Artificial Intelligence and the threats its unchecked use poses to the cultural industry – and society – represents one of the biggest issues ACTRA members face today and will likely continue to do so for years to come.

ACTRA is steadfast in calls for action from both the production industry and the highest levels of the Canadian government. This rapidly evolving issue can be difficult to navigate so bookmark this page to find the latest ACTRA AI updates in one place.

Help us fight unchecked AI… with your human story.

ACTRA advocates and campaigns on the impact of AI and often, the biggest reaction comes when relaying your real-life professional experiences.

The government needs to understand exactly how AI is affecting performers on set, in auditions, in contracts, and online.

We are calling on members to share examples of where AI has affected your work or raised concerns for you to ensure our advocacy accurately reflects the realities performers face when AI is left unchecked.

Share your experience and be a part of your union’s fight!

POLITICAL POLICY AND SUBMISSIONS

As one of the most active lobbyists in the cultural industries, ACTRA meets with Ministers, MP’s and Departments who will be responsible for crafting and passing legislation to defend against unchecked AI. Whether through in-person meetings or official submissions, ACTRA is on the front line of AI policy advocacy.

MORE CAN, LESS CON

The CRTC will have significant influence over how AI is permitted to be used in Canada’s screen industry. Despite positive signs in the Commission’s plans to operationalize Bill C-11, where key creative positions are to be protected from AI replacement, the union must remain vigilant. Studios and streamers have plenty to gain financially from AI synthetics replacing human roles, which is why ACTRA must hold the CRTC to account.

NO RENDER REQUIRED

AI may be the shiny new toy, and while it can create content – it can’t create culture. AI slop pollutes the media and introduces real societal risks. It’s time to look beyond the memes and the ChatGPT hype to focus on the real-world impact.

IN THE MEDIA

AI can be a confusing and challenging topic for many. ACTRA actively engages with the media to educate audiences to see beyond the “fun” side of AI, and its inherent danger to Canadian culture.

MEMBER ALERT: Casting Scam Targeting Performers – Know the Red Flags

A new report from The Hollywood Reporter is raising alarms across the North American audiovisual community about a sophisticated scam targeting actors, and ACTRA members should be aware.

Fraudsters are impersonating well-known casting directors, contacting performers through email and social media with offers of roles on major productions. After leading actors through a realistic-seeming audition process – including self-tapes and feedback – the scammers eventually ask for money, often posing as union representatives and requesting “initiation fees” or membership payments outside of official channels.

What to watch for:

• Unsolicited outreach from a casting director – including one you’ve worked with before – coming from an unfamiliar or unofficial email address
• Requests for payment of any kind – union fees, processing fees, NDAs – via bank transfer, e-transfer, cheque, PayPal, CashApp, or personal accounts
• Union “administrators” using non-official email addresses or who can’t be verified on the union’s website

ACTRA will never ask you to pay dues or fees outside of the official membership portal. If you receive any request for money from someone claiming to represent ACTRA, do not pay. Contact your local Branch directly. If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to your local Branch and consider filing a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow ACTRA National on social media, check your email inbox, and bookmark this AI information hub. Access the ACThuman archive. Please note that some articles are published in English only and are not translated.