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Presenter: Rachael Anne Dougherty

Faculty Sponsor: Carolyn Crotty Guttilla

School: Massachusetts Bay Community College

Research Area: Art & Design

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Auditorium, A83

ABSTRACT

Acting has always been a distinctive human endeavor. But that may soon change. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may enable production companies to produce work that diminishes authentic artistic expression. Today, AI in Hollywood is being used for multiple reasons, one of which is altering the appearance of actors. Viewers of the movie Here (2024) see a 68-year-old Tom Hanks playing a man in his 30s. Not only does this take away from the authenticity of the art of acting, but it also takes opportunities away from younger actors. Similarly, in the past year, the introduction of AI into media has not only contributed to modifying actors' appearances but could also replace their existence entirely. Tilly Norwood, the first AI actress, has caught the eye of many agencies, signifying how prevalent this issue could become. In 2023, former SAG AFTRA President Fran Drescher told Time Magazine, “86% of the union's 160,000 members don't even make enough money to be eligible for health benefits” (Chow, 2023). With the introduction of AI, the possibility of landing roles and making a living off acting is only decreasing. Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool, but only if it is used ethically. By being aware of the threat AI poses to the media and entertainment industry, we as an audience can help prevent this from becoming the new normal.