Artificial intelligence AI making impact in Hollywood
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming Hollywood, profoundly impacting both the creative process and the business aspects of filmmaking and television. This technological evolution presents exciting opportunities for innovation but also poses significant ethical and labor challenges, especially for actors.
Here's a breakdown of AI's growing influence on Hollywood acting:
1. De-aged Stars and Digital Replicas:
Technology: AI-powered de-aging employs deep learning and neural networks to generate highly realistic, youthful versions of actors. This advanced technique goes beyond traditional computer-generated imagery (CGI) by analyzing extensive historical footage to meticulously replicate nuanced facial features, skin texture, and muscle movements.
Examples: Notable films like Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" famously utilized extensive AI de-aging on prominent stars such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. "Captain Marvel" effectively de-aged Samuel L. Jackson by several decades, and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" even brought back a younger Princess Leia (portrayed by the late Carrie Fisher) by training AI on her archival footage.
Benefits: This technology empowers filmmakers to cast actors in roles that span different time periods without requiring elaborate makeup, prosthetics, or the need to cast multiple actors for the same character. It also facilitates the "resurrection" of beloved characters or the inclusion of actors who are no longer living.
Concerns: The ethical implications are substantial. While AI offers filmmakers enhanced creative control, it raises critical questions about the integrity of an actor's performance when AI is involved, and, crucially, about the rights and appropriate compensation for an actor's digital likeness.
2. Cloned Voices and Performance Enhancement:
Technology: AI voice cloning utilizes advanced machine learning to replicate human speech with remarkable accuracy. Specialized companies, like Respeecher, enable studios to de-age voices, replicate classic performances, or modify existing dialogue without requiring actors to re-record lines.
Applications:
Post-production efficiency: AI voice replication can significantly reduce the cost and time involved in automated dialogue replacement (ADR) sessions, allowing filmmakers to fine-tune dialogue and performance even when the actor is not physically present.
Accent and performance refinement: AI can subtly adjust accents or singing voices, as demonstrated in "The Brutalist," where AI helped refine actors' Hungarian pronunciations, or "Emelia Pérez," which adjusted an actor's singing voice.
Resurrecting voices: Similar to visual de-aging, AI can recreate the voices of deceased actors for new projects or for narration in documentaries and biopics, such as Val Kilmer's voice in "Top Gun: Maverick."
Concerns: This technology poses a direct threat to voice actors and dubbing artists, raising fears of job displacement. There are also significant ethical questions concerning intellectual property and consent, especially if a voice is cloned without explicit permission or fair compensation.
3. Resuscitation of Deceased Icons (Digital Humans):
Technology: This is arguably the most contentious application of AI, where it combines with advanced CGI and deepfake technology to create fully digital "synthetic performers." These digital entities can mimic the appearance, voice, and mannerisms of real individuals, both living and deceased.
Examples: Although controversial, efforts have been made to digitally bring back deceased stars like James Dean. Ian Holm also appeared in "Alien: Romulus" after his passing through digital means, sparking ethical debates. The "Star Wars" franchise famously featured digital recreations of Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher in "Rogue One" and "The Rise of Skywalker," respectively, using techniques now enhanced by AI.
Debate: This practice ignites intense discussions about whether it serves as a tribute or constitutes a violation of an actor's legacy. It also carries significant implications for living actors, as it could potentially reduce opportunities for human performers.
4. Labor Union Concerns and Negotiations:
The 2023 Hollywood Strikes: AI was a central and highly contested issue during the 2023 strikes by both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
SAG-AFTRA's Demands: Actors voiced deep concerns that studios could scan their likeness once and then use their digital replica indefinitely across various projects without additional consent or fair compensation. They advocated for "informed consent" and clear stipulations regarding how their digital likeness and voice could be utilized.
Outcomes: The resultant agreements included significant provisions addressing AI. For instance, studios are now prohibited from using digitized images, voices, or performances of actors without their explicit prior consent. The agreements also mandate negotiations for AI-generated "synthetic performers" and include protections against replacing background actors with digital replicas without proper compensation.
Ongoing Dialogue: While substantial progress has been made, the conversation surrounding AI in Hollywood is far from over. As AI technology continues its rapid evolution, unions and studios will likely engage in ongoing negotiations to ensure fair compensation, job security, and the ethical use of these powerful tools.
In summary, AI is profoundly reshaping the landscape of Hollywood acting. It offers unprecedented creative possibilities while simultaneously raising crucial questions about artistic integrity, intellectual property rights, and the very future of human talent within the entertainment industry.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
