Dolly de Leon calls for safeguards in entertainment industry amid rise of AI

Dolly de Leon. Image: Instagram/@starcinema

With the emergence of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in television and film, Dolly de Leon lent her voice and influence to call on entertainment industry leaders to provide safeguards to those who are at risk of losing their jobs to the fast-rising technology.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, which was uploaded on its YouTube channel, De Leon said show business should be wary about the emergence of AI as it is starting to make a mark in the entertainment industry.

“Papunta na tayo ‘dun. We’re lagging behind, but I think it will happen. Ngayon pa lang, may sportscasters na AI. Nangyayari na ‘yun (We’re getting there… Currently, there’s such a thing as AI sportscasters. It’s happening.) It’s something that we need to watch out for,” said the Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee, and FAMAS Best Supporting actress.

The actress then noted that people appear to be fascinated with what AI can do, they should keep a watchful eye on AI since more than replace the jobs of many workers, it can affect the industry in general.

“Kailangan nating bantayan. Huwag tayong mag-relax at matuwa masyado sa AI kasi that could mean lost jobs for the people (We must be vigilant. Let’s not get too complacent or celebrate AI too much lest we forget that it could mean lost jobs for other people),” she said.

Hollywood, of which De Leon has had a taste of with “Triangle of Sadness,” recently came under protests mounted by actors and writers who enjoined studios to provide them AI protection.

De Leon is currently in the US for the Hollywood premiere of “A Very Good Girl” with co-star Kathryn Bernardo.

Eddie Garcia Bill

Meanwhile, de Leon is “very hopeful” that the Eddie Garcia bill would eventually be turned into law, saying “many sectors” are in favor of it.

“We’re in the middle of talks now. We’re all making sure that the Eddie Garcia bill will be passed. We’re very hopeful because many sectors support it. Nasa upper house na siya (It’s currently in the upper house),” she said.

The bill, which is named to pay tribute to the late actor Eddie Garcia, aims to protect the rights of workers in the TV, film, and radio industry. It was approved by the House of Representatives on third reading last February.

During the interview, the “Iti Mapukpukaw” star noted that the film industry would return to its rightful position in entertainment since she said watching movies in cinemas has a “different experience.”

“People kind of lost hope na parang hindi na talaga babalik, tapos magiging streaming at ‘yun na lang ang way of watching entertainment. Pero ako, I always knew na hindi mawawala ang cinema. Iba pa rin ang experience watching sa theater, diba,” she said.

(People kind of lost hope, as if the film industry wouldn’t return and streaming would be the only way of watching entertainment. But for me, I always knew that cinema wouldn’t go away. Nothing beats the experience of watching a film in a theater, right?) EDV