At a recent rally, a writer expressed concerns about the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO) that is engulfing the industry. The ongoing strikes in Hollywood have brought together writers and actors, who both share apprehension about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their livelihoods. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) warns that AI systems, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, could lead studios to cut costs by replacing human writers with AI-generated scripts. The Screen Actors Guild (Sag-Aftra) is alarmed by the use of digital likenesses, with studios proposing to pay background actors for perpetual image rights. As a response, studios and streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney are aggressively hiring professionals in the field of AI. Amidst the strikes, entertainment companies and tech giants with entertainment divisions are actively expanding their AI teams. Netflix recently made headlines for offering an annual salary of up to $900, 000 for an AI product manager, while Disney has numerous job listings related to machine learning. Amazon and Apple also have several open positions in machine learning, some specifically focused on entertainment applications. This trend of AI hiring in Hollywood has triggered an industry-wide rush to enhance machine learning capabilities in various aspects of the business. The studios are aware of the transformative potential of technology, given their previous experiences with disruptive innovations from Silicon Valley. These AI-related roles encompass a range of functions, including recommendation algorithms, advertising, dubbing, and localization. Sony, for example, is hiring for AI positions in video game development, machine-learning audio processing, and ethical considerations.

The overwhelming fear of missing out is driving the industry to proactively embrace AI, as executives recognize the imperative to stay ahead of technological advancements or face obsolescence. This hiring spree extends beyond entertainment and reflects a nationwide trend, with companies seeking AI leadership positions to remain competitive. The number of people in AI leadership roles in the US has tripled in the past five years. However, it is important to note that not all AI positions are directly related to generative AI, which has sparked ethical concerns and debates. Nonetheless, the current hiring boom in AI underscores the industry's dedication to leveraging AI technology, both in terms of cost-efficiency and creative advancements. Despite AI being touted as an efficiency improver, the potential impact on human jobs cannot be ignored. The growing capabilities of generative AI are already evident in various entertainment applications, such as visual effects, dubbing, and even deepfake simulations. While writers and actors have outlined their demands for safeguards against AI, the full extent of AI's limits and risks remains uncertain. In a post-strike Hollywood, the race for AI dominance has intensified. Studios are actively seeking professionals with a strong understanding of AI's market requirements and its potential to revolutionize content creation. Disney, in particular, has expressed a commitment to embracing AI as part of its future. As technology continues to advance, the widespread adoption of AI in the entertainment industry seems inevitable, and companies are eager to position themselves at the forefront of this transformation.