The Rising Role of AI in Film and TV

10-time Oscar nominee, The Brutalist, sparks heated debate after its usage of AI-generated voices is revealed. Image Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the entertainment industry at an unprecedented pace, offering filmmakers and studios new tools for scriptwriting, editing, and even performance replication. However, the rapid adoption of AI has sparked heated debates on its impact and interference in creativity, ethics, and job security. Recent controversies highlight the industry’s challenges as it navigates this technological shift.

In the past, AI helped significantly with post-production, offering filmmakers a new way to brainstorm ideas and speed up the editing process. Now, its role extends beyond just assisting behind the scenes – it is also making its way onto the screen. The Brutalist, a 10-time Oscar nominee, is a prime example of the controversial use of AI. Directed by Brady Corbet, the film used AI-generated voices for some actors. This move ignited backlash from industry professionals and audience members, a large consensus of which argued that AI-generated performances devalued human acting and skill.

The backlash follows last year’s historic Hollywood strikes, where the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) fought for protections against AI replacing human labor.

Additionally, film industry leaders gathered at this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival to debate and share ideas regarding the industry. One of the topics mentioned was the usage of AI and its potential to revolutionize film. The biggest points made were that AI assists the creative community by helping with mindless tasks, but it can cause job losses and artistic theft. Entertainment lawyer Gene Salomon, a lawyer at Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, expressed his concern on the controversy. “These tech companies have more money than anyone's had in the universe, and they're using it to get their way and trample on the rights of others," he said.

Despite the controversies, AI’s role in entertainment is only expected to grow. The main question is whether Hollywood and the film industry in general can strike a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.