In a decisive move that could bring major disruption to film and television production, actors across the United Kingdom have voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action over concerns about artificial intelligence.
A Landslide Vote for Action
The UK's largest performing arts and entertainment union, Equity, announced the results of an indicative ballot on Thursday, 18 December 2025. The vote centred on members' willingness to refuse digital scanning on set unless robust AI safeguards are secured.
The turnout was exceptionally high at over 75%, and the result was stark: more than 99% of those who voted stated they are prepared to refuse a set scan. This represents the first time such a large section of Equity's film and TV membership – over 7,000 performers – has been balloted on industrial action.
A "Generation-Defining Challenge"
Announcing the result at the union's headquarters in Covent Garden, London, Equity's general secretary Paul W Fleming described artificial intelligence as a "generation-defining challenge." He stated, "For the first time in a generation, Equity's film and TV members have shown that they are willing to take industrial action."
Mr Fleming emphasised the scale of the potential disruption, noting that 90% of UK TV and film is made under the agreements in question, and over three-quarters of artists working on them are union members. "This shows that the workforce is willing to significantly disrupt production unless they are respected," he warned.
Industry Talks and a Warning Shot
The ballot follows 18 months of negotiations with the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) and allied producers. Equity is demanding AI protections that build upon, rather than simply copy, those won by the US sister union SAG-AFTRA after its historic four-month strike in 2023.
Addressing the major studios and streamers, Mr Fleming said, "The US streamers and PACT need to step away from the brink, and respect this show of strength." He confirmed that "the ball is in their court" when talks resume in January 2026.
As an indicative ballot, the result is not legally binding. However, it serves as a powerful warning shot to the industry, demonstrating the immense level of support for action short of a full strike. This development marks a pivotal moment for the UK's creative sector, with performers drawing a clear line in the sand over the use of their digital likenesses.
