Latest news with #PaulW.Fleming
CNN
31-03-2025
- Business
- CNN
Fashion giant H&M plans to use AI clones of its models. Not everyone is happy
Summary Fashion giant H&M plans to create 30 digital clones of its models this year. The models would own the rights to their "digital twins" and be paid for each use. The initiative has sparked backlash from industry workers worried about job displacement. Labor activist Sara Ziff expressed concerns about consent and compensation for models. Other brands like Levi's and Mango have already explored AI-generated models in campaigns. Fashion giant H&M plans to create digital clones of its models this year, raising more questions for an industry grappling with both the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on workers. H&M, one of the world's largest clothing retailers, told CNN it plans to create 30 'digital twins' of its models this year, though it is still 'exploring' how these avatars will be used. It added that it is working with others in the industry, like agencies and the models themselves, to carry out this initiative in 'a responsible way.' The models would own the rights to their digital twin, 'potentially work for any brand and get paid on each occasion just like on any campaign production,' the company said. While this pledge to pay models for their likeness was welcomed by Paul W. Fleming, general secretary for the UK's performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity, he told CNN in a statement that it must be 'backed up by the widespread adoption of AI protections in union agreements and legislation that protects workers' right,' of which he said few exist. 'The race to 'innovate' in the area of artificial intelligence must also not be a race to the bottom to increase profits,' he added. 'Artificial intelligence would not be possible without human artistry and labour, and humans should remain at the centre of creative endeavours.' H&M's announcement has already sparked some backlash within the fashion industry, where the careers of many workers are already precarious. Sara Ziff, a model turned labor activist who founded the New York-based non-profit organization Model Alliance, said she had 'serious concerns about the use of digital replicas without meaningful protections in place.' 'In an industry that has historically been a backwater for workers' rights, H&M's new initiative raises critical questions about consent and compensation, and has the potential to replace a host of fashion workers—including make-up artists, hair stylists, and other creative artists in our community,' Ziff said in a statement released by the Model Alliance. H&M is not the first brand to explore using these technologies. Jeans-maker Levi Strauss & Co. announced in March 2023 that it would use AI-generated models to 'supplement human models.' It later clarified that 'we are not scaling back our plans for live photo shoots,' after intense criticism. In July last year, Spanish brand Mango launched a campaign generated entirely by AI to promote a new collection of its youth range. Meanwhile, influencers and models created by AI are becoming increasingly common; there was even the world's first-ever AI beauty pageant last year.
CNN
28-03-2025
- Business
- CNN
Fashion giant H&M plans to use AI clones of its models. Not everyone is happy
Summary Fashion giant H&M plans to create 30 digital clones of its models this year. The models would own the rights to their "digital twins" and be paid for each use. The initiative has sparked backlash from industry workers worried about job displacement. Labor activist Sara Ziff expressed concerns about consent and compensation for models. Other brands like Levi's and Mango have already explored AI-generated models in campaigns. Fashion giant H&M plans to create digital clones of its models this year, raising more questions for an industry grappling with both the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on workers. H&M, one of the world's largest clothing retailers, told CNN it plans to create 30 'digital twins' of its models this year, though it is still 'exploring' how these avatars will be used. It added that it is working with others in the industry, like agencies and the models themselves, to carry out this initiative in 'a responsible way.' The models would own the rights to their digital twin, 'potentially work for any brand and get paid on each occasion just like on any campaign production,' the company said. While this pledge to pay models for their likeness was welcomed by Paul W. Fleming, general secretary for the UK's performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity, he told CNN in a statement that it must be 'backed up by the widespread adoption of AI protections in union agreements and legislation that protects workers' right,' of which he said few exist. 