliardi, international president of the union. “In
fact, a lot of our people are developing this stuff. We need consent. We need
compensation. And we need credit.”
The AFM is
home to around 70,000 members across the U.S. and Canada, which include
recording musicians alongside touring artists and orchestra and nightclub
performers.
The union’s
TV and film contract was initially meant to expire on November 13th, however
the union decided to extend it by six months, following the situation of the
Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Further discussions are
expected to take place over the next two weeks.
“The AMPTP
looks forward to productive negotiations with the Federation, with the goal of
concluding an agreement that will ensure an active year ahead for the industry
and recognize the value that musicians add to motion pictures and television,”
the studio association announced in a statement.
To never
miss a story — sign up for Viral Weekly free newsletter to stay up-to-date with compelling TV and Film
news and views.
