Stuntmen and Women Could Be Replaced by AI

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As a longtime stuntperson who’s spent decades tumbling down stairs, dodging bullets, and leaping off buildings for a living, I can’t help but feel a pang of trepidation about the future. The rise of AI in Hollywood is like a looming storm on the horizon, and it’s making me wonder if my days as a flesh-and-blood action hero are numbered.

Skirting head injuries and collapsed lungs, the resilient stunt fraternity finds itself confronting an unprecedented predicament; this time, it’s a matter of survival. Often overlooked by the grandest award ceremonies in Hollywood, stuntpeople had a fleeting moment of recognition when Ryan Gosling from The Fall Guy advocated for their profession, asserting they deserved a dedicated Oscar category, just like any other key role on a movie set. The situation, however, holds an element of irony.

In a century marked by thankless performances and risking limbs and lives for audiences, the unpredictable realm of stunt work is nearing extinction. With technology titans influencing the conversation, it seems that the era of daring stunt performers could be phased out before we know it.

It’s quite possible that one day we won’t be able to distinguish the authentic Jackie Chan from a convincing deepfake, and we’ll discuss why this is happening. Studios are certainly eager to adopt this technology, but let’s delve into their motivations as well. Regrettably, by now it’s already too late to return artificial intelligence like this back to its container. The challenges faced by the profession could extend far beyond the lack of accolades from the Academy.

Adding Insult to Traumatic Brain Injury

I’ve got to mention the hard truth about stunts: they take a significant toll on those who perform them. That’s why seasoned action stars like Sylvester Stallone often caution their peers, “Steer clear of doing your own stunts.” Moviemaking is a complex art form, and beyond the obvious risks associated with stunt work, there’s always the potential for something to go awry – not just for the stunt performer but also for camera operators, lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members on set.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but notice that every heart-pounding action scene carries an inherent risk. Research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that a staggering 80% of stunt performers have either sustained head injuries or experienced some form of spinal trauma. The long-term consequences of brain injuries are often difficult to quantify, with many considering them an occupational hazard.

Historically, pay was low, and with the exception of Buddy Joe Hooker, no one has achieved notoriety for their long years of labor. One might assume that the lack of recognition and fair compensation would ensure their loyalty to film studios, but regrettably, this couldn’t be more inaccurate.

The Financial Dangers of Stunt Work

During summer, big-budget movies can bring in a lot of money, but they also carry the constant risk of accidents and legal issues. The larger the movie, the more explosions there tend to be. For instance, an unfortunate incident during the filming of L.A.’s Finest led to injuries, causing production to halt while investigators took over the set. Even with current safety standards in place, this shows that such incidents can still happen. (Reported by Deadline in 2019)

During the 1980s, a scene from the film “Cannonball Run” ended tragically for a stuntwoman, leaving her severely injured. This incident cost significantly more than the insurance company compensated, as explained in the book “Insurance Coverage Litigation.” People often overlook insurance costs when considering movie budgets, but these expenses can quickly accumulate significantly.

In the world of action movie production, working with real stunt performers poses challenges due to the inherent risks and costs associated. By relying less on practical effects (and human elements), studios can create safer and possibly more cost-effective films. However, it’s a delicate balance since stars performing their own stunts generate positive publicity but come with significant safety concerns for producers.

What’s Next For Stuntpeople?

As a supporter, I find myself caught in the midst of an intense competition among numerous companies vying for dominance in the AI realm. Given the financial constraints within the film industry, it seems that the individuals who make their living by performing death-defying stunts could potentially be the first casualties of this revolution that George Lucas predicts as unavoidable.

The increasing use of CGI in filmmaking has made traditional aspects seem less important, and if warnings about AI are accurate, it seems that stuntpeople’s jobs might become extinct. In 2023, after a significant financial crisis in the movie industry, seasoned stunt coordinator Freddy Bouciegues expressed concern for his career to France 24, sensing the industry’s shift.

Technology continues to advance at an accelerated pace, potentially leading to situations where people might say, ‘We won’t need to hire these ten individuals… instead, we can incorporate them digitally using special effects and artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, this could result in unemployment for those individuals.’

He’s not the only one facing a downward trend. Regarding AI dominance becoming a reality, it seems more like a question of time and extent. Nevertheless, some laws are expected to be implemented to protect specific industries and jobs. The challenge lies in that AI technology is evolving rapidly, making it difficult for lawmakers to understand its workings and respond swiftly to control its spread.

Steven Moffat, a producer and writer for Doctor Who, makes a valid observation when he points out that AI encounters a significant challenge in replicating the human aspect in artistic creations. The massive computational resources needed to run AI systems are not yet economically viable on a broad scale – but that could change “yet.” However, Moffat may be overlooking the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in the realm of video generation. This technology has made remarkable strides in a short period of time.

If it weren’t for the support of celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves, or Chris Pratt in elevating the recognition of this little-known profession, we might be entering an age where classic action movies are fading into obscurity. However, one might wonder if there will even be a noticeable difference.

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2024-12-28 20:02