The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in Disney's new Marvel superhero series, "Secret Invasion," has ignited concerns and discontent within Hollywood, especially as television and film writers face an uncertain future due to ongoing strikes, according to a report by AFP.
In a recent interview, director Ali Selim disclosed that the opening credits of the Disney+ show, a paranoia-infused spy thriller featuring Samuel L Jackson, were created using a combination of AI and human illustrators.
Sense of Foreboding
The abstract sequence showcased green-toned urban landscapes, spaceships, and enigmatic human characters, some of whom transformed into the reptilian extraterrestrial beings known as the "Skrulls" in the series.
Selim explained that the implementation of AI aimed to evoke a sense of foreboding. He elaborated on the collaboration with AI, stating, "We would talk to them about ideas and themes and words, and then the computer would go off and do something. And then we could change it a little bit by using words, and it would change." Selim expressed excitement and enthusiasm about the exploration and uniqueness that AI brought to the project.
However, this has not been well-received by many individuals in Hollywood who have concerns about the potential displacement of scriptwriters, designers, and even actors as AI becomes more involved in creative processes.
The refusal of major studios like Netflix and Disney to reject the substitution of human creators with AI has played a role in prolonging the ongoing writers' strike, which is now in its eighth week.
Jeff Simpson acknowledged as the visual development concept artist for the show, expressed profound apprehension regarding the consequences of AI, describing it as unethical, dangerous, and solely focused on eliminating careers in the arts.
Similarly, storyboard artist Jon Lam regarded the utilization of AI as an additional source of distress for all artists and writers engaged in the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike.
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WGA Strike
The Writers Guild of America has requested binding agreements from studios and streaming platforms to regulate the use of AI. The proposed agreements would classify AI-generated content as ineligible for royalties and establish that scripts created by WGA members cannot be utilized to train AI.
However, the studios rejected these proposals and instead offered to hold annual meetings to discuss technological advancements, according to WGA.
Method Studios, the company responsible for creating the main titles for "Secret Invasion," clarified that AI was just one of many tools used by their artists. They assured that no jobs were replaced by AI and emphasized that it played a supportive role in the creative process.
The concerns and tensions surrounding AI's integration into the entertainment industry reflect the broader debates on the impact of technology on traditional creative roles. As the WGA seeks to protect the rights and interests of writers, the discussion around AI's ethical implications and its potential to reshape the industry continues to unfold.
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