Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt are hoping to shed light on the unsung heroes of the film industry in their upcoming movie, “The Fall Guy,” amidst the growing influence of artificial intelligence in Hollywood.
The film follows a stuntman, portrayed by Gosling, who becomes entangled in a clandestine operation while working on a movie directed by Blunt’s character. Despite being shot prior to recent strikes, the movie’s themes feel timely given the increasing prominence of AI.
Gosling noted the relevance of their film, particularly in light of the brewing discussions around AI and its impact on the industry. He shared an anecdote about a prop master’s attention to detail, emphasizing the importance of every individual behind the scenes, even if their contributions often go unnoticed.
While Hollywood often portrays the industry through a cynical lens, Gosling and Blunt aim to highlight the vital role played by behind-the-scenes workers, whom they consider the backbone of filmmaking. Blunt expressed shock at recent reports of AI replacing actors, raising concerns about the broader implications of such technology.
The issue of AI was a contentious topic during last year’s strikes, with concerns raised about fair compensation and consent for the use of performers’ likenesses in digital replicas. Freddy Bouciegues, a veteran stunt performer, emphasized the importance of securing fair contracts to protect the rights of workers in the industry.
After months of negotiations, the actors’ guild, SAG-AFTRA, reached a resolution in November, with new provisions requiring employers to obtain consent from performers before using their digital replicas and ensuring compensation for their time.
As “The Fall Guy” prepares to hit the screens, Gosling and Blunt’s advocacy for the recognition and fair treatment of behind-the-scenes workers serves as a timely reminder of the human element essential to the magic of cinema, amidst the growing influence of technology.
