In the midst of ongoing strikes by Hollywood actors and writers, Netflix has found itself at the center of a storm of criticism after advertising a lucrative job opportunity for an artificial intelligence (AI) expert. The job posting, first reported by The Intercept, seeks to add a new member to the Machine Learning Platform team responsible for driving Netflix’s algorithm, which assists viewers in selecting new shows and movies to watch. The staggering annual salary of up to $900,000 (£700,000) has only fueled further anger among the striking unions.
The strike was initiated by Hollywood unions who have expressed concerns about the impact of AI on the entertainment industry, particularly its potential effects on pay and creative decision-making. The contentious job advertisement for an AI specialist has only exacerbated their anxieties.
The job description, although expansive, does not explicitly clarify whether the AI expert will have any influence on content selection or investment decisions. Another listing for a product manager on the Machine Learning Platform team hints at the potential use of AI in assessing funding requirements for different programs. This, in turn, raises concerns among the unions, notably Sag-Aftra, that fear algorithms could wield too much power, dictating aspects such as episode count and the number of seasons.
Fran Drescher, a representative of Sag-Aftra, expressed her concerns about the industry’s overreliance on algorithms. She argued that the success of a film or TV show is now determined less by its quality and more by meeting certain algorithmic criteria. Drescher pointed out that this model could lead to shorter seasons and fewer episodes, impacting the livelihoods of those in the industry.
The Writers’ Guild, WGA, has proposed a regulatory system that aims to control the use of AI in the writing process and prevent its exploitation as source material.
Netflix has remained tight-lipped about the contentious job listings, but in the past, the streaming giant has asserted that AI will not replace the creative process. The company maintains that the best stories continue to emerge from genuine human experiences.
As the strikes continue, the tensions between Hollywood unions and Netflix may escalate further. The intersection of AI and the entertainment industry remains a topic of great concern, with questions surrounding its influence on creativity, job security, and the future of content creation. As the industry grapples with these challenges, the ultimate outcome and the role of AI in shaping entertainment content will undoubtedly continue to be a subject of intense debate.
source: bbc news
