The Sunday Daily: Hollywood’s A.I. Moment

Overview

This episode explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence in Hollywood, examining its current applications, the controversies it has sparked, and its potential to reshape the entertainment industry. From AI-generated actors to its impact on labor and creativity, the discussion highlights both the opportunities and challenges AI presents for filmmakers, actors, and audiences.

Notable Quotes

- The arts should be left to human beings. You know, you're still going to want to have real people. – Alyssa Wilkinson, on the backlash against AI in Hollywood.

- Disney basically said, 'We believe that what we create is content, not art.' And to me, that seems like the end point of all of this. – Alyssa Wilkinson, critiquing Disney's partnership with OpenAI.

- If AI reduces costs, we can justify taking bolder creative risks if it's not so expensive. – Brooks Barnes, on the potential for AI to enable more experimental filmmaking.

🎭 The Rise of AI in Hollywood

- AI is being used in two main ways: non-generative AI (e.g., tools for editing, sound design, and digital de-aging) and generative AI, which creates entirely new content.

- Examples include Amazon's The House of David, which used AI to generate visually stunning scenes that would have been too costly to film traditionally.

- AI is also being used to recreate performances of deceased actors, as seen in Furiosa, the sequel to Mad Max: Fury Road.

📉 Labor Concerns and Industry Backlash

- Many Hollywood workers, especially those in middle-class or entry-level roles like background actors and dubbing artists, face job displacement due to AI.

- AI threatens traditional pathways into the industry, potentially reducing diversity and fresh perspectives in Hollywood.

- Critics argue that AI's cost-cutting appeal to studios could lead to a loss of authenticity and human creativity in storytelling.

🎥 Ethical Dilemmas in AI-Generated Content

- The use of AI in documentaries raises questions about authenticity, as some producers create generated archival footage to meet tight deadlines.

- The controversy over using AI to enhance performances, such as accents or expressions, has led to debates about whether such performances should qualify for awards.

- Some filmmakers advocate for transparency, suggesting that AI usage should be disclosed to audiences, akin to a certified organic label for films.

🤝 Disney and OpenAI: A Groundbreaking Partnership

- Disney's deal with OpenAI allows fans to create short videos using iconic characters like Elsa and Yoda, signaling a shift in how intellectual property is managed.

- While this move democratizes content creation, it raises concerns about the devaluation of original craftsmanship and the future of professional animators and storytellers.

- Disney's decision reflects a broader industry trend of embracing AI to stay relevant with younger, tech-savvy audiences.

🌟 Creative Potential and AI's Future in Cinema

- AI-powered projects like the Wizard of Oz experience at Sphere in Las Vegas showcase the technology's ability to create immersive, interactive cinematic experiences.

- However, critics noted that AI-generated elements, such as the Munchkins, lacked the warmth and authenticity of the original.

- While AI could lower production costs and enable more experimental projects, there is skepticism about whether studios will prioritize creativity over profitability.