AI’s integration in the arts and creative industries sparks debates on ethics and innovation, challenging traditional artistic boundaries
When the fifth and final instalment of the Indiana Jones movie, Dial of Destiny, was released in 2023, it sparked a humorous exchange between generations. A millennial expressed interest in seeing the latest instalment but was met by a father’s bemused response: “Which Indiana Jones movie are you going to watch?”, emphasising the film franchise’s long history.
This bewilderment was warranted. In the opening scenes of the 2023 movie, audiences meet a noticeably younger version of Harrison Ford, reminiscent of his appearance in the 1980s films.
This de-ageing effect was made possible by the visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). The creators claimed they didn’t rely solely on artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning but instead used a comprehensive VFX tool called “ILM FaceSwap” alongside the expertise of more than 100 visual effects artists, yet questions remain about the growing use of AI in filmmaking.
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It’s possible that the latest advances in AI technology could mean those visual effects artists may be redundant in the not-too-distant future. ChatGPT creator, OpenAI, has unveiled the first short films created using its new video AI tool Sora, with filmmakers describing the creations as “totally surreal”.
Early clips generated using the AI software show how it could take a simple written prompt and turn it into a realistic video of the scenario. AI technology is remarkable. But there are concerns about its benefits and ethical implications, and how it can sometimes raise eyebrows.
AI is both a collaborator pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and is sometimes seen as a potential threat to artists. The use of AI in film and television has been a contentious topic since last year’s Hollywood strikes, where writers and actors expressed anxieties about their future in the industry.
AI has the potential to revolutionise filmmaking by creating scripts and generating visuals. However, challenges include audience acceptance, legal uncertainties surrounding copyright, and the ethical implications of AI dominance in creative industries will still plague its use. We might even see deceased movie legends gracing the silver screens soon enough.
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