If you’re wondering when artificial intelligence (AI) will begin to replace human jobs, the answer is now.
According to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, artificial intelligence contributed to nearly 4,000 job losses last month, as interest in the rapidly evolving technology’s ability to perform advanced organizational tasks and lighten workloads has grown.
According to the outplacement firm’s report released Thursday, layoff announcements from US-based employers reached more than 80,000 in May, a 20% increase from the previous month and nearly four times the level for the same month last year.
The seventh-highest contributor to job losses cited by employers in May was AI, which was responsible for 3,900 or about 5% of all job losses.
Businesses have quickly adopted cutting-edge AI technology to automate a wide range of tasks, including administrative and clerical work as well as creative work such as writing. As a result, jobs have been lost.
According to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts, the AI industry will be worth more than $1 trillion by 2025, driven by significant technological advancements such as the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot last fall.
The inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Challenger report is a first, but human replacement by rapidly developing technology has previously been in the news.
The trailer for the epic sci-fi action thriller “The Creator,” which opens in theaters on September 29th, have been released by 20th Century Studios, New Regency, and Entertainment One.
Joshua (Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife (Chan), is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war… and mankind itself. Joshua and his elite operatives cross enemy lines and enter the dark heart of AI-occupied territory… Only to discover that the world-ending weapon he’s been ordered to destroy is an AI disguised as a young child.
The film is directed by Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One,” “Godzilla”) and stars John David Washington (“Tenet”), Gemma Chan (“Eternals”), Ken Watanabe (“Inception”), Sturgill Simpson (“Dog”), newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyles, and Academy Award® winner Allison Janney (“I, Tonya”).
Gareth Edwards and Chris Weitz wrote the screenplay for the film, which was based on Edwards’ story. Gareth Edwards, p.g.a., Kiri Hart, Jim Spencer, p.g.a., and Arnon Milchan are among the producers. Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Nick Meyer, and Zev Foreman are executive producers.
Prime Video has graciously unveiled the much-anticipated arrival of Season 3 for the exquisitely crafted sci-fi comedy series, Upload. This masterpiece is set to grace our screens on the illustrious date of Friday, October 20, exclusively on Prime Video.
To further entice our senses, the official first-look images have been bestowed upon us, offering a glimpse into the captivating world that awaits. With an opulent offering of eight meticulously curated episodes, this enchanting journey will unfold gradually, with two episodes unveiled each week.
Rest assured, this spellbinding spectacle will captivate viewers across more than 240 countries and territories, affirming its esteemed presence on the global stage.
Upload is a captivating and sophisticated sci-fi comedy series crafted by the illustrious and Emmy-winning writer Greg Daniels, renowned for his remarkable contributions to acclaimed shows such as The Office, Parks and Recreation, and King of the Hill.
Transporting viewers into a mesmerizing future brimming with awe-inspiring technological advancements like holographic phones, autonomous vehicles, AI companions, and even miraculous 3D food printers, Upload seamlessly blends the realms of imagination and possibility. But here’s where it truly distinguishes itself: in this visionary world, the concept of mortality is reimagined, as one’s consciousness can be elegantly “uploaded” into a sublime virtual reality afterlife, where every desire and indulgence is effortlessly realized amidst the luxuries of a world-class resort. Of course, such an opulent existence is only within reach for those who possess the means to embrace it.
In the captivating world of Upload Season 3, our beloved characters Nora and the newly rejuvenated Nathan embark on a thrilling journey, delicately balancing their blossoming connection as they race against time to dismantle a perilous conspiracy that imperils countless lives. Will they succeed in dismantling the formidable Freeyond and finally embrace a tangible existence together? Or will the relentless pressure cause Nathan’s very being to unravel? Simultaneously, within the enchanting realm of Lakeview, a replicated version of Nathan awakens, igniting Ingrid’s determination to grasp this unforeseen opportunity for love. In the tangible world, Aleesha ascends the ranks of Horizen, skillfully managing the education of artificial intelligence, while finding herself entangled in a captivating new romance. Meanwhile, Luke, left to his own devices in Lakeview, is driven to seek means of funding his stay in this idyllic paradise, leading him to delve into the enigmatic depths of The Grey Zone.
The illustrious creation of this series can be attributed to the brilliant mind of Greg Daniels, who equally assumes the role of executive producer alongside the esteemed Howard Klein.
A constellation of remarkable talents graces the screen, with the likes of Robbie Amell portraying the captivating Nathan, Andy Allo embodying the enchanting Nora, Kevin Bigley masterfully portraying the complex Luke, Allegra Edwards bringing Ingrid to life with exquisite grace, Zainab Johnson stunningly portraying the enigmatic Aleesha, and Owen Daniels beautifully personifying the A.I. Guy.
Following a fiery speech by SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher criticizing the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for its perceived greed and refusal to negotiate with the guild, the Screen Actors Guild went on strike on July 13th.
SAG-AFTRA members are fighting for better pay and working conditions. In terms of pay, many actors do not receive residuals and cannot rely on royalty payments, even if their show or movie is performing exceptionally well on streaming services.
SAG members are also concerned about studios using artificial intelligence to recreate an actor’s likeness or performance, which has been a point of contention during negotiations. SAG members are demanding guarantees on how studios and production companies will use AI, but AMPTP is reportedly refusing to budge on the issue.
