AI & YOU #18: AI is Coming for Hollywood and the Industry Should Be Worried

Hollywood, with its glitz, glamour, and drama, is no stranger to revolutions. But the AI revolution is unlike any other. As actors and writers take a stand, we delve deep into the heart of the matter, exploring the potential, the concerns, and the very future of the film industry.

From the potential replacement of background actors by AI to the art of crafting a movie scene with ChatGPT, this week's edition offers a comprehensive look into the intersection of AI and cinema.

For those intrigued by the blend of technology and storytelling, and how AI might just be the next big star in Hollywood, this edition is a must-read.

If you're looking to harness the same revolutionary technology making waves in Hollywood for your next commercial or film, don't hesitate to schedule an intro call as we have worked on digital twins, photorealism, generating images and videos with Style-GAN3 architectures, de- & re-aging, voice cloning and more. Its from this experience, and having our work circulate film studios in Hollywood that we delve into this issue.

AI & YOU #18: AI is Coming for Hollywood and the Industry Should Be Worried

August 30, 2023

In recent years, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood have been overshadowed by a technological revolution. The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping the film industry, promising innovations that could redefine the very essence of filmmaking. But with this promise comes a wave of concerns, especially from those who have long been the backbone of motion pictures and television productions.

As Hollywood actors and striking writers raise their voices, a pressing question emerges: What role will AI play in the future of cinema, and at what cost?

The AI Surge in Hollywood

The film industry has always been at the forefront of technological advancements, and the latest wave is no exception. AI technology, such as generative AI, is rapidly making its mark, offering tools that have the potential to redefine the filmmaking process.

Moreover, while these advancements promise efficiency and innovation, others like digital scanning also lie at the heart of the disputes shaking the very foundations of the industry. As the capabilities of artificial intelligence expand, so do the concerns of those who've dedicated their lives to the craft of storytelling.

These are just some of the AI tools being used throughout Hollywood. We will delve deeper into specific applications and technologies in future blog posts.

The Actors’ Perspective

Screen actors and background actors alike are growing increasingly wary of how their digital likenesses might be used—or misused—in the age of AI technology.

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG), representing a vast majority of Hollywood's on-screen talent, has voiced strong reservations about the unchecked use of AI.

Their primary concern? The potential for these tools to recreate or even replace actors without their consent.

Imagine a scenario where a director, unsatisfied with an actor's performance, opts to digitally alter their emotions, expressions, or even dialogue. Or, in more extreme cases, using AI to bring back a likeness of an actor who has long since passed away.

Voiceover artists, too, find themselves at a crossroads. With AI now capable of mimicking voices with uncanny accuracy, there's a looming threat that these artists might be rendered obsolete. The technology can alter, recreate, or even replace actors' voices, making it possible to dub films in multiple languages without ever needing a human artist or to replace an actor's original lines long after they've left the recording studio.

As the debate rages on, it's clear that the intersection of artificial intelligence and the arts is a complex one, with profound implications for the future of entertainment.

The Writers’ Stance

Striking writers, backed by the Writers Guild of America, have been vocal about their stance on AI. They view it as a tool to aid the creative process, not a competitor to replace them.

The essence of storytelling, they argue, is inherently human, born from experiences, emotions, and the complexities of life. While AI might be able to generate a plot or dialogue, it lacks the human touch that gives a story its soul.

However, concerns are mounting. What happens when an AI-generated storyline becomes a box office hit? Or when dialogue crafted by algorithms resonates more with audiences than human-written scripts? The implications for these striking writers are profound. There's a growing unease about credits, recognition, and, ultimately, job security.

If a machine contributes to a script, who gets the credit? The programmer? The studio? Or the AI itself?

The Ethical and Legal Implications

At the forefront of this debate is also the issue of copyright. Traditionally, copyright laws have been designed to protect human creators. But how do we approach the copyrighting of AI-generated material in the film industry? If an AI tool crafts a scene or a dialogue, who owns it? The studio? The software developer? Or does no one own it because it's machine-generated?

Read the full blog: "Why Hollywood is Striking: AI is Coming for the Industry"

How AI Will Replace Movie Extras and Hollywood Actors

Recent films have showcased the potential of AI-generated characters, seamlessly blending them into scenes without the audience realizing they're not real. For instance, inside sources close to striking actors indicate that studios have already employed technology to incorporate digital avatars of background actors in forthcoming films like “Captain America: Brave New World” and Netflix’s “The Residence.”

As AI tools become more sophisticated, the line between real and digital actors is blurring. While this offers exciting possibilities for the film industry, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed, especially concerning the rights and roles of background actors.

Behind the Scenes With AI

The AI in Hollywood movement is not just about flashy visual effects or futuristic storylines; it's fundamentally changing the way movies are made. At the heart of this transformation is the capability of AI to generate hyper-realistic human replicas, a feat once thought to be the exclusive domain of high-budget CGI.

So, how does it work? Advanced AI tools utilize vast datasets of human movements, facial expressions, and even clothing dynamics. By analyzing thousands of hours of footage, these systems can generate a digital human that moves, reacts, and even emotes just like a real person. The nuances of a background actor – from the way they might casually sip a coffee to their distracted gaze at a passing parade – can be replicated with astonishing accuracy.

AI Extras as the New Norm

The film sets of tomorrow may look vastly different from what we're accustomed to today. Picture this: a bustling urban scene in a movie, where the streets are filled with people going about their day. But instead of a horde of background actors, these are AI-generated extras, seamlessly blending in with the lead actors, each AI extra with its unique appearance and behavior.

While the traditional charm of human extras will always hold a special place in cinema, the future seems to be pointing towards a new norm. A norm where AI extras not only coexist with human actors but also elevate the cinematic experience in ways previously unimagined.

Read the full blog: "How AI Will Replace Movie Extras and Hollywood Actors"

How to Write a Movie Scene With ChatGPT

To demonstrate how any individual can participate in this cross between AI and Hollywood, we created a "ChatGPT How To" guide for writing a movie scene.

Our multi-step process covers: setting the stage, introducing characters, crafting dialogue and action, adding conflict and resolution, and enhancing the scene with descriptive details.

Read the full blog: "How to Write a Movie Scene With ChatGPT"

Thank you for taking the time to read AI & YOU!

*Skim AI is an Artificial Intelligence consultancy that has provided AI Advisory & Development Services to enterprises since 2017.

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