Generative AI is Invading Movies and TV
Film & Animation
Introduction
As the popularity of horror movies surges, the integration of technology into cinema has also grown, raising questions about the implications of its use. The concept of evil robots and AI has long been a subject of fear in fictional narratives, but as generative AI becomes more mainstream, its effects on the media landscape deserve scrutiny. This article explores the impact of generative AI in contemporary films, highlighting three specific examples and their reception.
Late Night with the Devil
The first example is the 2023 indie horror film "Late Night with the Devil." Set within a fictional 1977 late-night talk show, the film's Halloween special includes several graphic segues between segments, which were generated by AI. These graphics—featuring skeletons, an owl, and an ambiguous pumpkin—were jarring against the otherwise authentic 70s aesthetic. Critics noted that the AI-generated visuals detracted from the overall experience, disrupting the narrative flow and authenticity of the film.
Civil War
Next, we examine A24's film "Civil War," which released in April 2023. The marketing for the movie included posters created using generative AI. Upon closer inspection, many of these images—featuring inaccurately rendered cars and misrepresented locations—seemed misleading, leading to accusations of false advertising. The public's ability to discern AI-generated images is still limited; hence, there are concerns that such visuals could incite unnecessary panic and misinformation in the media landscape.
Secret Invasion
The most notable case comes from Marvel Studios' "Secret Invasion," where an entire intro sequence was created using generative AI imagery. This series, which follows Nick Fury as he navigates a shape-shifting alien invasion, seen mixed reviews largely due to a perceived lack of creativity and depth. Critics like Professor Matt Bennett point out that Disney had the resources to create original art but opted for a shortcut with AI instead. This decision seems to have contributed to the show’s performance; it holds the title for the second-lowest viewership among Disney Plus original Marvel shows and the lowest review scores overall.
The Future of AI in Media
The discourse surrounding these three examples reveals a critical tension in the media landscape regarding the use of generative AI. Despite the backlash noted with "Secret Invasion," both "Late Night with the Devil" and "Civil War" performed well at the box office, suggesting that the audience's reception of AI visuals may vary.
Ultimately, the question arises: when is it appropriate to employ generative AI in filmmaking? Experts argue that over-reliance on technology at the expense of human artistry is troubling. While generative AI can provide efficiency and interesting capabilities, the fear is that it could devalue human artists in the industry. As noted by Bennett, the future trajectory of AI in media will be shaped largely by consumer responses. If the audience embraces AI-created content, studios will likely continue to adopt it; however, backlash may force them to reconsider its heavy usage.
Movies and shows utilizing generative AI will provoke ongoing discussion as technology continues to evolve. The dialogues that arise from this intersection of art and technology are vital for understanding the implications of an increasingly automated media landscape.
Keywords
Generative AI, Late Night with the Devil, Civil War, Secret Invasion, horror movies, film industry, media landscape, false advertising, audience reception, artistic creativity.
FAQ
1. What is generative AI in the context of movies and TV?
Generative AI refers to algorithms and technologies that can produce images, videos, or text based on user prompts or existing data. In film and television, it may be utilized for visual effects, advertising, or creating artistic elements.
2. Are there any notable films or shows that have used generative AI?
Yes, examples include "Late Night with the Devil," "Civil War," and Marvel Studios' "Secret Invasion," all of which have incorporated generative AI in various ways.
3. What are the criticisms surrounding the use of generative AI in media?
Critics argue that utilizing generative AI can detract from the authenticity and creativity of a project, potentially lead to false advertising, and devalue the work of human artists in the industry.
4. How has the audience reacted to generative AI in these projects?
Audience reactions have varied; while some projects with AI elements performed well at the box office, others like "Secret Invasion" faced backlash due to perceived shortcomings in creativity and execution.
5. What does the future hold for generative AI in the media landscape?
The future will largely depend on consumer response. If audiences embrace AI-generated content, it may become more prevalent, but significant backlash could lead studios to rethink its utility.