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On May 2, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) representing over 11,000 film, television, news, radio, and online writers went on strike. These creatives on strike are demanding higher pay and a stable pay structure.

 They also want fairer deals and contracts. And maybe most importantly contract provisions about artificial intelligence (AI).

Since July 14, 2023, it has coincided with a SAG-AFTRA strike. The actors are striking too.

The recent discovery of an AI product manager role at Netflix with a staggering pay ceiling of $900,000 has stirred significant controversy and criticism within the entertainment industry. 

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While it is not the only high-paying job listing of its kind, the glaring disparity between AI researchers' salaries and those of writers and actors has sparked heated debates. 

Netflix boasts several roles with prominent machine learning responsibilities, offering eye-popping salaries. 

An engineering manager specializing in member satisfaction machine learning could earn up to $849,000, while an L6 research scientist in ML could command anywhere from $390,000 to $900,000. Additionally, the technical director of their ML R&D tech lab may receive $450,000 to $650,000. 

Even more modest positions, such as L5 software engineer and research scientist roles, offer salaries ranging from $100,000 to $700,000.

Creatives on Strike 

Critics have swiftly drawn comparisons to the average earnings of Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members, who make less than $30,000 per year from acting.

 At first glance, the vast pay difference between AI researchers and creatives might suggest that Netflix aims to render writers and actors obsolete.

However, a closer look reveals that the outrage must be founded on valid concerns to be effective in bringing about change in labor practices.

Netflix, like numerous other companies, is exploring the vast potential of AI. Billions of dollars are being invested in this sector.

While controversial generative AI models for art, voice, and writing might capture public attention, Netflix's job listings primarily focus on AI's application in improving product performance and user experience. 

These roles encompass responsibilities such as product improvements, understanding user preferences, and personalization innovations, with no direct emphasis on content creation.

AI holds enormous promise across various domains, and companies, including Netflix, are investing heavily in AI research and development.

 For large enterprises, AI-driven advancements in image processing, noise reduction, motion capture, and more can offer significant competitive advantages. 

The race to develop cutting-edge technologies that enhance service quality and operational efficiency is vital to remain at the forefront of the entertainment industry.

It is also crucial to recognize the pressing need for improvements in writers' and actors' working conditions. Industry standards, such as residuals and intellectual property ownership, demand an overhaul to better support creators. Tech companies must address both concerns.

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