Ben Affleck recently made headlines with his comments on AI in the film industry. As AI experts, we wanted to fact check his key points.
Ben Affleck comments on AI use in film – Original Video
Our takeaways:
Capabilities of AI today:
1. AI is a craftsman at best, it only learns how to replicate behaviour from humans
Partially true: AI tools are able to learn from observing behaviour, that is what makes them AI rather than just automation. But more than that, they can create novel ideas, as they have learnt how to be creative from us. So they are not simply automated systems, there is “emergent behaviour” as it is described in the techie community. So be careful not to discount AI capabilities. But “knowing when to stop” or knowing the quality bar is not AI’s strong point at the moment – humans are still needed to judge that.
Emergent Behaviour Explained: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/emergent-behavior
2. AI can write excellent imitative verse, but not Shakespeare
Kinda: Not sure if this is a comment on quality or uniqueness. Either way, it has been proven that a collaborative approach normally wins out over AI or human alone. Humans must still be the arbiters of quality at some point in the process, but this collaborative approach may lead to a Shakespeare-level play at some point in the near future. It is necessary to keep an open mind and continue to experiment and innovate to help keep creative excellence alive.
New study shows people can’t tell the difference between AI-generated poetry and actual Shakespeare, most prefer the AI poems: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/chatgpt-or-shakespeare-readers-couldnt-tell-the-difference-and-even-preferred-ai-generated-verse-180985480/
3. It will be possible to experience AI-generated custom TV episodes
Maybe: This is already possible today, functionally. But, is it possible to the point where an AI-generated episode is indistinguishable from a “real” episode? Not quite yet. Maybe in about 3 months though! Watch this space.
Generate-your-own South Park Episodes:
AI’s impact on film production:
1. AI will reduce costs and lower barriers to entry in filmmaking
Yes: AI tools are already being used to streamline various aspects of a production, especially by the larger players in Hollywood. However storytellers and production teams need support to carefully adopt AI while avoiding risks, wasted money, time and effort. We must not get lost in reducing costs and efficiency, we still need to keep creative quality and human experience at the heart of it all.
Quick tutorial on making independent film look big budget using AI techniques:
2. Visual effects industry will be heavily impacted
Yes: AI is already transforming VFX, with potential for significant cost reduction and efficiency gains. VFX companies need to rethink their business models alongside their new AI processes to stay competitive. Post-production business definitely need as much support as possible in this transition.
Deep dive on current state of VFX:
3. Movies will be one of the last things to be replaced by AI
Not necessarily: This really depends on how you’re defining “replaced”. How do we draw the line between how much AI usage constitutes “replacement”? Does it have to be 100%?
Ultimately, AI is being used more and more in the filmmaking process, by humans. The same way something like electricity is used to help make films happen. I understand that people fear replacement by AI, but ultimately without a human behind the wheel at some point, movies will not be able to hit the mark with audiences. But to deny the widespread adoption and increasing use of AI in the process would be foolish – AI integration is inevitable to keep the industry alive.
As always, if you need help navigating the new world of AI, reach out to us at [email protected]
