On October 20, 2024, the distinguished actor Nicolas Cage took a stand during the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival in Newport Beach, California. Addressing an audience at the Balboa Bay Resort while receiving the Icon Award, Cage called upon young actors to firmly protect their craft from the encroaching influence of artificial intelligence in the film industry.

Cage, joined by other honorees such as June Squibb and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, emphasized the organic artistry involved in acting, describing it as a "handmade, organic, from-scratch process" fueled by imagination and heart. He expressed concern over how AI technology, particularly the Employment-Based Digital Replica (EBDR), is changing the landscape for young actors. This new technology has emerged following the SAG-AFTRA agreement with film studios and allows for extensive manipulation of an actor's performance.

Understanding EBDR and Its Implications

Employment-Based Digital Replica, or EBDR, is a generative AI developed through the involvement of performers for particular projects, as dictated by their employment contracts. While this technology offers cost-saving potential, the SAG-AFTRA agreement ensures actors are compensated for days they provide EBDR. However, less clear protections exist for high-earning actors, who must negotiate terms individually.

Cage vividly described how studios could utilize AI to alter an actor's on-screen presence, including facial expressions, voices, and movements, post-production—thus eroding the authenticity of their performances. Referring to his cameo in the 2023 film "The Flash," he warned young actors against hastily signing contracts that allow such exploitations.

The Call to Protect Artistic Integrity

Emphasizing the uniqueness of personal artistry, Cage urged actors to reflect on the concept of "my voice, my face, my body, my imagination—my performance" before permitting AI to alter their work. Citing a previous interview with The New Yorker, the actor reiterated his apprehension about AI's potential to erode the intrinsic value of artistic expression.

His message underscores a broader industry conversation about the balance between technological advancement and preserving the essence of human creativity in storytelling.

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