🎬 Is It Her?

👋 Good morning! Looks like George Miller is adding another layer to his ‘Mad Max’ universe: The acclaimed director has confirmed that ‘Furiosa’ will receive a special ‘Tinted Black & Chrome’ edition, similar to the black-and-white treatment given to ‘Fury Road.’ While the original colored versions are visual spectacles, Miller’s affinity for monochrome promises a dramatic twist.

Welcome aboard the Dailies. As you sip your morning brew, we’ll get you caught up with the fast-paced world of Hollywood - no need to chase down a newsstand, we’ve got everything you need right here.

🎞 Here’s what’s on the reel today:

• The Latest on Scarlett Johansson vs. Open AI

• YouTubers Want Emmys

• The EDD Clarifies Its Stance

• Last Looks: 👀 Bite-sized scoops on developing stories/projects

• Video Village: The latest trailers

• Martini Shot 🍸

🗣️ Is It Her? 🤖
Navigating AI Ethics & Complexities

Last week, Scarlett Johansson took on OpenAI’s Sam Altman, claiming the company used a voice strikingly similar to hers for a chatbot without consent. Johansson’s fierce criticism sparked a wider conversation about the ethical implications of AI in entertainment.

But here’s where things get complicated: The Washington Post reportedly confirmed that OpenAI didn't intentionally mimic Johansson's voice. Instead, they used a different actress whose natural voice just happens to sound a lot like Johansson's. Some have even speculated that the mystery voice might belong to actress Rashida Jones. According to an anonymous insider, neither Johansson nor the movie 'Her' were name-dropped by OpenAI during the process.

Does She Have a Case?

Johansson's legal claim against OpenAI hinges on two main pillars: the right of publicity and a potential violation of the Lanham Act. The right of publicity is like a shield that protects individuals from unauthorized commercial use of their name, voice, or likeness. Considering that Johansson was reportedly asked to lend her voice but said "no thanks," and then a similar-sounding voice was used anyway, it seems like she might have a leg to stand on.

Now, let's talk about the Lanham Act. In Johansson's case against OpenAI, this law could come into play if she argues that using a voice similar to hers creates confusion among consumers, making them think she's endorsed or associated with the product without her permission.

However, the revelation that the voice used was just naturally similar and not a deliberate copy complicates the matter.

Setting a Legal Precedent

This isn't Johansson's first rodeo in the legal arena. Back in 2021, she took on Disney over the simultaneous release of 'Black Widow' in theaters and on Disney+. Johansson argued that the move undermined the film's box office potential and violated her contract. This legal showdown positioned her as a fierce defender of artists' rights, proving she's not afraid to go head-to-head with the big wigs to protect creative work.

Ultimately, the outcome of this case will hinge on the specific details and evidence presented in court. If Johansson can prove that OpenAI's use of the similar voice created confusion or implied an endorsement, she might have a strong case. But if OpenAI can demonstrate that the similarity was purely coincidental and that they took steps to avoid any association with Johansson, they might be able to fend off the legal challenge.

Regardless of who comes out on top, one thing is clear: this legal battle is sure to have ripple effects throughout Hollywood and Silicon Valley.

📺🌟 YouTubers want Emmys. As Emmy campaigns heat up, some of YouTube’s biggest shows are vying for nominations, pointing to a major shift in the entertainment landscape. Shows like ‘Hot Ones,’ ‘Good Mythical Morning,’ and Dropout’s productions are leveraging their massive fanbases to compete with traditional TV and streaming content. With YouTube’s CEO Neal Mohan championing creators’ work, the push for recognition reflects YouTube’s evolving role in the industry. As YouTube continues to dominate with over 2.4 billion active users and record ad revenue, the inclusion of online content in prestigious awards like the Emmys seems inevitable.

🎬💼 The EDD has clarified its stance on loan-out companies. The agency assured the entertainment industry that it is not moving to ban loan-out companies, which allow Hollywood workers to establish LLCs for corporate protections and tax breaks. This clarification comes after Memorial Day weekend concerns from companies and unions like IATSE. Cast & Crew had warned clients about potential EDD audits that could impact loan-out payments, sparking industry-wide worry. EDD’s statement aims to quell fears, ensuring the continuity of these vital entities for entertainment workers.

A MESSAGE FROM TODAY’S SPONSOR

Execs are using AI to cover 500+ page titles in minutes

Across the industry, execs are experimenting with AI, wondering how they can ethically deploy its powers to minimize tedious tasks.

Enter: Avail. Secret weapon to the most tech savvy execs at multiple major studios and leading agencies.

📚 Summarize books and scripts within minutes, including foreign-language titles.

🚫 Rest easy knowing our model never trains on uploads or outputs. Avail respects creator copyright concerns.

🔒 Uploads are encrypted end-to-end in AWS' highest security tier used by the US government for top-secret workloads.

💼 Backed by world class investors including Alexis Ohanian (776), General Catalyst, and Shari Redstone's Advancit Capital.

Get started at itsavail.com and receive two free coverage reports. Use code DAILIES at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months.

Development 🗒️

• Moby and Mark Webber team up for ‘Tecie,’ a Gen-Z romance about animal rights activists set in LA, with Moby composing the score. (more)

• Keith Powers will star in Numa Perrier’s indie family drama ‘Trip.’ (more)

• Adria Arjona joins Richard Jenkins in Ed Brubaker’s Prime Video series ‘Criminal,’ playing a skilled car thief seeking a way out for herself and her daughter. (more)

• Amazon MGM Studios acquires ‘Hollywood Ending,’ a documentary about actor-turned-Ponzi schemer Zachary Horwitz. (more)

• Josh O’Connor, Andrew Scott and Cailee Spaeny join Daniel Craig in Netflix’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,’ directed by Rian Johnson. (more)

• Kristoffer Borgli will direct and executive produce HBO’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ ‘The Shards.’ (more)

• Da’Vine Joy Randolph joins Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen in A24’s upcoming romantic comedy ‘Eternity,’ directed by David Freyne. (more)

• Sean Bean stars as a gang leader in BBC’s crime drama ‘This City is Ours,’ produced by The Crown’s Left Bank. (more)

• Channing Tatum and Brad Pitt’s production companies team up for a docuseries and feature film on the Isle of Man TT, the world’s most dangerous motorcycle race. (more)

• Walter Salles’ first narrative feature in over a decade, ‘I’m Still Here,’ has been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for North America and several international territories, following its Cannes market debut. (more)

• Sky secures rights to air Max’s ‘The Penguin’ TV series starring Colin Farrell in multiple European countries. (more)

Business 🤝

• NBCUniversal strikes a content deal with Asian streamer Begin, bringing titles like ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ legally to Pakistan for the first time. (more)

Other News 🚨

• Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, raises $6B in Series B funding. (more)