Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the entertainment industry, from screenwriting and visual effects to immersive audience experiences. Recent developments highlight how AI is being integrated into Hollywood and beyond, with implications for creativity, production efficiency, and even labor relations. This week, three major stories emerged that showcase AI’s growing influence in screenwriting, filmmaking, and audience engagement.
Writers Guild Secures AI Protections in New CBS News Contract
The Writers Guild of America East and West achieved a significant milestone by ratifying a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with CBS News. This contract introduces groundbreaking protections related to the use of generative AI systems in the workplace.
AI Protections for Workers
Under the agreement, CBS must provide advance notice before implementing generative AI technologies. Additionally, the company will meet with the guild twice a year to discuss AI developments and their impact on employees. Importantly, any staff laid off due to AI will receive 1.5x severance pay—a notable safeguard in an era of increasing automation.
Compensation Improvements
The contract also includes substantial wage increases: a 3% annual hike for all pay minimums and an 11%-22% boost in first-year pay for entry-level positions like Desk Associates and Junior Writers. Per diem employees will see a 2% increase in pay overrides over the contract term.
Implications for Mergers
These workforce protections could influence regulatory evaluations of Paramount Global’s pending merger with Skydance Media. Paramount has already downsized its U.S. workforce by 15%, making the contract’s provisions especially relevant as the industry navigates consolidation.
This agreement underscores how unions are proactively addressing AI’s potential impact on creative professionals, ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the expense of human workers.
James Cameron Embraces AI for Filmmaking Efficiency
In a surprising turn of events, legendary filmmaker James Cameron has joined the Board of Directors at Stability AI. Known for his cautionary stance on AI—famously referencing The Terminator—Cameron is now exploring ways to integrate AI into filmmaking to streamline production processes without compromising artistic integrity.
AI in Visual Effects (VFX)
Cameron’s focus is on enhancing VFX workflows using Stability AI’s tools. By doubling the speed at which shots can be completed, he aims to reduce costs for big-budget films like Avatar and Dune. This approach prioritizes efficiency while empowering artists to work more creatively.
Skepticism About AI Storytelling
Despite his enthusiasm for AI in production, Cameron remains skeptical about its ability to write emotionally resonant or original screenplays. He suggested that AI would only be taken seriously as a storytelling tool if it ever wins an Oscar for Best Screenplay—a feat he believes could take decades.
Stability AI’s Vision
Stability AI CEO Prem Akkaraju emphasized the company’s mission to transform visual media by creating a full-stack AI pipeline for creators. This partnership between Cameron and Stability AI highlights how filmmakers can leverage technology to enhance creativity without replacing human ingenuity.
Cameron’s shift from anti-AI rhetoric to active collaboration reflects a broader trend in Hollywood: embracing technology as a tool rather than a threat.
“The Wizard of Oz” Reimagined with Generative AI at Las Vegas Sphere
Generative AI is not just transforming production—it’s revolutionizing how audiences experience classic films. Sphere Entertainment has announced an immersive version of The Wizard of Oz, set to debut at the Las Vegas Sphere on August 28.
AI-Powered Upscaling and Expansion
In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, Google Cloud, and Magnopus, Sphere Entertainment is using generative AI models like Gemini, Veo 2, and Imagen 3 to upscale and reimagine the original 1939 film. These technologies enhance resolution, expand backgrounds, and recreate characters with unprecedented detail.
Massive Data Processing
The project involves processing over 1.2 petabytes of data using Google Cloud’s high-performance computing infrastructure. This level of computational power enables seamless rendering for Sphere’s advanced display system—a 160,000-square-foot wraparound LED screen with 16K by 16K resolution.
Creative Collaboration
Sphere is working with Magnopus, a creative studio founded by Oscar-winning VFX artists Ben Grossman and Alex Henning (Hugo). Their expertise ensures that the immersive experience maintains artistic integrity while leveraging cutting-edge technology.
Long-Term Implications
This project marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between Sphere Entertainment and Google Cloud to explore new possibilities for generative AI in entertainment. As Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian noted, these advancements could reshape audience experiences and open new opportunities for filmmakers.
By blending classic storytelling with modern technology, The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere exemplifies how generative AI can breathe new life into beloved narratives while captivating audiences in entirely new ways.
The Broader Impact of AI on Hollywood
These developments highlight several key trends in Hollywood’s adoption of AI:
- Protecting Creative Professionals: The Writers Guild contract demonstrates how unions can negotiate safeguards against potential job displacement due to automation.
- Enhancing Production Efficiency: James Cameron’s collaboration with Stability AI shows how filmmakers can use technology to streamline workflows without compromising artistry.
- Revolutionizing Audience Experiences: The immersive Wizard of Oz project illustrates how generative AI can transform storytelling into multi-sensory experiences that push creative boundaries.
While skepticism about AI’s role in screenwriting persists—particularly regarding its ability to craft emotionally resonant stories—the technology’s potential to augment creativity is undeniable. Whether through labor protections or groundbreaking collaborations, Hollywood is navigating this technological shift with cautious optimism.
Conclusion: Balancing Innovation with Integrity
AI is not just a tool—it’s becoming an integral part of Hollywood’s creative ecosystem. From securing workers’ rights to enhancing production efficiency and reimagining audience experiences, this week’s news underscores how the entertainment industry is embracing innovation while safeguarding its artistic core. As filmmakers like James Cameron explore new possibilities and unions advocate for protections, one thing is clear: the future of Hollywood lies at the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence.
✍️ Whether you’re mastering the art of dialogue, structure, or character development, the power of AI can be a game-changer in your writing journey. My Free Ebook, ‘AI for Authors’ delves into how AI-powered prompts can provide a unique edge to your storytelling process. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of supercharging your fiction skills, download your free copy today and explore new horizons in creative writing.
A.I. in Screen Trade 