AI "Anime" -For Scum, By Scum (re: Corridor & Netflix, Mother's Basement)

Introduction

Hello everyone! This is Mike from Bonsai Pop, and today I’m stepping off-script to discuss an important issue within the realm of art and animation. Recently, Corridor Digital released a video provocatively titled “Did We Just Change Animation Forever?” It showcased their use of AI to create content resembling anime. This endeavor, among others, has sparked intense debate and criticism throughout the online community. Jeff from Mother’s Basement released a well-researched response, which I highly recommend you check out.

However, I want to approach this topic with my own perspective, specifically addressing the implications of AI-generated art and how it contrasts with human creativity.

The Misconceptions of AI in Art

Before we jump to conclusions, I want to clarify my stance on AI. It’s not that I hate AI; I believe it can be amusing and beneficial in certain contexts. For example, I find those humorous AI-generated clips of political figures playing video games hilarious. Yet, when it comes to AI’s role in artistic endeavors, things change significantly.

Despite the spectacle of Corridor Digital's output, the animation suffers from many shortcomings—awkward hand movements, strange facial morphing, and an overall lack of nuance. But what’s most troubling is the broader implications. The backlash against Corridor Digital reflects a deeper issue within the art community. Artists are often underappreciated, overworked, and unfairly compensated, yet the essence of art lies in human expression and emotion—elements that AI simply cannot replicate.

The Nature of Art and the Problem with AI

AI as it exists today isn’t truly intelligent; it compiles existing ideas and transforms them into something new based on input parameters. Thus, the artwork generated isn’t original—it's a lifeless amalgamation of what’s already out there. This theft of creative energy can be particularly detrimental. If artists’ works are fed into AI systems unknowingly, it steals away the essence of individual effort and craft.

Especially in animation, where every frame and detail tells a story, the thought and care put into the process set it apart. Furthermore, AI-driven approaches can lead to the erosion of the human struggle invested in each creation, reducing art to mere algorithms and lowering the quality of content available to audiences. This has serious implications, especially for emerging artists who are trying to find footing in an increasingly automated industry.

Apathy and Capitalism: The Larger Context

The motivation behind AI art is often profit-driven, catering to the lowest common denominator. In today’s consumer-driven world, the industry seeks to maximize profits by minimizing artists, undercutting their work with shortcuts provided by AI. Shows that simplify and commoditize content attract greater viewership, leading to a focus on output over quality. As someone who has struggled to solidify my own creative voice, it’s painful to witness this trend.

It’s essential to acknowledge the artistry behind anime and animation. The creators pour their souls into their work, overcoming personal struggles and dedicating years to refining their craft. Each piece of art conveys not just a story but showcases the unique human experience behind it. Losing this aspect to profit-driven AI content would lead to an impoverished artistic culture.

The Need for Solidarity Within the Community

Through this lens, I agree with Jeff and many other artists who feel that we need to re-evaluate our acceptance of AI-generated content in creative industries. Aware of the exploitation prevalent in art, we should all work together to safeguard the genuine expression and individuality that art represents.

By standing against the practice of using AI in a way that undermines creativity, we can preserve what makes our art meaningful, unique, and special. I urge everyone to create, share, and celebrate human-generated art, continuously voicing our discomfort with AI as a profit-oriented substitute.

By recognizing the plight of the dedicated individuals behind our favorite media, we can resist the allure of quick-and-easy solutions that commodify their craft and diminish the value of human experience in art.

Keywords

• AI-generated art
• Corridor Digital
• Mother’s Basement
• Animation
• Human creativity
• Art exploitation
• Profit-driven motives
• Individual expression

FAQ

Q: What is the central issue discussed regarding AI in animation?

A: The core issue revolves around how AI-generated animation lacks the emotional depth and individual expression of works created by human artists, leading to concerns about the erosion of traditional artistry.

Q: Why is there backlash against Corridor Digital?

A: Many in the art community feel that Corridor Digital's use of AI to create content is exploitative and undermines the effort and creativity of human artists.

Q: How does AI art differ from traditional art?

A: AI art is fundamentally derived from existing works and lacks originality, whereas traditional art is a product of individual experiences, emotions, and painstaking effort from the creator.

Q: What can art communities do in response to AI-generated content?

A: Art communities can raise awareness, advocate for genuine artistic expression, and promote the importance of human creativity while resisting the profit-driven motives behind the use of AI in art.