SAG-AFTRA Strike Guidelines:
The National Board has declared a strike of all covered services under the Producer – SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement and SAG-AFTRA Television Agreements and their related agreements (“TV/Theatrical Contracts”) and instructs all SAG-AFTRA members to cease rendering all services and performing all work covered by the TV/Theatrical Contracts. The strike extends to productions covered by any of the following agreements, effective at 12:01 AM Pacific Time, July 14, 2023:
● Producer-SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement ● SAG-AFTRA Television Agreement (includes New Media) ● SAG-AFTRA New Media Agreement for High Budget Original or Derivative Programs ● Special New Media Agreements ● Low Budget Theatrical Agreement (LBA) ● Moderate Low Budget Project Agreement (MPA) ● Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement (UPA)
Members may be able to work on projects produced by non-AMPTP-related production companies under these agreements if such projects qualify for an Interim Agreement.
A list of projects adhered to an Interim Agreement can be found here. Except as set forth in the Notice to Members Regarding Non-Struck Work, ALL COVERED SERVICES AND PERFORMING WORK UNDER THE TV/THEATRICAL CONTRACTS MUST BE WITHHELD, including, but not limited to:
● Principal on-camera work, such as: ○ Acting ○ Singing ○ Dancing ○ Performing stunts ○ Piloting on-camera aircraft ○ Puppeteering ○ Performance capture or motion capture work; ● Principal off-camera work, such as: ○ ADR/Looping ○ TV Trailers (promos) and Theatrical Trailers ○ Voice Acting ○ Singing ○ Narration, including audio descriptive services except as the services may be covered by another collective bargaining agreement referred in the Notice to Members Regarding Non-Struck Work ○ Stunt coordinating and related services ● Background work
● Stand-in work ● Photo and/or body doubles ● Fittings, wardrobe tests, and makeup tests ● Rehearsals and camera tests ● Scanning ● Interviews and auditions (including via self-tape) ● Promotion of/publicity services for work under the TV/Theatrical Contracts, such as: ○ Tours ○ Personal appearances ○ Interviews ○ Conventions ○ Fan expos ○ Festivals ○ For your consideration events ○ Panels ○ Premieres/screenings ○ Award shows ○ Junkets ○ Podcast appearances ○ Social media ○ Studio showcases ● Negotiating and/or entering into and/or consenting to: ○ An agreement to perform covered services in the future ○ Any new agreement related to merchandising connected to a covered project ○ The creation and use of digital replicas, including through the reuse of prior work ● Performing on a trailer for a struck production or other ancillary content connected to a struck production
To ensure compliance with the rule to withhold all covered services, members who are also employed in non-performing capacities should consult with SAG-AFTRA by emailing [email protected]. To the extent prohibited under applicable law, SAG-AFTRA will not discipline members for purely non-covered work done in other non-performing capacities.
Variety has compiled a list of how the SAG-AFTRA Strike rules affect influencers, journalists, cosplayers, and other individuals. You can find it here.
What do SAG Members have to say about the protest?
Throughout this protest, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some SAG members. Take a look at the interviews below.
‘Good Trouble’ Stars Cierra Ramirez and Josh Pence Talk SAG Strike
Aisha Tyler Talks About SAG-AFTRA Strike and Bob Iger’s Comments
Please check back daily for new updates on the SAG Strike and interviews with their members.
In advance of its season one finale next week, AMC Networks has renewed the popular and critically acclaimed suspense thriller Moonhaven for the second season of six episodes coming on AMC+ in 2023. Since its premiere earlier this month, Moonhaven has become the #1 most watched exclusive series and the #2 most watched new series in the streamer’s history, behind only the breakout Western noir crime drama Dark Winds.
Created by Peter Ocko (Lodge 49, Black Sails, Elementary, Pushing Daisies), who is also a showrunner, the series is focused on a utopian colony on the Moon that may hold the keys to preserving life on Earth. Moonhaven features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Emma McDonald (Queens of Mystery), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), Amara Karan (Doctor Who), Ayelet Zurer (Losing Alice), Joe Manganiello(True Blood), Kadeem Hardison (Black Monday), and Yazzmin Newell (The Last Tree).
“This is such an engaging and entertaining series, brilliantly conceived and run by Peter. The story is suspenseful, provocative, and prescient, and features a phenomenal cast that delivers mesmerizing performances,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. “What Peter and the team are crafting for season two is next level, and the fans will be thrilled.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the Moon and continue our story with this amazing cast and crew,” Ocko said. “AMC+ has been a wonderful partner in bringing our world to life, and we can’t wait to continue the journey.”
Set 100 years in the future, the suspenseful thrill ride of a series follows Bella Sway (McDonald), a lunar cargo pilot and smuggler who finds herself accused of a crime and marooned on Moonhaven, a utopian community on a 500-square-mile Garden of Eden built on the moon to find solutions to the problems that will soon end civilization on Mother Earth. A skeptic in paradise, Bella is sucked into a conspiracy to gain control of the artificial intelligence responsible for Moonhaven’s miracles and teams with a local detective, Paul Serno (Monaghan), to stop the forces that want to destroy Earth’s last hope before they are destroyed themselves. Tom Schultz (Manganiello), an ex-military with a philosophical bent, is the right hand of the lead Earth diplomat to the moon, who finds his ambitions changed when he’s injected with a mind-altering moon drug.
An AMC Studios production, Moonhaven is executive produced by Ocko and Deb Spera, who is a non-writing executive producer.
