With Hollywood on Strike, Disney and Other Media Companies Are Hiring AI Experts
With both the SGA and SAG-AFTRA currently on strike, production in Hollywood has ground to a halt.
In addition to streaming and residuals, one of the biggest points of contention between studios and creative talent has been the use of AI. For screenwriters, there is a fear that as AI improves, their jobs could be replaced. Actors on the other hand have concerns about the use of their likeness and the idea that AI could replace performers, including background actors.
Photo: NBS News
While Hollywood remains at a standstill, major entertainment companies are hiring for jobs in the artificial intelligence field.
The Hollywood Reporter searched through job listings and found a number of open positions related to AI, and Disney is no exception.
Photo: Variety
Disney Hiring AI Experts
According to the Hollywood Reporter investigation, Disney currently has around half a dozen job postings “focused on AI and machine learning.” These jobs remain open despite Disney recently laying off 7,000 employees.
Some of the AI positions available at Disney fall within the Imagineering department.
Photo: Disney
One Imagineer role for example calls for someone with “ambition to push the limits of what AI tools can create and understand the difference between the voice of data and the voice of a designer, writer or artist.” The hire will “collaborate with third-party studios, universities, organizations, and developers to evaluate, adopt, and integrate the latest generative AI.”
A candidate who fills that role could earn a base salary of up to $180,000 per year.
Another job listing at Disney called “for a machine learning engineer in the Disney Streaming Advanced Research division (it’s ‘responsible for creating AI-enabled solutions for Disney+, Star+, and ESPN+,’ per the listing) will use AI to ‘work on advanced personalization efforts involving digital avatars.’”
The Optics Are Bad
While it is perhaps unsurprising that Disney and other large media companies are investing in AI, with Hollywood creatives on strike and production shut down, it is not a great look.
Photo: Cincinnati Enquirer
As always, be sure to check back in with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news surrounding Disney and the SAG-AFTRA strike.
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