Actor Matthew Modine, famous for his roles in Full Metal Jacket and Stranger Things, has declared his intention to vote against the ratification of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. This agreement recently brought an end to the 118-day actors’ strike.
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In a strongly worded statement, Modine, who was one of the SAG-AFTRA National Board members voting against sending the contract for member approval, acknowledged the agreement’s “improvements and gains.” However, he firmly stated his inability to endorse a contract that, in his view, jeopardizes the independence and financial futures of performers.
“As a National Board member, it’s morally mandatory to stand beside and provide protection for fellow members. Especially those beginning their careers, those unable to defend themselves, and in this case, their identities, their voices, and their physicality, from being taken away by technology no one fully understands,” Modine expressed, pointing to concerns over the agreement’s provisions related to artificial intelligence.
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Modine took particular issue with the agreement’s emphasis on actors’ consent regarding the use of AI by studios. He highlighted the contractual use of the term ‘consent,’ which he described as purposefully vague and demanding union members to release their autonomy. According to Modine, agreeing to consent within the contract entails permitting employers to digitally capture and reconstruct actors’ physicality and voices using artificial intelligence. This information can then be utilized to regenerate a member whenever and however the contract holder chooses, indefinitely.
The actor criticized what he deemed as an inappropriate approach by the union, asserting that members need a clear understanding of the implications of the agreement before casting their votes.
“It is inappropriate for the union to tell its members how to vote without presenting the pluses and minuses of an issue. To do so is disingenuous at best and duplicitous at worst. Members need to understand what they’re signing away by consenting as written within this contract,” Modine declared.
As the voting period extends until December 5 at 5 p.m., Modine’s dissenting stance sheds light on the complex discussions surrounding AI and autonomy within the entertainment industry.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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