Hollywood Grapples with AI in Creative Spaces

The conversation around AI in Hollywood is becoming increasingly complex. A recent discussion highlighted by unnamed sources reveals that some industry insiders are cautiously looking for ways to use AI without inciting backlash from their creative peers.

One producer shared an interesting insight: he managed to save considerable time by employing AI to draft story treatments, which provide a comprehensive overview of film projects. He feels that this time-saving has enhanced the overall quality of the final product. Still, he worries about the potential fallout if his collaborators discover the AI involvement. He noted that awareness of using AI could lead to a quick dismissal from the industry.

Another producer remarked that Hollywood seems to operate on a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy when it comes to AI usage.

Currently, it’s tricky to gauge the full impact of AI in the industry, but Morgan Stanley has projected that this emerging technology could potentially lower costs by as much as 30%.

Interestingly, some renowned directors are encouraging artists to engage actively with AI, exploring its possibilities. For instance, Darren Aronofsky recently collaborated with Google’s DeepMind to craft short films using their video generation tool. Meanwhile, Oscar-winning director James Cameron, who initially criticized AI in 2023, has since joined the board of Stability AI in 2024, expressing an interest in utilizing AI to reduce costs on his blockbuster projects.

While some applications of AI, like improved special effects and dubbing, have found acceptance in Hollywood, many creatives still resist using it as a tool for actual creativity.

Lionsgate’s vice president, Michael Burns, expressed concern over a potential lack of exploration into AI’s benefits. He stated that failing to embrace the technology could hinder progress in the industry.