Topic: Hollywood Unions

A viral deepfake video featuring a reunion of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise has sparked outrage among Hollywood unions. The video was created using ByteDance's new AI generator, C-Dance 2.0. Industry experts, including Deadpool writer Rhett Reese, suggest the technology represents a "doomsday scenario" for the film industry. The hosts argue that the technology cannot be "uninvented" and will lead to massive litigation over likeness rights.

Hollywood producer Dana Brunetti provided a correction regarding the Producers Guild of America, clarifying that it is not a labor union. Brunetti, whose new film "Gran Turismo" is set for release, expressed frustration with the guild's award selection process. The hosts discuss the "blackballing" of independent voices in the film industry and Brunetti's potential retirement from movie production.

The Hollywood Reporter's recent editorial choices are noted for featuring "ugly" or unglamorous photos of celebrities and producers, signaling a shift in industry aesthetics. New production rules requiring "COVID consultants" and strict union regulations have made filming increasingly difficult. Additionally, the failure of the billion-dollar short-form streaming service Quibi is cited as an example of the current instability in the entertainment sector.