The Rise of AI in Filmmaking: A Double-Edged Sword
As Al becomes more integrated into filmmaking, these examples highlight the importance of a balanced approach. Industry leaders and policymakers must consider the implications of AI on employment, creativity, and ethics. This includes fostering a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting the rights of creators and consumers alike. Al is important. Educational Institutions should not shy away from teaching it and discussing the proper use of Al in its application. The new generation of students are aware of these tools and if not told the value and concerns around it, will use it anyway in their best short-term interests, which may not be the best for the long term.
By Rahul Puri, Director - Academics, Whistling Woods International
The film industry has always been a playground for technological innovation, from the advent of sound and colour to the transition from physical film to digital.
The latest transformative force in filmmaking is artificial intelligence (AI). As an industry person and an academic who has been keenly interested in both technology and media, I am fascinated to explore the profound but potentially dual implications of Al's increasing role in this creative industry.
The Promises of Al in Filmmaking
Al offers a plethora of benefits that could revolutionise filmmaking. It can streamline the production process, reduce costs, and open new creative possibilities. For instance, IBM's Watson was famously used to create a trailer for the horror film, Morgan in 2016. Watson analysed hundreds of horror movie trailers to understand what elements made them effective, then suggested scenes from the movie to include in its own version of a trailer. The result was a trailer that, while not entirely produced by AI, demonstrated the potential for AI to assist in creative decision-making.
Another example is the use of Al in special effects and animation. The software Deep Art Effects has been used to stylise entire films, giving them a distinct visual aesthetic that would be time-consuming and expensive to achieve manually. This technology allows indie filmmakers to produce visually stunning work without the backing of a major studio.
There is no doubt that AI can be used by creative professionals to speed up their workflow and if need be, help them with options and information to base better and more thorough creative choices on. I believe strongly that this is a huge benefit for the filmmaking industry moving ahead.
The Pitfalls of AI in Filmmaking
While these advancements are promising, they also underscore potential drawbacks. The 2019 release of Gemini Man used advanced CGI and AI techniques to create a younger version of actor Will Smith. Although the technology was groundbreaking, it also highlighted the growing concern about the "uncanny valley"-a term used to describe the discomfort people feel when faced with human-like robots or avatars that aren't quite realistic. This could limit audience engagement and emotional connection, a critical aspect of cinematic experience. It was an interesting proof of concept but ultimately perhaps was something that was a detriment to the story the film was trying to narrate.
Moreover, Netflix's algorithm-driven content recommendations and production decisions have sparked concerns about the narrowing of creative content. By analysing viewer data, Netflix can produce shows and movies tailored to what has been proven popular. While this data- driven approach has led to successful series like House of Cards, it may also discourage more experimental projects that don't fit neatly into existing categories. Whereas data can be used to help aid creative choices, relying on data alone takes away from the human side of creativity, which allows more innovative content to be created and backed.
Ethical Concerns: The Unseen Shadows
The ethical implications are perhaps most starkly illustrated using digital replicas of actors. In the film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the late actor, Peter Cushing was digitally resurrected to reprise his role as Grand Moff Tarkin. While the digital recreation was technically impressive, it raised questions about consent and the posthumous use of an actor's likeness. Who controls these digital assets, and how can we ensure that they are used respectfully? Star Wars did the same with Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill but due permission was taken in these cases. DC had a similar issue in The Flash where they used people's likeness without permission in some cases, leading to a lot of backlash and outrage.
Additionally, the emergence of deepfake technology has led to a rise in fabricated videos, which can be used for malicious purposes such as spreading misinformation or defaming individuals. This issue extends beyond filmmaking but is particularly pertinent in an era where visual media is a primary source of information and entertainment.
The Need for a Thoughtful Approach
As AI becomes more integrated into filmmaking, these examples highlight the importance of a balanced approach. Industry leaders and policymakers must consider the implications of Al on employment, creativity, and ethics. This includes fostering a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting the rights of creators and consumers alike. Al is important. Educational Institutions should not shy away from teaching it and discussing the proper use of Al in its application. The new generation of students are aware of these tools and if not told the value and concerns around it, will use it anyway in their best short-term interests, which may not be the best for the long term.
