Job listings for artificial intelligence roles in the film and television industry have increased, despite ongoing protests from writers and actors against the use of AI. Major entertainment companies such as Disney, Netflix, and Sony are among those offering AI-centric positions, with salaries ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million.
Disney, Netflix, and Sony have all listed job openings for AI-focused roles in their organizations. These positions include engineering managers, AI technical directors, and research scientists focused on AI ethics and human-computer interaction. The salary ranges for these positions vary, with some offering between $180,000 to $900,000, while others can range from $240,000 to $1 million annually.
Netflix, however, declined to comment on their job listings. On the other hand, Sony AI stated that their AI Ethics Office operates separately from their entertainment company. NBCUniversal also listed a job for a vice president of product, personalization, and search for their Peacock streaming service, with a salary range of $220,000 to $290,000 per year.
Interestingly, these AI-focused job listings come at a time when Hollywood writers are striking for higher pay and protesting against AI taking over their jobs. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) recently proposed a new package with higher compensation, including a 5% increase in wage rates in the first year of the contract. However, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) rejected the proposal, stating that it was an attempt by the AMPTP to force them into accepting unfavorable terms.
One of the major points of contention in the proposal was the consideration of generative AI as “literary material.” The proposal included a ban on such AI being classified as such, ensuring that writers would not be adversely affected by its use. However, the WGA pushed back against this, saying that the companies’ plan was to divide and conquer the writers.
Representatives from both sides have expressed a desire to end the strike and reach a resolution. Carol Lombardini, the president of AMPTP, stated that their priority is to end the strike and address the writers’ concerns, while the WGA criticized the AMPTP’s proposal as an attempt to force them into submission.
As the strike continues and AI roles in the entertainment industry increase, the future of AI and its impact on the industry remains uncertain.