As a seasoned gamer and film enthusiast with over three decades under my belt, I find myself constantly intrigued by the dynamic intersection of technology and storytelling. The recent remarks by Ben Affleck, a fellow industry veteran, about AI’s impact on the movie business have certainly piqued my interest.
The topic of artificial intelligence continues to be a hotly debated subject within diverse sectors of society, including Hollywood. Over the past few years, numerous film industry professionals such as actors, directors, and producers have openly discussed the potential advantages and limitations of AI in the context of filmmaking and television production. Most recently, actor, screenwriter, producer, and director Ben Affleck has added his thoughts to this discussion. During a recent public appearance, he expressed his concerns and clarified why he is not overly concerned about AI technologies encroaching on the film industry.
At the 2024 CNBC Delivering Alpha investor conference, the writer who won an Oscar for Good Will Hunting and directed Gone Baby Gone, sat down with David Faber from Squawk on the Street. During their discussion about AI, he expressed optimism that the movie industry would largely remain unaffected. In fact, he went as far as to speculate that films might be among the last things to become obsolete due to artificial intelligence. He further explained his viewpoint on why he believes AI can’t replace filmmaking in its current form.
Movies may be among the last forms of entertainment to be significantly influenced by AI, as the intricate human interactions and artistic nuances portrayed in films are currently beyond its capabilities. For a considerable time, AI will likely focus on automating the more tedious, less creative, and expensive aspects of filmmaking such as reducing costs, lowering barriers for entry, and enabling more individuals to share their stories, making it easier for aspiring filmmakers like those who made ‘Good Will Hunting’ to create their own productions.
Ben Affleck, as reported by Variety, appears to be expressing that AI currently lacks the critical discernment needed for filmmakers to evaluate talent. Yet, he also suggests that from a more pragmatic viewpoint, AI could help reduce movie-making expenses, which could open up the industry to more people. In essence, Affleck likens AI to a “craftsman,” and his perspective is plausible.
AI functions best as an apprentice. Just as a craftsman learns to create Stickley Furniture by observing and imitating another artisan, large video models and language models operate in a similar manner – they cross-pollinate existing ideas without creating anything truly new. In essence, they’re skilled at working, but not at knowing when to stop or expressing artistic taste. Teaching an AI when to stop may be challenging due to its lack of personal judgment and the inconsistencies inherent in human creativity.
Listening to high-profile figures in Hollywood discuss potential impacts of artificial intelligence on their industry in the future has been engaging. On one side, some executives have advocated for the adoption of AI-driven tools. For example, Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, proposed that new technologies should be explored, as even the late Disney himself was a proponent of experimenting with innovative technology. Sir Ridley Scott went as far as to confess using AI for specific scenes in “Gladiator II” and encouraged others to accept these advancements.
Instead, Nicolas Cage confessed his fear of the possibility that artificial intelligence might be used to mimic him someday. Similarly, William Shatner also addressed this issue, offering an intriguing perspective. Although Shatner appears reluctant about being supplanted by technology while he’s still alive, he seems receptive to the idea that it could occur following his death.
This debate is quite complex, and it seems like it won’t be wrapping up any time soon, given the increasing use of AI in various sectors. The views among creatives and those associated with their work are likely to stay diverse for a while. I, personally, am eager to learn about Ben Affleck and his peers’ thoughts on this topic after a few more years have passed.
Discover Ben Affleck’s top films currently available. Additionally, take note that his new production project, the sports biopic titled “Unstoppable,” is set to debut in cinemas on December 6, 2024 as part of the upcoming film lineup.
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2024-11-19 02:07