In conclusion, the rise of AI in filmmaking is a double-edged sword, offering both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. By learning from current examples and anticipating future developments, we can harness the power of AI to enhance the art of filmmaking while safeguarding its cultural and ethical integrity.
Source : Education.economictimes.indiatimes.com
By Rahul Puri, Director - Academics, Whistling Woods International
The film industry has always been a playground for technological innovation, from the advent of sound and colour to the transition from physical film to digital.
The latest transformative force in filmmaking is artificial intelligence (AI). As an industry person and an academic who has been keenly interested in both technology and media, I am fascinated to explore the profound but potentially dual implications of Al's increasing role in this creative industry.
The Promises of Al in Filmmaking
Al offers a plethora of benefits that could revolutionise filmmaking. It can streamline the production process, reduce costs, and open new creative possibilities. For instance, IBM's Watson was famously used to create a trailer for the horror film, Morgan in 2016. Watson analysed hundreds of horror movie trailers to understand what elements made them effective, then suggested scenes from the movie to include in its own version of a trailer. The result was a trailer that, while not entirely produced by AI, demonstrated the potential for AI to assist in creative decision-making.
Another example is the use of Al in special effects and animation. The software Deep Art Effects has been used to stylise entire films, giving them a distinct visual aesthetic that would be time-consuming and expensive to achieve manually. This technology allows indie filmmakers to produce visually stunning work without the backing of a major studio.
There is no doubt that AI can be used by creative professionals to speed up their workflow and if need be, help them with options and information to base better and more thorough creative choices on. I believe strongly that this is a huge benefit for the filmmaking industry moving ahead.
The Pitfalls of AI in Filmmaking
While these advancements are promising, they also underscore potential drawbacks. The 2019 release of Gemini Man used advanced CGI and AI techniques to create a younger version of actor Will Smith. Although the technology was groundbreaking, it also highlighted the growing concern about the "uncanny valley"-a term used to describe the discomfort people feel when faced with human-like robots or avatars that aren't quite realistic. This could limit audience engagement and emotional connection, a critical aspect of cinematic experience. It was an interesting proof of concept but ultimately perhaps was something that was a detriment to the story the film was trying to narrate.
Moreover, Netflix's algorithm-driven content recommendations and production decisions have sparked concerns about the narrowing of creative content. By analysing viewer data, Netflix can produce shows and movies tailored to what has been proven popular. While this data- driven approach has led to successful series like House of Cards, it may also discourage more experimental projects that don't fit neatly into existing categories. Whereas data can be used to help aid creative choices, relying on data alone takes away from the human side of creativity, which allows more innovative content to be created and backed.
Ethical Concerns: The Unseen Shadows
The ethical implications are perhaps most starkly illustrated using digital replicas of actors. In the film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the late actor, Peter Cushing was digitally resurrected to reprise his role as Grand Moff Tarkin. While the digital recreation was technically impressive, it raised questions about consent and the posthumous use of an actor's likeness. Who controls these digital assets, and how can we ensure that they are used respectfully? Star Wars did the same with Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill but due permission was taken in these cases. DC had a similar issue in The Flash where they used people's likeness without permission in some cases, leading to a lot of backlash and outrage.
Additionally, the emergence of deepfake technology has led to a rise in fabricated videos, which can be used for malicious purposes such as spreading misinformation or defaming individuals. This issue extends beyond filmmaking but is particularly pertinent in an era where visual media is a primary source of information and entertainment.
The Need for a Thoughtful Approach
As AI becomes more integrated into filmmaking, these examples highlight the importance of a balanced approach. Industry leaders and policymakers must consider the implications of Al on employment, creativity, and ethics. This includes fostering a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting the rights of creators and consumers alike. Al is important. Educational Institutions should not shy away from teaching it and discussing the proper use of Al in its application. The new generation of students are aware of these tools and if not told the value and concerns around it, will use it anyway in their best short-term interests, which may not be the best for the long term.
In conclusion, the rise of AI in filmmaking is a double-edged sword, offering both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. By learning from current examples and anticipating future developments, we can harness the power of AI to enhance the art of filmmaking while safeguarding its cultural and ethical integrity.
Source : Education.economictimes.indiatimes.com