British Actors Vote to Refuse Digital Scanning Amid AI Concerns

Members of the UK performing arts union Equity have overwhelmingly voted to refuse digital scanning on film and TV sets, with 99.6% of participants supporting the move in an indicative ballot. This decision reflects growing concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry, particularly the potential for performers' likenesses to be exploited without consent. The ballot, which saw a turnout of 75% among over 7,700 actors, stunt performers, and dancers, serves as a warning to production companies about the union's readiness to take industrial action if adequate protections are not established.

The Guardian

The issue of digital scanning has gained prominence as AI technologies become more integrated into the creative industries. Digital scans capture detailed features of performers for various uses, including crowd scenes and virtual performances. However, there is increasing apprehension that such scans could be used to create AI-generated replicas of actors without their explicit consent or fair compensation. Equity General Secretary Paul Fleming emphasized that the current system risks exploiting performers, stating, “We don’t want to stop AI. What we want to do is regulate it.”

UK actors vote to reject digital scans in AI rights push

Equity has expressed its intention to negotiate new minimum standards for pay and working conditions with Pact, the trade body representing most UK production companies. Fleming noted that “90% of TV and film is made on these agreements,” highlighting the potential disruption to productions if negotiations fail. Pact has stated that they are committed to keeping dialogue open and have offered terms consistent with those in other countries, but Equity seeks more comprehensive protections that extend beyond existing safeguards.

Deadline Hollywood

While the overwhelming vote indicates strong support among Equity members, some industry voices have raised concerns about the implications of such a refusal. A Pact spokesperson pointed out that most productions do not require scanning and that actors are informed when scans are necessary. They emphasized that scanning has been a common practice long before the advent of AI technologies. Critics argue that the union's stance could complicate production processes and may not reflect the realities of current industry practices.

The Guardian

The indicative ballot is not legally binding, but it sets the stage for a potential statutory ballot for industrial action if negotiations do not yield satisfactory results. Equity has indicated that it may pursue this route if adequate AI protections are not established by January 2026. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the future landscape of AI use in the UK film and television industry.

Deadline Hollywood

• “The general secretary, Paul Fleming, said: “Artificial intelligence is a generation-defining challenge.” — Paul Fleming, General Secretary, Equity

The Guardian

• “Our likenesses and our voices are unique and must be valued accordingly, not exploited for the benefit of others without license or consent,” — Hugh Bonneville, Actor

Deadline Hollywood

• “We need adequate AI protections which build on, not merely replicate, those agreed after the SAG-AFTRA strike in the USA over two years ago.” — Paul Fleming, General Secretary, Equity

Deadline Hollywood

• “A frictionless life is a meaningless life." (c) Sky News 2025: Actors vote for industrial action over AI concerns” — Riz Ahmed, Actor

Actors vote for industrial action over AI concerns