Artificial Intelligence in Film: A Tool for Labor Unrest or Ethical Concern?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated the film industry, becoming an influential tool amidst ongoing labor unrest. The recent Screen Actors Guild contract incorporates safeguards to protect actors’ livelihoods while acknowledging AI’s potential impact on employment.
Tye Sheridan, an actor and co-founder of Wonder Dynamics, an AI platform for filmmakers, believes AI can empower artists and enable the creation of previously unattainable stories. Wonder Dynamics provides affordable and user-friendly solutions for creating computer-generated characters, enabling filmmakers to incorporate them into their projects without the need for expensive motion-capture suits or lengthy post-production effects.
However, AI’s presence in the film industry has also raised concerns. Some believe it could lead to job losses, while others fear it could result in a loss of on-set filmmaking and a shift towards digital characters. Nikola Todorovic, Sheridan’s partner and co-founder of Wonder Dynamics, emphasizes that the company’s approach adheres to ethical principles by avoiding generative AI and instead focusing on extracting visual information from existing actor performances.
Todorovic and Sheridan acknowledge the potential for a future where on-set filmmaking becomes less prevalent. They express apprehension about the consequences of this shift and emphasize the importance of preserving human performance and physical cinematography as integral elements of storytelling. They believe that AI should complement rather than replace the work of actors and filmmakers.
Sheridan highlights the crucial role of the audience in shaping the future of AI in film. The audience’s preferences will ultimately determine the types of stories told and the medium’s evolution. While the economics of the industry have undergone significant changes in recent years, it remains to be seen how AI will impact the production and distribution of films.
Sheridan acknowledges that AI’s potential for disruption can raise concerns among actors. However, he emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, recognizing both the potential benefits and risks. He suggests that the industry adopt an ethical compass to guide the development and use of AI, ensuring that it aligns with the values of artists and filmmakers.
