Succession star Sarah Snook is calling for “stringent rules” to protect the acting industry as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make its way into the film world. Snook, known for her portrayal of Shiv Roy on the hit HBO drama, believes that setting a precedent for how AI is used in the industry would be a significant development. She is currently participating in strike action led by US actors union Sag-Aftra, which aims to address concerns about pay and the use of AI.
In an interview on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Snook expressed her concerns about the use of AI in acting, stating, “The main thing for me, really, that I find terrifying is the AI of it all, it’s just such uncharted landscape and we need pretty stringent rules in place in order to protect not just the acting industry.” She emphasized the importance of setting an example for other industries in how AI is utilized.
Snook also expressed apprehension about the rise of deepfake technology, citing Tom Cruise impersonator videos as an example. “The guy who does the Tom Cruise videos, it’s uncanny,” she said. “So imagine then having a company who owns your image, owns your voice, creating whatever propaganda at the worst. There are no words that would describe how important this is right now to attend to.”
As an actress who has risen to fame through her role on Succession, Snook also shared her fears about the pressure to meet the high expectations set by the show. She explained that the strike has provided some relief from this pressure, but there is still concern about returning to work and living up to the show’s success. Snook’s next project will be a one-woman adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture Of Dorian Gray on the West End next year, in which she will play 26 different characters.
Reflecting on the themes of the play, Snook drew parallels to our obsession with self-image on social media. “I feel like that’s like Instagram… We take a photo of ourselves, we put filters on ourselves, we are constantly trying to preserve this image of now but making now the future as well,” she said. “There’s a real sense of celebration of youth, a desperate clinging to youth in some ways. I feel like that’s what Wilde was talking about back in the Victorian era, it’s kind of a bookend from then to now I think.”
Snook’s call for “stringent rules” regarding AI in the film industry highlights the need for careful consideration as technology continues to advance. With the increasing prevalence of deepfake technology, the protection of actors' rights and image rights becomes crucial. By raising awareness and starting important conversations, Snook hopes to not only safeguard the acting industry but also set an example for other sectors to navigate this uncharted territory responsibly.
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