Robert Zemeckis' film 'Here,' featuring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, explores AI's role in cinema through digital de-aging technology. As the film industry grapples with AI's potential impact, stars like Lisa Kudrow voice concerns about its implications for actors and the future of storytelling.
- AI and de-aging are 'Here'
- There are many industry reactions and concerns
- Lisa Kudrow spoke on the impact on filmmaking
What will happen now?
Robert Zemeckis’ latest film, 'Here,' reunites him with 'Forrest Gump' stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in a narrative that spans multiple generations.
While the film's nostalgic elements are captivating, its use of AI technology, particularly digital de-aging, has sparked significant debate. The technology allows the cast to appear at various ages throughout the story, raising questions about the future of film and the role of human actors.
'Here' utilizes cutting-edge AI to digitally de-age its cast, a technique that has drawn both intrigue and criticism. Lisa Kudrow, on the 'Armchair Expert' podcast, described the film’s use of the technology as "an endorsement for AI."
She expressed concerns about the implications for actors, especially newcomers, as the industry might increasingly rely on digital recreations rather than live performances. Kudrow questioned, "What work will there be for human beings? Then what? They shot it, and they could actually shoot the scene and then look at the playback of them as younger, and it’s ready for them to see."
"And all I got from that was, this is an endorsement for AI and oh, my God. It’s not like, ‘Oh, it’s going to ruin everything,’ but what will be left? Forget actors, what about up-and-coming actors? They’ll just be licensing and recycling."
Kudrow continued, "Set that completely aside, what work will there be for human beings? Then what? There’ll be some kind of living stipend for people, you won’t have to work? How can it possibly be enough?"
The film industry is divided on AI's role in filmmaking. Tom Hanks, speaking on 'The Adam Buxton Podcast', acknowledged the potential of AI, noting how it allows actors to "recreate themselves at any age."
He highlighted the possibility of performances continuing posthumously, emphasizing the technology's lifelike quality. However, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes have underscored the need for regulation, as many fear the erosion of traditional acting roles and the authenticity of storytelling.
'Here,' based on Richard McGuire's graphic novel and featuring stars like Paul Bettany and Kelly Reilly, is more than just a technological showcase.
It raises profound questions about the future of cinema. As studios like Miramax and ImageMovers push the boundaries of what’s possible, the conversation around AI's ethical and practical implications continues. The film’s innovative approach, combined with its esteemed cast and crew, including Oscar winners Hanks, Zemeckis, and Roth, positions it at the center of a crucial industry debate.
A new world
One of the most exciting possibilities AI offers is the ability to create personalized or interactive films. With AI, filmmakers could tailor a movie's plot, pacing, and character interactions to suit individual viewer preferences, creating unique viewing experiences for each audience member.
Interactive films, like Netflix's 'Bandersnatch', have already explored this concept, and AI could further push these boundaries, allowing audiences to have more control over the story’s direction, or even create films that evolve in real-time based on viewer feedback.
AI will also play a crucial role in the distribution of films, predicting audience preferences and targeting the right demographics. Algorithms can recommend films to users based on their viewing habits, while AI tools can also analyze feedback and reviews to determine how well a film is likely to perform in specific markets.
Additionally, AI can help marketing teams create more effective promotional materials, tailoring trailers, posters, and social media content to specific audience segments.
As it becomes more integrated into filmmaking, questions around creativity, authorship, and ethics will become more pronounced. Who owns a film created with significant AI input?
What happens to traditional jobs in the industry, such as writers, directors, and editors? How can AI be used responsibly, especially in the case of deepfakes or altering historical or sensitive content? The future of AI in filmmaking will likely require new frameworks for copyright, labor, and ethical considerations, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces human artistry.
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The future of AI in filmmaking is vast and full of potential. From enhancing creativity to streamlining production and improving personalization, AI is set to revolutionize the entire filmmaking process.
However, as with all technological advancements, its integration must be approached with careful thought, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. With the right approach, AI has the power to unlock new forms of storytelling and redefine the art of cinema for future generations.
