AI Gives You “Certain Superpowers,” But Won’t Make Better Films Without Creators’ Vision: WME Exec

AI Gives You “Certain Superpowers,” But Won’t Make Better Films Without Creators’ Vision: WME Exec

As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast with a deep-rooted passion for cinema, I find myself intrigued by the convergence of AI and Hollywood. The Red Sea International Film Festival’s panel on AI as a creative partner is a fascinating exploration that underscores the potential of this technology in reshaping the entertainment landscape.

This year, the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked much debate not only in Hollywood but far beyond. It was therefore fitting that the 4th edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) would highlight AI during a panel discussion held at its market, the Red Sea Souk, on a Sunday.

Title of the Discussion: “Is AI a Potential Collaborator in Creativity?” – Held as Part of an Event-Filled Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jacquemin noted that there haven’t been significant AI-themed films from Hollywood yet, but Howell stated that there has been a substantial increase in studio interest regarding AI over the past year. He added that they have met with all the major studios and are working on projects with several of them. However, everyone is still exploring how best to utilize AI at this early stage, according to her.

Two years back, Deep Voodoo garnered a $20 million investment. Since then, they’ve employed their advanced technology in projects like the YouTube series Sassy Justice and a Kendrick Lamar music video. This tech, based on AI and machine learning, swaps faces in characters. In Sassy Justice, it was utilized to satirize figures such as Donald Trump and Mark Zuckerberg. For the Apple TV+ series Before, they utilized this technology to digitally rejuvenate Billy Crystal’s appearance in the videos.

The consensus among the panel members was generally optimistic about how AI can accelerate manufacturing tasks and simplify labor-intensive, technical duties, thereby allowing more room for humans to concentrate on crucial creative judgments instead of leading to mass job displacement.

For example, Howell said Deep Voodoo sees AI as “a storytelling tool used by humans for cost-effectiveness, creativity, whatever the case may be.” And Jacquemin called AI “a co-pilot tool,” sharing that WME clients are using the technology particularly “early in the creative process,” for example to create mood boards and visual ideas, or to use ChatGPT for story outlines.

He said that the technology “gives you a certain set of superpowers” that can accelerate the creative process but argued that “unless somebody has an incredible artistic vision, it’s not going to end up making the movie (or any other piece of creative work) better.” He added: “I don’t necessarily believe that it is going to make works that are significantly better than what we are seeing today.”

In what areas might AI cause job reductions in Hollywood? “Actors play a crucial role,” as underscored by Howell. “In a typical deepfake situation or similar traditional setups, it’s the actor who essentially pulls the strings, acting as the puppeteer to the puppet.

In her opinion, “A convincing performance isn’t possible without an actor, but other jobs may adapt.” She also drew comparisons to previous technological advancements, where professionals like editors needed to adjust their skill sets with the advent of digital tools. Instead of predicting massive job loss, she suggested that there will be more shifts. New roles will likely emerge as a result of these changes, just as the position of “deepfake artist” did not exist five years ago, according to her example.

Jacquemin pointed out: “There’s potential for greater output,” despite acknowledging that some jobs might disappear. He also stressed: “I believe we’ll witness AI making technology more accessible to all.” Furthermore, he underscored: “Approximately twenty years ago, the inception of YouTube paved the way for a whole new breed of storytellers.

Williams pointed out, however, that the true economic and financial effects on industries resulting from time savings due to AI have yet to fully materialize. Furthermore, she emphasized that intellectual property (IP) and copyrights remain crucial for Hollywood titans, meaning these aspects will continue to be prioritized amidst the increasing influence of AI.

“All our movies and TV shows are done in conjunction with all licensed data,” Howell emphasized.

The session began by displaying a video featuring animated voices, which Baothman explained were generated through artificial intelligence technology.

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-12-08 15:54