Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 68!

Seedance 2.0, an AI video generator, just dropped new videos from the program and shots are fired. SAG-AFTRA immediately released their firmest statement yet declaring why it's infringement on its actors and stands by studios like Disney which has already sent cease-and-desist letters. E-Kan and Rían break down why this AI feels different—because honestly, the Walter White videos look straight out of Breaking Bad, and so does the viral clip of Brad Pitt fighting Tom Cruise. Rían pushes back with the ultimate question: "Once I know it's AI, why would I care?" which prompts a debate - who has more to lose? This is what actors need to know right now and could non-established creators might look at this as an opportunity? and Reagan drops the best historical take: remember when CGI was supposed to replace movies? We're still watching Hamnet.

Speaking of things that are hard, E-Kan had his worst commercial audition in years this week and has many lessons learned, including why in-person auditions pairing up actors is like speed dating and blind dating at the same time, how blending the technical and organic skills of acting might be getting lost in the era of self tapes, and how even if you nail everything - you still can still bomb it.

Also, E-Kan and Rían had the special treat to see Jessie Buckley speak about Hamnet and her incredible collaboration with Chloe Zhao, both nominated for an Oscar. A lot of inspiration and wisdom in this episode, including how Jessie's humility about her craft might look different than say Timothée Chalamet's and how you can be in charge of your craft yet stay humble.

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https://deadline.com/2026/02/disney-bytedance-cease-and-desist-letter-seedance-ai-video-1236719549/

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/motion-picture-association-ai-seedance-bytedance-tom-cruise-1236661753/

https://geektyrant.com/news/sag-aftra-slams-seedance-20-after-ai-tom-cruise-and-brad-pitt-fight-video-blows-up-online

Hidden Gems:

BOGO Offer from Everyday Dose and Sprouts

Santa Monica Public Library (free printing)

Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:07) SAG-AFTRA and Disney vs. Seedance 2.0

(05:00) The real threat to actors with AI

(09:10) Is this an opportunity for non-established creators?

(11:50) CGI never took over film

(13:20) The worst commercial audition ever

(21:30) The core skills of acting

(23:30) Hamnet and Jessie Buckley

(30:30) You can do all the work but you need the magic

(32:20) Jessie Buckley's humility vs Timothée Chalamet's

(35:35) Hidden Gems