Netflix has drawn ire from Hollywood actors and writers on strike after advertising a job for an AI expert with a potential salary of up to $900,000 per year. The role is part of the Machine Learning Platform team, responsible for enhancing Netflix’s recommendation algorithm.

The Hollywood unions are protesting over concerns about the impact of AI on the entertainment industry and compensation. While Netflix’s AI job listing description doesn’t explicitly state if the AI expert will influence content decisions, a related listing hints at using AI to assess funding needs for various programs.

Hollywood unions fear the growing influence of algorithms on creative processes and employment opportunities. Netflix has stated that AI won’t replace the creative process and has launched a new app, “My Netflix,” to enhance user recommendations.

Hence, Real Research, an online survey app, launched a survey on Netflix’s $900k AI jobs posting amid Hollywood strike to gather public opinion.

Highlights:

  • 29.35% of respondents opt for manually-found content
  • 29.95% think Netflix’s AI job listing is not fair while Hollywood actors are striking.
  • 42.96% believed AI would replace Hollywood writers’ and actors’ jobs.

In a bold move, Netflix recently unveiled a job posting for a coveted role in its Machine Learning Platform team, seeking an artificial intelligence (AI) expert. According to the survey results, 58.55% were aware and 41.45% were unaware.

This significant occurrence has taken place amid the backdrop of Hollywood’s tumultuous labor environment. On July 14, 2023, the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA launched a strike, echoing the ongoing standoff of the Writers Guild of America. Out of those surveyed, 57.86% were informed, while 42.14% remained unaware of these developments.

Netflix’s $900K Job Listing Ignites Debate Amid Hollywood Strikes: Fairness and Ethical Dilemmas Unveiled

Netflix’s AI job listing boasts an eye-watering potential salary of up to $900K, a figure that’s not lost on actor Rob Delaney, who pointedly commented, “That amount of earnings could qualify thirty-five actors and their families for SAG-AFTRA health insurance.” Fairness is called into question, dividing opinions: 29.95% protest the imbalance, while 29.94% believe it’s fair play, leaving 40.11% sitting on the fence.

Netflix’s AI job listing has struck a chord, sparking the ire of striking Hollywood actors who see an incongruity between generous paychecks and their ongoing struggles. Not content with just stirring the pot, Netflix also announced the introduction of “My Netflix,” a tailored app promising a user-centric experience.

But, does this juxtaposition of hiring high-paid AI experts and pampering users align ethically? Opinions are diverse, with 35.81% nodding in approval, 27.79% shaking their heads, and 36.4% left undecided.

ethical-alignment-of-hiring-high-paid-AI-experts
Figure 1: Diverse opinions on the ethical alignment of hiring high-paid AI experts and enhancing user experience.

Do You Think AI Will Replace Hollywood Writers’ and Actors’ Jobs?

Peering into the future, the specter of AI looms large over Hollywood creatives. A whopping 42.96% of respondents anticipate AI’s takeover, displacing writers and actors from their roles. Conversely, 27.69% express optimism that AI won’t tread on their turf, while 29.35% linger in a haze of uncertainty.

As the curtain lifts on new technological possibilities, an unsettling term emerges: “performance cloning.” This technique enables producers to eternally exploit an actor’s likeness without their consent or compensation. The realm of performance cloning showcases itself in synthesized voiceovers, digital avatars, and disconcerting deep fakes. A resounding 31.82% affirm the ethicality, while 27.55% decry it, and 40.63% remain suspended in the grey area.

Is-the-use-of-AI-ethical
Figure 2: Is the use of AI ethical in this case?

Read Also: 42% Anticipate a Decline in Netflix Subscriptions Due To Account-Sharing Policy

The crux of this matter lies in content consumption preferences. Would you, like 29.35% of respondents, rather embark on the adventure of self-discovery, manually choosing your viewing fare? Alternatively, 21.05% yield to the AI’s suggestions, and 24.99% believe their inclinations will evolve over time. A curious 24.61% find themselves at a crossroads, uncertain of an option.

preference-on-AI-suggested-content
Figure 3: Respondents preference on AI-suggested content or manual.

Methodology

 
Survey TitleSurvey on Netflix’s $900K AI Jobs Posting Amid Hollywood Strike
DurationAugust 7, 2023 – August 14, 2023
Number of Participants10,000
DemographicsMales and females, aged 21 to 99
Participating Countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.