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In the ever-evolving landscape of literature and creativity, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted greatly in a new era, one that demands a fresh set of rules and guidelines. As AI technologies become more deeply integrated into the world of writing, it's becoming clear that writers need to strike a balance between embracing these powerful tools and preserving the authenticity of human creativity.
The traditional image of a writer hunched over a desk, surrounded by crumpled papers and empty coffee cups, may soon become a relic of the past. AI is rapidly transforming the way we approach literature, offering new possibilities, challenges, and opportunities.
From May 2 to September 27, 2023, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), representing a substantial body of 11,500 screenwriters, engaged in a protracted strike due to labor disputes with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This 148-day strike marked a significant interruption in American film and television production, surpassing the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic hiatus and becoming the second lengthiest labor stoppage performed by the WGA since the 1988 strike, which endured for 153 days. This strike, along with the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike that persisted even after the conclusion of the writers' strike, formed part of a broader series of labor disputes affecting the Hollywood industry.
The consequences of this work stoppage were far-reaching, leading to the suspension of numerous film and television productions. Some studios were compelled to shutter their operations or downsize their workforce. What's more, it posed a threat to the viability of long-term contracts established during the heyday of media streaming. Major studios had the authority to invoke force majeure clauses to cancel production agreements with writers after 90 days, resulting in substantial cost savings running into millions of dollars.
Furthermore, the ramifications of the strike rippled across various sectors within the global entertainment ecosystem. Notably, the Visual Effects (VFX) industry felt the impact, as did prop-making studios. These ancillary industries were adversely affected by the strike action, leading to disruptions and uncertainty.
Ultimately, following extensive negotiations and a tentative agreement, union leadership opted to bring the strike to a close on September 27, 2023. Subsequently, on October 9, the WGA membership formally ratified the contract with an overwhelming 99% of WGA members voting in favor of the resolution. This resolution marked the conclusion of a complex and protracted labor dispute that had brought significant changes to the landscape of American film and television production and its associated industries.
The relationship between writers and AI is an exciting frontier, but it necessitates a collective effort to define the rules that guide this partnership. In this era of technological transformation, it's crucial to strike a balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and preserving the core elements of human creativity. These new rules regarding AI in writing are essential to ensure that literature continues to evolve in a way that honors both the past and the future.
Writer’s strike. New rules regarding AI
Shah Rukh Khan, who’s been in the movies since the past 31 years, debuting at the age of 27 with Deewana - goes onto create history once again! After a 5 year long break from the cinemas, Shah Rukh released his movie Pathaan on the 25th of January 2023, for which he completely transformed his physique. It was the first Bollywood film to ever go past the 500 crore mark at the domestic box office.
What’s shocking is that in the very same year his movie Jawan, released on 7th September 2023, goes on to break Pathan’s record and stands as the highest grossing Bollywood movie in the country. Shah Rukh has impressed his fans once again with this mass action film, where he plays a double role and proves once again why he’s called the, ‘Baadshah of Bollywood’.
The last time King Khan did 3 movies in a year was in 2004. With Farah Khan’s debut film, Main Hoon Na (30th April), legendary director, Yash Chopra’s magnum opus, Veer Zaara (12th November 2004) and Ashutosh Gowariker’s, critically acclaimed Swades (17th December 2004). All three of these films were blockbusters and the audience witnessed Khan at his best, with versatile roles essayed in a span of a few months.
19 years later, the superstar releases 3 films again. With two out of the three movies released which were All Time Blockbusters (ATB), the viewers cannot wait for Dunki being released at the end of the year (22nd December). Dunki directed by one of India’s most popular and loved directors, Rajkumar Hirani, will see SRK in a new avatar. Hirani was keen on working with Shah Rukh in Munna Bhai MBBS, but the project did not go through with the actor. After which, the director approached Khan for 3 Idiots which was declined by him. After a long wait, the dream team works together on a massive project.
Dunki, a film with an abundance of emotion and comedy, along with a social message, is expected to shatter all records. Fans cannot wait for the teaser of the film. It’s almost certain that the film will be a milestone for Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan, the man, the myth, the legend. A charmer, icon, a global superstar, trendsetter and king, is back and how. A complete outsider who now owns Bollywood and has well wishers all over the world. Bringing India back to cinema halls - the legend at the age of 57 (to turn 58 on 2nd November) proves that age is just a number.