SAG-AFTRA's Crabtree-Ireland on the "Devastating" Hollywood Strikes: Why They Were "Necessary

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland explains why last year's actor and writers' strikes were crucial for protecting the industry from the impact of artificial intelligence.

Last year, the entertainment industry was rocked by a series of devastating strikes involving actors and writers. These strikes brought production in Hollywood to a standstill, leaving many wondering if the industry would ever recover. But according to SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the strikes were essential for protecting the future of the industry.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Crabtree-Ireland explained that the strikes were prompted by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment. AI-powered technology is now being used to create deepfakes, which are realistic simulations of people's faces and voices. This technology poses a serious threat to actors and writers, as it could be used to replace them in their own work.

SAG-AFTRA's Crabtree-Ireland on the "Devastating" Hollywood Strikes: Why They Were "Necessary

"The strikes were absolutely crucial," Crabtree-Ireland said. "The timing is now, and it's desperately needed."

SAG-AFTRA represents over 160,000 actors, announcers, singers, dancers, and other performers. The union has been at the forefront of the fight against AI, working to protect its members from the potential negative consequences of this technology.

SAG-AFTRA's Crabtree-Ireland on the "Devastating" Hollywood Strikes: Why They Were "Necessary

"Our members were suffering," Crabtree-Ireland said. "Other workers in the industry suffered. The industry suffered. It was necessary at that time. I wish it hadn't been."

Crabtree-Ireland believes that the strikes were successful in raising awareness about the issue of AI and its potential impact on the industry.

SAG-AFTRA's Crabtree-Ireland on the "Devastating" Hollywood Strikes: Why They Were "Necessary

"I think that the strikes really woke a lot of people up," he said. "It got people talking about the issue."

The strikes also helped to create momentum for the No Fakes Act, a bipartisan bill that would establish federal protections against harmful uses of digital replicas. The bill has been praised by SAG-AFTRA, the Motion Picture Association, and other industry leaders.

SAG-AFTRA's Crabtree-Ireland on the "Devastating" Hollywood Strikes: Why They Were "Necessary

"This bill is a huge win for everyone, especially for performers whose livelihoods depend on their likeness and brand," SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.

Crabtree-Ireland said that he is hopeful that the No Fakes Act will be passed by Congress. He believes that the bill represents a crucial step towards protecting the entertainment industry from the threats posed by AI.

SAG-AFTRA's Crabtree-Ireland on the "Devastating" Hollywood Strikes: Why They Were "Necessary

"I think it's absolutely essential that we get this bill passed," he said. "It's a matter of protecting the future of our industry."

While the strikes were undoubtedly devastating, Crabtree-Ireland believes that they were ultimately necessary. By taking a stand against AI, SAG-AFTRA has helped to ensure that the entertainment industry will continue to be a place where creativity and innovation can thrive.

SAG-AFTRA's Crabtree-Ireland on the "Devastating" Hollywood Strikes: Why They Were "Necessary

"We're fighting for the future of our members' careers and even more fundamental than that," Crabtree-Ireland said. "We're fighting for the future of the industry itself."