⚡️The outcome of the writers & actors strikes in Hollywood
PLUS: Writers sign petition to fight back against unauthorized AI-training on their books
Clayton Hester
July 18, 2023
The Precap
Happy Tuesday, creatives!
It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
Well, we’ve got some new podcast releases for you from the CLAY Podcast Network.
Such as our latest episode of Near Allied, a podcast on genius and mental health— our latest episode takes a look at the life of Ernest Hemingway.
We also have a new episode of DEEP taking a look at the science of awe.
In other news, CLAY is announcing our creativity coaching services.
Today, we’re taking a deep-dive into the world of how AI is shaking up Hollywood, medicine, and gaming.
Also, how is AI hurting writers?
Well, for one thing, training on their books and causing massive layoffs.
💡Ready for next-level creativity?
Trends & Changes
Did you know that the last time both writers and actors went on strike in Hollywood, Ronald Reagan was president of the Screen Actors Guild?
Wild.
Times, they do be changin’.
Let’s take a dive into the actors and writers fight against AI.
There are constructive approaches to the system, including a suggestion by Mark Ruffalo to build a real competition against Hollywood.
How about we all jump into indies now? Content creators create a film & TV-making system alongside the studio & streaming networks? So there is actual competition. 🧵
https://
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo)
Jul 15, 2023
Why not — let’s #RebootHollywood.
After all, think of how much talent is already drawn from the creator economy — A24 directors the Daniels found their VFX specialists there.
Don’t demand change from the same sagging old systems.
Build new systems.
In the meantime, there’s been a sizeable backlash from authors at companies training AI on their works.
Authors including Nora Roberts, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Michael Chabon, and Margaret Atwood are joining forces to demand companies stop using their books.
The companies in question are OpenAI and Meta, for ChatGPT and Bard, respectively.
🗞The American Journalism Project (AJP) has joined forces with OpenAI, the renowned AI research and deployment company behind ChatGPT, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize the local news field. In support of AJP's mission to rebuild local news, OpenAI is committing $5 million in funding and up to $5 million in OpenAI API credits to empower AJP's grantee organizations to harness emerging AI technologies.
The collaboration aims to establish a dialogue between the local news industry and OpenAI while developing tools that can assist local news organizations.
“To ensure local journalism remains an essential pillar of our democracy, we need to be smart about the potential powers and pitfalls of new technology,” said Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project. “In these early days of generative AI, we have the opportunity to ensure that local news organizations, and their communities, are involved in shaping its implications. With this partnership, we aim to promote ways for AI to enhance — rather than imperil — journalism.”
🗳In Washington, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is taking a new approach to address the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) and foster bipartisan consensus. Instead of traditional hearings, he will organize a series of nine "AI Insight Forums" in the fall, bringing together AI experts to enlighten lawmakers. The forums will cover a range of topics, including copyright, workforce issues, national security, high-risk AI models, privacy, transparency, and elections.
🪦What if AI could bring back our loved ones who have passed away?
That may become more of a reality than you would imagine (or like to imagine).
Can ChatGPT diagnose your condition?
While AI shows promise in predicting hospital stays, supporting pandemic preparedness, and aiding insurance claims, Stat News says the idea that it will replace healthcare providers is… a bit extreme.
The New England Journal of Medicine is launching a new journal dedicated entirely to AI.
You might not know it — but AI and medicine have been trying to find a good working relationship for nearly sixty years.
In 1966, a professor at MIT created the first chatbot, ELIZA, who served to mimic a psychotherapist.
🕹In a shocking turn of events, Gamurs, the parent company of popular gaming sites Dot Esports and Destructoid, has recently posted a job listing for an "AI Editor."
This move comes just months after a significant round of layoffs, which saw around 40 percent of its workforce being let go.
The job posting outlines an ambitious plan to utilize AI technology, such as ChatGPT, with the help of an "AI Content and SEO Strategist," to produce an astonishing 200 to 250 articles per week. However, upon closer examination, the feasibility of such numbers becomes increasingly questionable.
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