Amidst the apprehension permeating the film industry, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a formidable tool in labor unrest. The Screen Actors Guild contract of 2022 recognized AI’s potential impact on employment, emphasizing the significance of human performance in motion pictures.
Tye Sheridan, a renowned actor known for his roles in “The Tree of Life” and the “X-Men” franchise, has delved into the world of AI. As a co-founder of Wonder Dynamics, Sheridan, alongside visual effects supervisor Nikola Todorovic, aims to provide an accessible platform for filmmakers seeking computer-generated characters. Their subscription-based software offers a range of characters, from robots to aliens, empowering users to transform their human actors into virtual beings.
Sheridan emphasizes that Wonder Dynamics aims to bridge gaps and empower storytellers. “Our goal is to create opportunities for artists and make stories that were previously unattainable a reality,” he explains. Todorovic concurs, stating that they “accelerate artists’ work, not generate it ourselves.”
Despite the excitement surrounding AI’s potential, concerns remain. Some fear that AI could render actors obsolete, while others worry about the ethical implications of the technology. Todorovic acknowledges these concerns, stating, “We don’t want a future where there’s no performance or cinematography as we know it, and it’s all getting digitalized.”
However, both Sheridan and Todorovic believe that AI will ultimately enhance the storytelling process. “The audience wants a good story, and AI can help us tell those stories more effectively,” Sheridan asserts. Todorovic adds, “We have to have performers and performance art, which is a huge part of the magic of storytelling.”
The impact of AI on the film industry is still unfolding. As technology advances, the boundaries of filmmaking will continue to be pushed. The audience’s preferences will ultimately shape the future of the medium, and it is up to companies like Wonder Dynamics to navigate the ethical challenges and harness the power of AI for storytelling in a responsible manner.
