For 50 days and counting, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike, and one of the key issues fueling the conflict is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative industry.

The WGA, which represents writers in film and television industry in the U.S., is deeply concerned about the potential impact of AI technologies such as ChatGPT on their craft. In an effort to safeguard their livelihoods, the union has proposed a ban on the use of AI to generate story ideas or scripts for films and shows.

The fear is that AI could be used to churn out first drafts of shows, leaving only a handful of writers to polish off those scripts. This could potentially undermine writers' compensation and writing credits.

To further protect their interests, the WGA has also proposed that any scripts covered by the union's collective bargaining agreement cannot be used to train AIs.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the U.S. entertainment industry, has flatly rejected the WGA's proposal. Instead, it has offered to hold annual meetings to discuss advancements in technology.

As the strike drags on, many productions have ground to a halt, with future films and TV series being delayed or canceled.

One of the most promising productions canceled by the strike is an adaptation of Fritz Lang's 1927 film "Metropolis." Other popular shows put on hold include "Euphoria," "The Last of Us" and "Stranger Things."

It remains unclear how long the strike will continue, but many in Hollywood estimate it won't be resolved before September.

The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for the future of the creative industry and the role of AI in content creation. As AI technology continues to advance by leaps and bounds, it will be fascinating to see how the industry adapts and what measures are put in place to protect the rights of human creators.