The Black Mirror episode “Joan is Awful” explored a future where AI replicas of actors were used to create new content. This technology is not yet available, but it is not far off. In fact, there are already companies that are developing AI-powered tools that can create realistic replicas of people’s faces and voices. It’s a terrifying future development, that’s already here.
The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is going on strike today, July 13, 2023, in protest of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ (AMPTP) proposal to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create new performances without the consent or compensation of SAG-AFTRA members. This is exactly like the premise of the Season 6 opener “Joan is Awful” of Black Mirror.
There are some major potential risks associated with using AI replicas of actors. For one, it could lead to the devaluation of real actors’ work. Additionally, it could be used to create content that is harmful or offensive. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use AI replicas of actors is a complex one. There are both potential benefits and risks to consider. However, as the technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see more and more AI replicas being used in entertainment.
