Sean Penn strongly supported the Hollywood writers’ strike in remarks at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, calling the controversy over artificial intelligence a “human vulgarity.”
Penn spoke at a press conference in New York to introduce “Black Flies,” a film about paramedics directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvre. Regarding the strike announced by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), he said that “the industry has been harassing writers and actors and directors for a long time.”
“Many new concepts are discussed, including the use of AI. It seems to me a human vulgarity that producers react against”, said Penn, who is a director and screenwriter in addition to being an actor.
Film and TV screenwriters began the strike weeks ago after talks with producers failed. The WGA is demanding wage increases, new contracts adapted to the streaming era, and safeguards against the use of AI-written scripts.
Penn said, “The first thing we should do in these talks is to change the name of the Producers’ Union and to give it a name according to its conduct, namely the Bankers’ Union.” “It is difficult for so many writers and so many people in the industry to not be able to work in these times. I would say he will do an examination of conscience and see which side prevails.
Meanwhile, the possibility of going ahead with the strike in Hollywood is increasing. The Directors Guild is also negotiating a new contract with the producers. The board of directors of SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, voted this week to ask its members to authorize the strike call as they prepare to begin negotiations for a new contract.
The strike at Cannes has been a frequent topic of discussion among American stars. On Thursday, Ethan Hawke wore a shirt that read “STOP THE PENCILS.” On Tuesday, on the opening day of the festival, juror Paul Dano said he would soon be joining his wife, Zoe, on the picket lines.
“My wife is on the picket line with my six-month-old baby on her chest,” Dano said. “I will join the dharna when I return home.”
