Hollywood stars launch Creators Coalition on AI

by

Entertainment professionals have formed a new group to support creators’ rights as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent.

The Creators Coalition on AI is a new group formed by 18 people in the entertainment industry. Its founders include writer-director Daniel Kwan, actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natasha Lyonne, and Janet Yang, who previously led the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt explained that the group isn’t just for famous actors and filmmakers. It welcomes all kinds of creators – like those who make podcasts, online videos, or newsletters – as well as the talented people who help them.

He explained in a video posted on X Tuesday that the real problem isn’t the AI technology itself, but the questionable ways some large AI companies are operating. He believes creators have significant power to change things if they unite and take action – through public outcry, working together, possible lawsuits, and ultimately, new laws.

Hollywood Inc.

A Dutch artist who designed an AI performer named Tilly Norwood caused controversy in Hollywood by announcing Tilly was about to be represented by a talent agency.

This new group is forming as Hollywood deals with the rapid development of AI. Many artists are worried about AI tools that use their images or creative work without their consent or fair payment.

Tech companies argue they should be allowed to use online content to train their AI systems under the “fair use” principle, which permits limited use of copyrighted material without needing permission from the copyright owner.

Several film studios are now working with AI companies, exploring uses for the technology in areas like advertising and creating special effects. Recently, Walt Disney Company made a deal with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, allowing them to use well-known Disney characters – including Mickey Mouse and Yoda – in Sora, OpenAI’s new AI tool that turns text into video.

According to Kwan, the announcement of the partnership between Disney and OpenAI came as a surprise to many, leaving them feeling caught off guard, as he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Look, on the surface, this might just seem like a simple deal to use some characters, and honestly, it probably won’t revolutionize the movie business. But as a film fan, I think it’s bigger than that. It feels like a signal that some companies are willing to collaborate with those who haven’t fully addressed past issues – and that’s a pretty powerful statement, even if it’s symbolic.

Several AI companies are facing legal challenges. For example, Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery recently sued Midjourney, claiming the company violated their copyrights.

Hollywood Inc.

Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI, strikes licensing deal

The Creators Coalition on AI is forming an advisory committee to develop common guidelines and ethical protections for using AI. They emphasize key principles like being open about AI use, getting permission from creators, giving them control over their work, and fairly compensating them. The group is also concerned about potential job losses, the dangers of misuse and fake content (like deepfakes), and ensuring AI enhances, rather than replaces, human creativity.

We’re not saying AI is bad,” the group explained online. “It’s already part of our world, and we’re dedicated to developing it in a way that prioritizes people and is used responsibly.

The group emphasized this isn’t about a conflict between tech and entertainment, or between workers and companies. They stated they’re actually making a distinction between those who prioritize speed and those who prioritize doing things the correct way.

According to a video by Gordon-Levitt, the idea for this coalition started with Kwan, who is releasing a documentary about AI next year. They began working on the group around the middle of 2023, and it has already gained support from many actors, including Natalie Portman, Greta Lee, Kirsten Dunst, and Orlando Bloom.

Read More

2025-12-17 23:31