'The race to 'innovate' in the area of artificial intelligence must also not be a race to the bottom to increase profits,' he added. 'Artificial intelligence would not be possible without human artistry and labour, and humans should remain at the centre of creative endeavours.' H&M's announcement has already sparked some backlash within the fashion industry, where the careers of many workers are already precarious. Sara Ziff, a model turned labor activist who founded the New York-based non-profit organization Model Alliance, said she had 'serious concerns about the use of digital replicas without meaningful protections in place.' 'In an industry that has historically been a backwater for workers' rights, H&M's new initiative raises critical questions about consent and compensation, and has the potential to replace a host of fashion workers—including make-up artists, hair stylists, and other creative artists in our community,' Ziff said in a statement released by the Model Alliance. H&M is not the first brand to explore using these technologies. Jeans-maker Levi Strauss & Co. announced in March 2023 that it would use AI-generated models to 'supplement human models.' It later clarified that 'we are not scaling back our plans for live photo shoots,' after intense criticism. In July last year, Spanish brand Mango launched a campaign generated entirely by AI to promote a new collection of its youth range. Meanwhile, influencers and models created by AI are becoming increasingly common; there was even the world's first-ever AI beauty pageant last year.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fashion giant H&M plans to use AI clones of its human models. Not everyone is happy
Fashion giant H&M plans to create digital clones of its models this year, raising more questions for an industry grappling with both the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on workers. H&M, one of the world's largest clothing retailers, told CNN it plans to create 30 'digital twins' of its models this year, though it is still 'exploring' how these avatars will be used. It added that it is working with others in the industry, like agencies and the models themselves, to carry out this initiative in 'a responsible way.' The models would own the rights to their digital twin, 'potentially work for any brand and get paid on each occasion just like on any campaign production,' the company said. While this pledge to pay models for their likeness was welcomed by Paul W. Fleming, general secretary for the UK's performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity, he told CNN in a statement that it must be 'backed up by the widespread adoption of AI protections in union agreements and legislation that protects workers' right,' of which he said few exist. 'The race to 'innovate' in the area of artificial intelligence must also not be a race to the bottom to increase profits,' he added. 'Artificial intelligence would not be possible without human artistry and labour, and humans should remain at the centre of creative endeavours.' H&M's announcement has already sparked some backlash within the fashion industry, where the careers of many workers are already precarious. Sara Ziff, a model turned labor activist who founded the New York-based non-profit organization Model Alliance, said she had 'serious concerns about the use of digital replicas without meaningful protections in place.' 'In an industry that has historically been a backwater for workers' rights, H&M's new initiative raises critical questions about consent and compensation, and has the potential to replace a host of fashion workers—including make-up artists, hair stylists, and other creative artists in our community,' Ziff said in a statement released by the Model Alliance. H&M is not the first brand to explore using these technologies. Jeans-maker Levi Strauss & Co. announced in March 2023 that it would use AI-generated models to 'supplement human models.' It later clarified that 'we are not scaling back our plans for live photo shoots,' after intense criticism. In July last year, Spanish brand Mango launched a campaign generated entirely by AI to promote a new collection of its youth range. Meanwhile, influencers and models created by AI are becoming increasingly common; there was even the world's first-ever AI beauty pageant last year.
