content creators<\/a> have a much bigger pool of video and audio content to use in building their own programming, cutting down on barriers to entry into entertainment streaming.\n<\/p>\nFor local entertainment venues, the legal issues bear watching.\n<\/p>\n
Rich Pawelczyk, a partner at the law firm Horn Wright, which has an office in Garden City, who has long-represented theaters and performance spaces, said licensing structures with organizations such as ASCAP, BMI and SESAC remain in place and workable.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThose fees have not been deal breakers for venues continuing to operate,\u201d Pawelczyk said. Performance rights groups, he added, know better than to drive venues out of business. \u201cThey know that if it\u2019s too burdensome, the venue will throw in the towel, so the deals tend to strike a balance.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Still, Pawelczyk says AI changes the equation. A venue could, in theory, sidestep musicians and licensing fees by relying on AI-generated compositions. However, he doubts it would catch on with the audience.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cMusic is a visceral experience,\u201d he said. \u201cThe live music business, notwithstanding the massive uptick in ticket prices\u2026is doing very well. People still want that visceral experience.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Communities from Huntington to Patchogue rely on music and performance venues not only for cultural life but for economic vitality. Pending lawsuits over the use of copyrighted work to train AI models could quickly ripple into local theaters and clubs.\n<\/p>\n
For some performers and venues, the uncertainty means contracts now include specific language about AI, he said.\n<\/p>\n
Others are pushing lawmakers or the Copyright Office to clarify rules. And many artists are left to decide whether they\u2019ll embrace AI tools in their work or steer clear of them altogether.\n<\/p>\n
What everyone seems to agree on is that artificial intelligence won\u2019t replace live performance, but it will change the way content is created, licensed and sold. This means that copyright disputes, licensing frameworks,and rights negotiations are being tested in real time.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality,\u201d Berman said, \u201cis that every wave of technological change brings both challenges and opportunities. AI is no different. But for artists and venues on Long Island<\/a>, the legal questions it raises will define the industry\u2019s future.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
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