AI Anxiety: Hollywood Stunt Workers Fear Being Replaced by 'Digital Replicas'

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is sparking concerns within Hollywood's stunt community, as the technology threatens to replace traditional stunt performers with "digital replicas."

While AI's impact on the acting world has been widely discussed, the implications for stunt workers are now taking center stage, according to a report by AFP.

Stunt coordinators and performers are now expressing apprehension about AI's potential to create highly detailed and realistic action sequences, from car chases to shootouts, without relying on human involvement.

Hollywood's Stunt Performers on 'Digital Replicas' Using AI Tech

The rise of AI-powered techniques and the ability to generate lifelike "digital replicas" of performers raises fears that AI might replace stunt performers deemed non-essential for specific scenes.

Studios are incorporating high-tech 3D "body scans" of stunt and background performers, raising concerns about the future use of these images.

There's a worry that these scanned likenesses could be manipulated to generate AI-driven avatars capable of mimicking any action or dialogue, effectively reducing the need for certain stunt performers.

However, the consequences extend beyond merely substituting specific positions. In a statement with AFP, Director Neill Blomkamp envisioned a future in which AI could generate entire scenes from the ground up, eliminating the necessity for traditional stunts, cameras, and real-world racetracks.

Blomkamp's insights shed light on the potential overhaul of the filmmaking process itself, fundamentally reshaping the role of physical stunt work and practical effects.

The ongoing strike involving the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and Hollywood writers highlights the uncertainties surrounding the integration of AI.

SAG-AFTRA cautions that studios intend to craft lifelike digital duplicates of performers, prompting inquiries about ownership, compensation, and informed consent.

While the studios contest these assertions, the dispute underscores the intricate ethical and financial dimensions linked to AI's place in the industry.

Hybrid Approach

Despite AI's capabilities, experts acknowledge that some aspects of action filmmaking rely on the human touch that AI cannot replicate. Stunt coordinators stress that even the most sophisticated AI-generated sequences may lack the subtle authenticity that comes from real human performance.

Acknowledging the inevitable changes brought by AI, some experts advocate for a hybrid approach. It involves blending AI, visual effects, and human performers to execute sequences that would be too hazardous using traditional methods alone.

This approach seeks to preserve the unique talents of stunt performers while harnessing AI's potential to enhance the cinematic experience.

Amid discussions about the future of stunt work in the age of AI, the sentiment within the stunt community is a mix of concern and adaptability.

While the potential for job displacement looms, many acknowledge the evolving landscape of filmmaking and the necessity to explore innovative ways to incorporate AI while upholding the artistry and authenticity that define the industry.

As Hollywood continues to navigate the intersection of technology and creativity, the role of AI in stunt work remains a topic of ongoing debate and exploration.