We are aware of the strike of the writers and actors of Hollywood in 2023, which brought film making to a standstill. The issue was the anxiety caused by the advent of generative AI which made inroads into the writing and editing, and the possibility of it making further inroads into other areas of film making. There is always an inherent resistance to change. Over a century ago, Charlie Chaplin dismissed the emergence of talkie, saying it ‘I give it six months.’ Still, it is forgotten that cinema is a malleable medium. It adapts to the new technology. The new AI technology juggernaut in entertainment industry cannot be stopped. Facebook has rolled out Movie Gen.
AI lowers the barriers of entry into the industry allowing greater diversity of voices and perspectives in film making. AI could make it possible the customization of content, thus opening a new revenue stream. Film makers can tie up with AI companies to train a new model, e.g. Lionsgate partnership with an AI company.
The tie up with AI presents a rosy picture. However, there are issues regarding job replacements. AI should be compatible with existing jobs. Will it snatch control from the hands of the creatives and studio owners? Will AI thrive at the cost of originality? What will be the impact of AI on environment?
Since Charlie Chaplin’s misgiving about talkie, a hundred years have elapsed, and another revolution looms over the industry. It is better to put guardrails to counter its ill effects, rather than putting on blinkers about its existence.
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