Performers across the UK's film and television industries have overwhelmingly voted to refuse digital scanning for artificial intelligence purposes, a move that could pave the way for industrial action.
An indicative ballot conducted by the actors' union, Equity, revealed that a staggering 99 per cent of those who participated would reject such scanning.
While a further ballot would be necessary before any industrial action could commence,
Equity emphasised that the 75 per cent turnout underscored the profound sentiment among performers regarding the safeguarding of their AI rights.
The ballot engaged more than 7,700 actors, stunt performers, and dancers who have worked under a Pact-Equity agreement since the last negotiations in 2021.
Equity is presently engaged in discussions with Pact, the trade body representing the majority of UK film and TV production companies, to establish minimum standards for pay, terms, and conditions within the sector.
Following this decisive vote, Equity has announced it will now formally demand that Pact return to the negotiating table with a significantly improved proposal concerning artificial intelligence.
If Pact refuses to enshrine the AI protections the union is seeking in the agreements, Equity said it will hold a statutory ballot for industrial action.
Equity’s general secretary, Paul W Fleming, said: “Artificial Intelligence is a generation-defining challenge, and for the first time in a generation, Equity’s film and TV members have shown that they are willing to take industrial action.
“Ninety per cent of TV and film is made on these agreements. Over three quarters of artists working on them are union members. This shows that the workforce is willing to significantly disrupt production unless they are respected, and decades of erosion in terms and conditions begins to be reversed.
“The US streamers and Pact need to step away from the brink, and respect this show of strength. We need adequate AI protections which build on, not merely replicate, those agreed after the Sag-Aftra strike in the USA over two years ago.
“The union believes this can be resolved through negotiation, but 18 months of talks have led us to this stalemate.
“With fresh AI proposals, significant movement on royalties, and a package of modern terms and conditions, Pact and allied producers can turn this around. The ball is in their court when we return to the table in January.”
Amazon removes AI recap from Fallout after mistakes — including one key blunder
Jimmy Kimmel roasts Trump for interrupting Survivor finale with last-minute speech
Strictly star Amber Davies hits out at viewers for harsh backlash
Controversial Strictly star withdraws from 2025 final
Netflix is about to add the ‘greatest TV show of all time’
The View hosts reject ‘hit piece’ claims over bombshell Vanity Fair interview
