PRO Tip Sheet: 3 Insights From This Week

This week we reported on the threat posed by AI dubbing to voice actors, on the struggles of Hollywood workers post-strikes, on the legacy of outgoing Disney studio exec Sean Bailey and on what the “Rust” conviction means for Alec {NAME}’s trial. 3Insights From WrapPRO]( This week, as the industry prepared for its Oscar moments, we delved into the real threat posed by AI dubbing to voice actors in the U.S. and overseas. We also reported on how many entertainment workers in Hollywood remain unemployed post-strikes, reflected on outgoing Disney studio head Sean Bailey’s legacy and what led to his departure, previewed Alec {NAME}’s upcoming criminal trial after the conviction of the “Rust” armorer and laid out our Oscar predictions for the winners on Sunday. 1. [For Voice Actors, the Race Against AI Has Already Begun]( By Fuster | Source:WrapPRO]( - The rise of AI in dubbing poses significant challenges to voice actors in Hollywood and overseas, with Deepdub AI already providing its services for over 1,000 hours of streaming content and potentially displacing human talent. - Efficiencies and cost savings offered by AI dubbing, such as 70% faster recording and up to 50% lower costs, are driving Hollywood towards adopting the emerging technology, especially for lower-budget projects. - While companies like Flawless AI aim to preserve the human element in dubbing by focusing on better synchronizing lip movements with dialogue, the extent to which AI will reshape the entertainment industry remains uncertain, prompting actors and unions to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape and negotiate protections for performers. [Keep Reading]( 2. [Hollywood's Slow Post-Strike Comeback Is Creating a Crisis of Morale]( By Diane Haithman | Source: [WrapPRO]( - Despite the end of the SAG-AFTRA deal, the entertainment industry is experiencing a slow recovery, with a 17% drop in employed workers in Greater Los Angeles from May to October 2023, creating a crisis of morale and financial strain. - The return to work has been slower than expected due to the strikes ending just before the holidays, caution from producers facing potential strikes by other unions and the need for workers to adjust their expectations in the post-pandemic streaming boom. - The industry may see a wave of innovation reminiscent of the 90s, with independent producers considering lower-budget projects and a potential boom in independent filmmaking, leading to a possible reset for the industry as a whole. [Keep Reading]( 3. [Sean Bailey’s Disney Legacy: Reanimation and Later, Exhaustion]( By Drew Taylor| Source:WrapPRO]( - Sean Bailey's tenure at Walt Disney Studios was marked by a focus on live-action remakes of beloved animated classics, a strategy that initially reinvigorated the studio's output but eventually faced diminishing returns, leading to his exit from the company. - Bailey's approach to mining Disney's past for cinematic universes, starting with the success of “Alice in Wonderland,” led to a series of reimaginings of classic tales, such as “Maleficent” and “Cinderella,” that proved to be financially successful but faced creative challenges. - Despite Bailey's successes with live-action adaptations and projects like reviving the Muppets and producing “Mary Poppins Returns,” Disney's increasing reliance on remakes and the challenges of the pandemic contributed to the decision to change leadership, with David Greenbaum set to lead a new direction for the studio. [Keep Reading]( 4. [Alec {NAME}, You’re Up: What the ‘Rust’ Producer Gains as Armorer Is Convicted]( By Josh Dickey | Source:WrapPRO]( - Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's conviction in the “Rust” shooting case offers both advantages and disadvantages for Alec {NAME}'s defense, including the potential for an “empty-chair defense.” - Despite evidence presented during Gutierrez-Reed's trial implicating {NAME}'s behavior on set, legal experts suggest his polished public persona and potential to testify may influence jurors favorably. - Gutierrez-Reed's decision not to testify, coupled with {NAME}'s reluctance to accept a last-minute plea deal, underscores the complexity of assigning responsibility in a case marked by multiple errors and a tragic accident. [Keep Reading]( 5. [Oscar Predictions 2024: The Barbenheimer Showdown Will Be Pretty One-Sided]( By Steve Pond | Source: [WrapPRO]( - Despite the apparent predictability of the Oscars with “Oppenheimer” as a front-runner, the expanding international voting base and recent surprises suggest potential upsets, making the outcomes less certain this year. - “Oppenheimer” is favored for Best Picture and Christopher Nolan for Best Director, but the strength of contenders like “The Holdovers” and shifting voter sentiments could introduce unexpected results. - Categories like Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay present intriguing races, with contenders like Lily Gladstone and “Anatomy of a Fall” poised to challenge frontrunners, indicating a potential for surprises and historic moments. [Keep Reading]( With a focus on delivering actionable intelligence, the PRO Tip Sheet empowers readers to stay ahead of the game in the industry. Want to go deeper? [Explore WrapPRO today](. 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