VFX artist Ryan Laney talks about digitally replacing human faces in Hollywood. Josh Glick from Bard College highlights AI's integral role in Hollywood, from de-aging actors to language translation. The podcast explores the use of AI in CGI, concerns of actors and writers, and its impact on storytelling.
AI is extensively used in Hollywood for visual effects, de-aging actors, language translation, and post-production enhancements.
There is a need for honest communication between creatives and studios to address concerns and find a balance that safeguards creative labor while embracing the potential of AI.
Deep dives
AI in Hollywood
AI is already extensively used in Hollywood, from visual effects to de-aging actors' faces. It is used in films like Star Wars and Marvel movies, allowing the creation of digital characters and enhancing the capabilities of actors. AI is also employed in language translation and various aspects of post-production, such as separating objects from backgrounds and improving sound quality. While AI offers new creative possibilities, there are concerns from striking writers and actors. Writers fear that AI may replace their role in scriptwriting, while actors are worried about losing control over their likeness being used indefinitely. There is a need to find a way to compensate and protect the rights of actors and writers in this new AI-driven reality.
The Current Debate: Uses and Concerns
The ongoing strikes by writers and actors highlight the differing perspectives on AI in Hollywood. Writers are concerned about AI assuming the role of authorship, reducing their creative input and jobs. On the other hand, actors want to retain control of their likeness and receive fair compensation when their AI-generated images are used. There is a lack of trust between creatives and studios due to past issues with compensation and limited access to data. Both sides need to engage in more honest communication to address concerns and find a balance that safeguards creative labor while embracing the potential of AI.
Winners and Losers
As AI becomes more integrated into Hollywood, certain groups will benefit. The visual effects community, for instance, will have greater opportunities to create innovative and visually stunning effects that drive blockbuster films. Directors who can effectively utilize AI for storytelling purposes, such as de-aging or resurrecting characters, will also thrive. However, there are concerns for smaller actors and writers in terms of pressures and compensation. The resolution of these issues requires fair models for compensation, especially for actors whose AI likeness may be used beyond a single production. While the future remains uncertain, there is hope for merging AI and human creativity in a responsible and equitable way.
Lessons from History
Looking at historical disruptions in the film industry, such as the advent of sound and the rise of TV, can provide insights for dealing with the AI shift. While change is inevitable, it should not come at the expense of fair compensation and recognition for creative labor. The past serves as a reminder that industry shifts require careful negotiation and consideration of the impact on different stakeholders. Balancing the integration of AI into filmmaking while upholding the rights and creative contributions of writers and actors is crucial for a sustainable and equitable future.
We've been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence in TV and movies from both sides of the Hollywood strikes. Some actors and writers are afraid AI could replace them entirely. But how does AI work in the industry right now? And to what extent?
Sam chats with VFX artist Ryan Laney about his work digitally replacing human faces — in the name of good. Then, Josh Glick, who studies AI and film at Bard College, lays out the fundamental truth many of us seem to forget: AI is already an integral part of the Hollywood machine. AI has de-aged Harrison Ford and Tom Cruise, provided language translation, and done all sorts of things in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — and it's not going anywhere.
