Film Industry Faces New Regulations on AI-Generated Likenesses of Deceased Stars

The California Senate has passed groundbreaking legislation requiring film studios to obtain permission from the estates of deceased actors before using artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate their likenesses in movies, TV shows, video games, and other media.

This new law, pending approval from California Governor Gavin Newsom, is expected to set a precedent across the United States and potentially worldwide. It marks a significant shift in the industry, as studios currently do not need consent to use AI for replicating departed performers, though they often seek it.

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the trade union representing movie actors, hailed the decision, stating: “This is another win in our ongoing strategy of enhancing performer protections in a world of generative artificial intelligence.”

Recent films have already employed AI technology to bring deceased actors back to the big screen. For instance, Alien: Romulus utilized AI to resurrect Sir Ian Holm’s character from the 1979 original Alien film. Similarly, 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker incorporated footage of Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, three years after her passing, with her brother’s consent.

Nicolas Cage Weighs in on AI Regulations

However, the use of AI in filmmaking has raised concerns among living actors as well. Nicolas Cage recently expressed apprehension about being “replaced” by AI. In an interview with The New Yorker magazine, Cage shared his experience of being digitally scanned for roles, saying, “They have to put me in a computer and match my eye color and change – I don’t know. They’re just going to steal my body and do whatever they want with it via digital AI God, I hope not AI I’m terrified of that. I’ve been very vocal about it.”

This new legislation aims to address such concerns and provide a framework for the ethical use of AI in the entertainment industry. As technology continues to advance, the law seeks to balance innovation with respect for actors’ legacies and the rights of their estates.

The implementation of this law could significantly impact how studios approach posthumous performances and the use of AI in filmmaking. It may lead to more transparent negotiations with estates and potentially influence the creative decisions in future productions involving deceased actors.

As the entertainment industry grapples with the rapid advancement of AI technology, this legislation represents a crucial step in establishing ethical guidelines and protecting the rights of performers, both living and deceased. We’ll keep you posted as this continues to evolve.