Entertainment
Actors Strike Against AI Use in Video Games
Hollywood performers are poised to strike against major video game companies like Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney over concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) usage in gaming. This action follows a year and a half of negotiations between the companies and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which represents over 2,500 video game performers.
While both parties have reached agreements on key issues such as wages and job safety, the use of AI technology remains a significant point of contention. SAG-AFTRA, which previously initiated a strike that paralyzed Hollywood last year, is now challenging the gaming industry. The union fears that studios might use generative AI to replicate performers’ voices and physical appearances to animate video game characters without fair compensation.
SAG-AFTRA expressed concerns, stating, “Although agreements have been reached on many issues… the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their AI language.” The union added, “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members.”
In response, video game studios assert that they have made significant concessions. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the 10 video game producers involved in negotiations with SAG-AFTRA, said, “We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal. Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the [Interactive Media Agreement].”
The Interactive Media Agreement covers artists who provide voiceover services and on-camera work for video game characters. The previous agreement, which lacked AI protections, was set to expire in November 2022 but has been extended monthly as negotiations continue.
Last year, SAG-AFTRA organized a strike that secured $1 billion in new pay and benefits, along with AI safeguards, for TV and film actors in the US. The 118-day shutdown marked the longest in the union’s 90-year history.
Entertainment
Robert Carradine, dies aged 71
American actor Robert Carradine, widely recognised for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney series Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71.
In a statement, his family shared that Carradine had lived with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades and chose to speak openly about his cause of death to help challenge stigma surrounding mental health.
Tributes quickly followed from colleagues and admirers, including his former on-screen daughter Hilary Duff, who reflected on their shared experiences and the impact he had on those around him.
Born on 24 March 1954, Carradine came from a distinguished acting family. He was the son of John Carradine and the younger brother of David Carradine.
Encouraged early on by his brother, Carradine landed his first screen role in The Cowboys, starring alongside John Wayne.
He went on to build a varied and respected career, including an appearance in Mean Streets directed by Martin Scorsese, and later in Django Unchained by Quentin Tarantino.
Across decades in the industry, Carradine remained a familiar presence on both the big and small screen, contributing to projects that resonated with audiences worldwide.
His family expressed hope that sharing his story would inspire understanding and encourage open conversations about mental health, reinforcing the importance of compassion and awareness.
Entertainment
Tributes Pour In as Eric Dane Dies at 53 After Courageous ALS Battle
Eric Dane, widely recognised for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly sharing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane was celebrated for portraying Dr Mark Sloan — affectionately known to fans as “Dr McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy, as well as family patriarch Cal Jacobs in Euphoria.
The California-born actor revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and spent his final months championing awareness and support for those living with the condition, the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).
In a statement, his family confirmed he passed away on Thursday afternoon following what they described as a courageous battle with the illness.
Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. His loved ones shared that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends and family.
“He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always,” the statement read, adding that he remained grateful for the support of fans throughout his career.
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane began his television journey with an appearance in The Wonder Years in 1993. He went on to portray Jason Dean in Charmed and Captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship, while also appearing in films including Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque.
Following news of his passing, tributes from colleagues quickly emerged. Patrick Dempsey, who starred alongside him on Grey’s Anatomy, remembered Dane as “a joy to work with,” praising both his humour and his efforts to raise awareness about ALS.
Fellow cast members also paid tribute. Kim Raver recalled his playful wit and impeccable comedic timing on set, while Kevin McKidd shared a simple message of remembrance online.
In his final months, Dane channelled his platform toward advancing public understanding of ALS, leaving behind not only a legacy of memorable performances but also a meaningful contribution to ongoing advocacy efforts.
Entertainment
Tech-Inspired Musician Look Mum No Computer to Represent UK at Eurovision
Electronic artist Look Mum No Computer has been selected to represent the United Kingdom at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
The solo performer — real name Sam Battle — is known for blending music with technology, building unconventional instruments and composing electronic soundscapes using devices such as modified Furby toys and Game Boys.
Battle first emerged on the music scene in 2014 as the frontman of indie rock band Zibra, which performed at Glastonbury Festival in 2015. Since then, he has focused on his solo project, gaining global attention for his inventive approach to sound creation.
“I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey,” he said after the announcement.
“A lifelong Eurovision fan, I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year. Getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour.”
Based in Kent, the artist has built a strong online presence, amassing around 1.4 million followers across his social media platforms, including his YouTube channel.
His work has drawn widespread interest for its creativity, featuring inventions such as Furby-powered organs, synthesiser bicycles and even flame-throwing keyboards.
“I’ve spent years creating, writing and producing my own visions from scratch,” he said. “I’ll be bringing every ounce of my creativity to the stage — I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesised.”
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