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Podcast Recap: AI Civil War in Hollywood. Point-Counter-Point

Host: Chris Jai Alex
Guests: Keith Arem, Ben Ramsey, Drew McClellan
Special Guest: Jeff Thompson (Oracle / USC Annenberg, LA County Workforce)


AI Rise Of The Machines, Civil War in Hollywood

A deep dive into the growing tensions in the entertainment industry due to artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI). The conversation focused on:

  • The Skydance x Paramount merger and Oracle’s role in workforce integration.
  • The impact of AI/AGI on careers across creative sectors.
  • Advice for youth entering the workforce:
    “Apprenticeships unlock AI careers across sectors.”

Core Topics Discussed

Studio Use of AI

  • Studios now use AI for scripts, posters, music, and marketing automation.
  • Concerns about authenticity and creative quality are growing.

Ethical & Legal Dilemmas

  • Copyright issues, ownership rights, and bias in AI outputs were highlighted.
  • AI can unintentionally spread misinformation or reinforce harmful stereotypes.

Displacement of Creatives

  • Growing anxiety among writers, artists, and actors about losing work to machines.
  • Emphasis on WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike demands, which include protections against AI-generated labor.

Economic Impact

  • AI brings cost savings and increased efficiency—but at what cost?
  • Fears of job displacement and shifts in industry power dynamics.

Rise of the Machines Narrative

  • Cultural and media framing pits humans vs. machines.
  • Discussion centered on whether AI is a threat or opportunity for creative professionals.

Examples & Case Studies

  • A24’s “Civil War” AI-Generated Posters:
    Public backlash highlighted artistic limitations and threats to traditional roles.
  • WGA & SAG Strikes:
    Negotiations called for strong AI clauses to preserve human creativity and fair compensation.

Takeaway for Youth

“Don’t just consume AI—learn to build with it. Creative-tech apprenticeships are your entry point into a future-proof career.”

  • Projections and forecasting on the creative- workforce for preparing youth for AI-integrated roles.
  • Leveraging LA county and state workforce programs to upskill in emerging tech fields.