Tool of North America, a creative production partner to brands and agencies, has added two new live-action executive producers: Laura Macauley and Rob Sexton.
Macauley serves as sr. EP to manage directors and clients. Previously, Macauley was EP/U.S. managing director at Sweetshop and an EP at Smuggler.
Meanwhile Sexton has been working in the production industry since 1995, and has experience working in all roles of production. He has produced projects both domestically and internationally, and worked on everything from small digital concepts to multi-million dollar projects. Prior to Tool, Sexton was an EP at harvest.
Macauley and Sexton will be working with Tool’s roster of directors, which include Floyd Russ, Danielle Levitt, Jaci Judelson, Sasha Levinson, Rudi Schwab and Win Bates.
“Continuing to elevate our expertise, offerings and event capabilities is important now more than ever,” said Nancy Hacohen, managing director of live action at Tool, adding, “Both Laura and Rob bring unique perspectives, experiences and talents, and add to our ever-growing team of talent who challenge the norms and look towards the future, just as Tool has done since its inception.”
California Gov. Newsom Signs Laws To Protect Actors Against Unauthorized Use Of AI
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off Tuesday on legislation aiming at protecting Hollywood actors and performers against unauthorized artificial intelligence that could be used to create digital clones of themselves without their consent.
The new laws come as California legislators ramped up efforts this year to regulate the marquee industry that is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Americans but has had little to no oversight in the United States.
The laws also reflect the priorities of the Democratic governor who's walking a tightrope between protecting the public and workers against potential AI risks and nurturing the rapidly evolving homegrown industry.
"We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers," Newsom said in a statement. "This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used."
Inspired by the Hollywood actors' strike last year over low wages and concerns that studios would use AI technology to replace workers, a new California law will allow performers to back out of existing contracts if vague language might allow studios to freely use AI to digitally clone their voices and likeness. The law is set to take effect in 2025 and has the support of the California Labor Federation and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA.
Another law signed by Newsom, also supported by SAG-AFTRA, prevents dead performers from being digitally cloned for commercial purposes without the permission of their estates. Supporters said the law is... Read More