Major Hollywood talent agencies like CAA, UTA, and WME are opposing OpenAI's new AI-powered video app Sora 2, citing risks to intellectual property, exploitation, and the need for control, permission, and compensation for creators. The agencies are calling for safeguards and expressing concern over the potential misuse of emerging technology in the entertainment industry.
Takeshi Kitano, a prominent figure in Japan's entertainment industry, has commented on the sexual abuse scandal surrounding Johnny & Associates, the country's dominant talent agency for young male stars. The scandal has been brewing for decades, but it wasn't until a BBC documentary aired that Japanese media began to cover it. Several male idols have come forward with allegations of sexual assault by the company's founder, Johnny Kitagawa. Kitano criticized the talent agency system in Japan, which he says treats talent like slaves and exploits their earnings. Johnny's current president, Julie Keiko Fujishima, has issued an apology on behalf of the company.
Hollywood talent agencies, including CAA, WME, APA, Gersh, and Paradigm, are implementing cost-cutting measures such as extra scrutiny on travel and expenses and temporary salary reductions amid the ongoing WGA strike. The strike has led to a drying up of agencies' film and TV revenue streams, with many series and movies delayed or halted. However, having gone through the pandemic, agencies are expected to better navigate the effects of the strike and possibly avoid layoffs.
