Netflix has ignited anger among striking Hollywood actors and writers by posting a job ad for an AI expert. The position, which would join the Machine Learning Platform team, offers a staggering salary of up to $900,000 per year, further fueling the outrage. Hollywood unions are currently on strike, expressing concerns about the impact of AI on the entertainment industry and wages.
The job listing calls for applicants with expertise in machine learning and AI, but it remains unclear whether the role will influence content decisions, such as the TV shows and films that Netflix chooses to invest in. Another job ad for a product manager on the same team implies that the role could involve using AI to assess funding needs for different programs. This is a major concern for actors’ union Sag-Aftra, which fears that algorithms wield too much power, dictating factors like the number of episodes and seasons for a series.
Fran Drescher from Sag-Aftra expressed concerns that algorithms are reducing the number of episodes and seasons per series, impacting actors’ livelihoods. The writers’ guild, WGA, has also proposed regulations to control AI’s use in the writing process and prevent its use as source material.
Netflix declined to comment on the job listings but has previously emphasized that AI will not replace the creative process. The company believes that the best stories come from people’s original experiences.
The job listing has drawn strong criticism from some striking actors, highlighting the vast difference between the offered salary and the amount needed to qualify for health insurance benefits. Actor Rob Delaney described the salary offer for the AI position as “ghoulish” compared to what actors earn.
