Michael Buckner/Diversity
The Writers Guild of America has proposed allowing artificial intelligence for screenplay writing, so long as it doesn’t hurt writers’ credits or residuals.
The guild had previously indicated that it would propose regulating the use of AI in the writing process, which has recently emerged as a problem for writers who fear losing their jobs.
But contrary to some expectations, the guild is not proposing a total ban on the use of AI technology.
Instead, the proposal would allow an author to use ChatGPT to help write a script without having to share credit or share residuals. Or a studio head could give the writer an AI-generated script to rewrite or polish, and the writer would still be considered the first writer on the project.
In fact, the proposal would treat AI as a tool – like Final Draft or a pencil – rather than as a writer. The intention seems to be to allow authors to benefit from the technology without getting dragged into credit arbitrations with software vendors.
The proposal does not address the scenario where an AI program writes a script all by itself, without any human help.
The guild’s proposal was discussed in Monday’s first round of negotiations with the Alliance of Film and TV Producers. Three sources confirmed the suggestion.
Whether the AMPTP, which represents the studios, will be open to the idea is not yet clear.
The WGA proposal simply states that AI-generated material will not be considered “literary material” or “source material”.
These conditions are crucial for granting writing loans, which in turn have a large impact on the residual remuneration.
“Literary Material” is a fundamental term in the WGA’s Minimum Basic Agreement – it is what an “author” produces (including stories, treatments, screenplays, dialogue, sketches, etc.). If an AI program cannot produce “literary material,” it cannot be considered an “author” for a project.
“Source material” refers to things like novels, plays, and magazine articles that a screenplay can be based on. If a script is based on source material, it is not considered an “original script”. The author may also only get a “script by” indication instead of a “written by” indication.
A “written by” credit entitles the author to the full residuals for the project, while a “script by” credit earns 75%.
By declaring that ChatGPT cannot write “source material,” the guild would be saying that an author could adapt an AI-written short story and still get full “written by” credit.
Such scenarios may seem far-fetched. But technological advances can pose some of the thorniest issues in negotiations, as neither side is willing to concede an advantage that could become even more consequential in the years to come.
AI could also be used to help write questions about Jeopardy! or other “quiz and audience participation” shows.
SAG-AFTRA has also raised concerns about the impact of AI on performers, particularly the loss of control over their image, voice and likeness.
The WGA will continue negotiations over the next two weeks before reporting back to members on next steps and a possible strike. The contract expires on May 1st.