Are On-Set Body Scanners Making Actors Obsolete? Exploring Industry Concerns in Film and TV

For performers on TV and movie sets, it’s common to be asked for scans that capture every detail of their likeness. With the rise of AI in the industry, many actors are questioning what happens to this data. Olivia Williams, who has been in the business for years, reflects on her experiences: “You’re on set, in costume, and an assistant director, someone you trust, asks you to step over to the VFX bus after your scene. It feels too tough to say no.”

Williams points out that actors often feel pressured to comply. Many performers worry that if they push back, they might jeopardize future roles. This pressure is shared among actors, stunt performers, and dancers, all of whom have been ushered into studios without clear information about their rights regarding this biometric data.

Concerns intensified after an AI-generated actor named “Tilly Norwood” was introduced, stirring debate about what AI means for human performers. Williams, alarmed by the situation, wants to advocate for newcomers who could face even more uncertainty in their careers. Moreover, the impact of AI is profound—Dave Watts, a supporting actor, shared that with AI, entire crowds could be generated without the need for hundreds of actors, leading to job losses across the industry, including key roles like assistants, makeup artists, and caterers.

A dancer, who preferred to stay anonymous, echoed these concerns. They described long filming days that left little room for objections. “You start to feel like you’re becoming obsolete,” they said.

Legal experts are sounding alarms as well. Alex Lawrence-Archer, a data rights lawyer, notes that performers currently navigate a jumble of outdated laws that don’t reflect today’s technology. He urges for clearer contracts upfront instead of fighting for rights later on. “Contracts often use old language that doesn’t account for new tech, leaving a gap for studios and AI developers to exploit,” he explains.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Some productions are now informing performers ahead of scans, allowing them to voice concerns. One cast member, wishing to remain unnamed, shared, “We pushed back and got an addendum to our contracts. Now, digital scans can only be used for the show with our written consent.”

Still, the battle for rights in the face of data-hungry AI is daunting. Many agree that while AI could diminish the role of human performers, it also has the potential to enhance creativity. Theo Morton, a stunt performer, emphasizes this point: “There’s a lot of uncertainty. It’s crucial we protect our roles in the industry.”

Williams expresses worry that the battle may already be lost. Experts stress the need for transparency regarding where AI models source their training data. Lawrence-Archer warns that focusing solely on compensation might lead to a future where actors are treated more like data workers than the creative talents they are.

As this conversation continues, it’s clear the entertainment industry is at a crossroads. With advancements in AI looming, performers and legal experts alike must advocate for their rights, ensuring that creativity and human touch remain central in filmmaking and beyond.



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