CNN
28-03-2025
- Business
- CNN
Fashion giant H&M plans to use AI clones of its models. Not everyone is happy
Fashion giant H&M plans to create digital clones of its models this year, raising more questions for an industry grappling with both the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on workers. H&M, one of the world's largest clothing retailers, told CNN it plans to create 30 'digital twins' of its models this year, though it is still 'exploring' how these avatars will be used. It added that it is working with others in the industry, like agencies and the models themselves, to carry out this initiative in 'a responsible way.' The models would own the rights to their digital twin, 'potentially work for any brand and get paid on each occasion just like on any campaign production,' the company said. While this pledge to pay models for their likeness was welcomed by Paul W. Fleming, general secretary for the UK's performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity, he told CNN in a statement that it must be 'backed up by the widespread adoption of AI protections in union agreements and legislation that protects workers' right,' of which he said few exist. 'The race to 'innovate' in the area of artificial intelligence must also not be a race to the bottom to increase profits,' he added. 'Artificial intelligence would not be possible without human artistry and labour, and humans should remain at the centre of creative endeavours.' H&M's announcement has already sparked some backlash within the fashion industry, where the careers of many workers are already precarious. Sara Ziff, a model turned labor activist who founded the New York-based non-profit organization Model Alliance, said she had 'serious concerns about the use of digital replicas without meaningful protections in place.' 'In an industry that has historically been a backwater for workers' rights, H&M's new initiative raises critical questions about consent and compensation, and has the potential to replace a host of fashion workers—including make-up artists, hair stylists, and other creative artists in our community,' Ziff said in a statement released by the Model Alliance. H&M is not the first brand to explore using these technologies. Jeans-maker Levi Strauss & Co. announced in March 2023 that it would use AI-generated models to 'supplement human models.' It later clarified that 'we are not scaling back our plans for live photo shoots,' after intense criticism. In July last year, Spanish brand Mango launched a campaign generated entirely by AI to promote a new collection of its youth range. Meanwhile, influencers and models created by AI are becoming increasingly common; there was even the world's first-ever AI beauty pageant last year.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Equity Calls On Government Regulator To Punish Mad Dog Casting After Agency Collapsed Owing Creditors $2M
EXCLUSIVE British actors' union Equity has written to a government regulator urging it to take action against Mad Dog 2020 Casting, a 25-year-old UK agency that collapsed last month owing creditors more than £1.5M ($1.9M). Paul W. Fleming called on Ben Bruten, boss of the Employment Agencies Standards Inspectorate (EASI), to exercise its powers against Mad Dog, which includes fines, prosecutions, and the ability to ban individuals from running agencies in the future. Mad Dog's parent company, Cinextra Limited, lists directors including CEO Graham Beswick. More from Deadline 'Doctor Who' Trailer Teases Killer Cartoons, Interstellar Song Contest & New Companion In Season 2 Disney+ & BBC Set 'Doctor Who' Season 2 Premiere Date; Alan Cumming To Guest Star As Mr. Ring-A-Ding BBC Removes Disgraced Presenter Huw Edwards From 'Doctor Who' & Restores Episode To iPlayer 'Equity would like to ask … how the EASI intends to use its powers to ensure that the individuals behind Mad Dog are held accountable for systematic breaches of their statutory obligations and treatment of artists, and so that they cannot continue their behaviour,' Fleming said. Deadline chronicled the issues at Mad Dog last year, with clients complaining that they were owed thousands by the agency that supplied background actors to productions including Call the Midwife and Doctor Who. Mad Dog continued to trade despite failing to observe multiple county court judgments in favor of supporting artists owed money. Fleming told Deadline that the company's collapse had been 'horrendous' for Equity members, adding that the 'scale [of damage] is extraordinary for people with precarious incomes.' He acknowledged that it was unlikely that actors would be paid money they are owed, but said this will not stop Equity fighting for justice. 'If we can't get a pound in cash, we can get a pound in flesh,' he added. Mad Dog filed for liquidation in February. MHA, the accountancy company, is overseeing the process and has called a meeting of creditors on Friday morning. A statement of Mad Dog's affairs, seen by Deadline, shows the agency owes £1.66M ($2.1M) to creditors, including £1.3M to trade and expense creditors and £67,400 to employees. MHA said there was a 'large number of creditors.' A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade, which oversees the EASI, said: 'We take all relevant complaints about agencies seriously and ensure they are thoroughly investigated.' The spokesperson declined to comment on the EASI's industry-wide investigation into agencies in the entertainment space. Last year, Mad Dog apologized to clients and stressed that it was committed to clearing its backlog of payments. The agency blamed the twin U.S. writer and actors' strikes for its financial issues. Under UK regulations, it is unlawful for an agency to withhold payment from clients for more than 10 days after receiving funds from a producer, broadcaster, or streamer. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys & More 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
