The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has appointed Jillian Arnold as its first Labor & Technology Intelligence Officer, a newly established position aimed at addressing the implications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for entertainment workers in the U.S. and Canada.
Matthew D. Loeb, IATSE’s International President, highlighted Arnold’s leadership in the labor movement concerning artificial intelligence. “In this new role, she’ll be a resource and a voice representing members on both sides of the border as we navigate public policy and workplace challenges relating to the development and implementation of these new tools,” he said.
John M. Lewis, IATSE Director of Canadian Affairs, noted the potential discrepancies in how companies may deploy AI technologies in different jurisdictions. He emphasized that Arnold’s expertise will help protect the interests of union members during negotiations.
Arnold brings a diverse background combining experience in organized labor, entertainment production, engineering, and advanced technology. Previously, she chaired the IATSE Artificial Intelligence Sub-Committee during the union’s 2024 negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), where she focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry and its workers.
In 2020, Arnold made history as the first woman and first video engineer to be elected president of IATSE Local 695, a position she has held for two terms, representing various technical workers in the Hollywood area. More details about her background can be found on the IATSE website.
As Labor & Technology Intelligence Officer, Arnold will work to balance the increasing integration of technology in the workforce with IATSE’s mission to ensure that film, television, and live productions are created by and for people. “Technology has been a defining part of my entire career,” Arnold remarked. “I’ve seen firsthand how technological innovation can expand what workers are capable of achieving. I’ve also seen why workers need a meaningful voice in determining how technologies are developed and integrated into the workplace.”
Looking ahead, Arnold expressed her enthusiasm about the role, stating that she aims to ensure that advancements in technology bolster both the crafts and the workers who perform them.
