AI and the Future of Hollywood
Inside a studio once used by silent film stars like Charlie Chaplin and Mabel Normand, Hollywood executives, actors, and filmmakers gathered to enjoy cocktails while marveling at the latest industry development: AI-generated video. Whether AI in Hollywood is a revolutionary tool or a threat to the film industry remains a hot topic of debate.
The Rise of AI in Hollywood
Two years ago, actors and screenwriters staged a massive strike in Hollywood, demanding protection against AI replacing actors. Now, the technology is increasingly being incorporated into TV, film, and video game production. Even two Oscar-winning films have used AI in film production. At a recent industry event, as '90s hip-hop played in the background, software developers mingled with actors and executives, signaling a shift in the industry's power dynamics as it leans more on technology.
AI in Hollywood seems inevitable. Bryn Mooser, the event’s host and co-founder of Moonvalley, created the AI tool "Marey" by purchasing footage from filmmakers with their consent. Mooser claims their AI is "clean" because it compensates creators, though AI remains a controversial topic in the film industry.
Ethical and Legal Debates
Hollywood has long portrayed Artificial Intelligence in Filmmaking as a threat. In The Terminator, AI developed by the U.S. military decides to exterminate humanity. However, in reality, criticism is more often directed at AI creators than the technology itself. Many companies use publicly available data to train their AI models, including copyrighted materials, leading many creators to feel their work has been stolen.
Major companies like OpenAI and Google face lawsuits from writers, actors, and news organizations claiming their work was used without consent to train AI models. Large studios like Paramount, Disney, and Universal have also been urged to take similar legal action, though none have done so yet.
AI’s Role in Film Production
Despite concerns, Hollywood has begun experimenting with AI in film production. Films like Emilia Perez and The Brutalist have used AI to modify character voices. Adrian Brody won an Academy Award for Best Actor with the help of AI that refined his Hungarian accent in The Brutalist. AI has also been used to de-age actors like Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford.
OpenAI hosted an AI film festival in Los Angeles, while Marvel directors Joe and Anthony Russo plan to invest $400 million in AI tools for filmmakers. Hollywood AI controversy continues as AI becomes more embedded in filmmaking, but its impact on the movie industry remains uncertain. The technology allows computers to learn and solve problems in ways that mimic human thinking—albeit at a much faster pace.
Impact on Jobs in the Industry
Many fear AI replacing actors and other creative jobs, particularly background actors, scriptwriters, and voice-over artists. According to OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT, Hollywood jobs most vulnerable to AI replacement include background actors, while A-list actors and directors are considered safer due to their star power and influence.
At the Moon Valley event, many attendees discussed AI technology, though few were willing to speak openly with reporters. One executive mentioned they were there to learn, not to make deals, but remained intrigued by AI’s role in filmmaking.
The AI Regulation Battle
AI developments in Hollywood coincide with the Trump administration's AI policy plans. Tech companies argue they cannot compete with China under current U.S. copyright laws. They seek unrestricted access to artwork, films, and TV shows, including characters like Mickey Mouse and Moana, to train AI models for national security purposes.
Google and OpenAI are pushing the U.S. government to classify copyrighted works as "fair use" for AI training. Without such exceptions, they claim the U.S. will lose the AI race to China. However, Hollywood filmmakers argue that tech companies are trying to undermine an industry that supports over 2.3 million U.S. jobs.
More than 400 Hollywood stars, including Ben Stiller, Paul McCartney, Cate Blanchett, and The Matrix co-creator Lilly Wachowski, signed an open letter to the Trump administration. They emphasized that U.S. global AI leadership must not come at the expense of the creative industries.
Protests and Resistance
While many are intrigued by AI in the movie industry, others fear its impact on their careers. Outside Disney Character Voices, dozens of actors protested video game companies refusing to negotiate AI regulations for their industry. The actors demand contracts ensuring their voices and likenesses will not be used without consent to train AI models that could replace them in the future.
Actor DW McCann stressed the importance of using real actors in video games, arguing that human experiences cannot be replicated by AI. He believes that human presence in games adds an emotional depth that machines cannot replace.
AI’s Potential in Filmmaking
Mooser believes that if used correctly, AI in filmmaking can help filmmakers create incredible art. With humans still in control, AI tools could assist in generating sets and worlds that would be difficultor even impossible to create, while also speeding up production compared to traditional visual effects. "Technology is going to be in everything," Mooser said. "We have to fight as hard as we can to ensure it is used the right way and that artists aren’t steamrolled by big companies."
Conclusion
AI in Hollywood is becoming increasingly integrated into filmmaking, from voice modifications to de-aging actors. While it offers efficiency, many worry that AI will replace creative jobs, particularly background actors and scriptwriters. Companies like OpenAI and Google face lawsuits over using copyrighted materials to train AI models. Some industry leaders advocate for "fair" AI use that compensates creators, while filmmakers urge the government to protect copyrights.
Hollywood now stands at a crossroads will AI be a revolutionary tool or a threat to the creative industry?
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