Kevin O’Leary Discusses AI in Film Production
In a recent conversation, Kevin O’Leary, an investor from ABC’s Shark Tank, shared his thoughts on the use of AI in the film industry, specifically relating to his upcoming movie, Marty Supreme, set for a Christmas release. He mentioned that the production involved over 150 extras who were present for nearly every scene over an eight-month span.
“These people had to stay awake for 18 hours, fully clothed in the background. They didn’t even have to be in the actual movie unless, of course, they had to move. Still, it costs millions,” O’Leary noted, discussing the demands placed on the extras.
He provided an example from a scene filmed in a French bistro, where the background actors were speaking French. “I couldn’t understand it at all, but it was definitely not English,” he remarked, emphasizing the challenges of managing extras.
He raised a provocative question: “Why not use an AI agent for those background roles? They aren’t the focus of the story. Wouldn’t that have saved millions, allowing for more films to be made?” O’Leary suggested that instead of spending around $90 million, a director could have made two movies for $35 million each.
Lindsay Granger, a television presenter, echoed O’Leary’s sentiments, mentioning that while business shouldn’t be emotional, the dreams of extras shouldn’t be overlooked. “If they’re in the background of a Kevin O’Leary movie, they might have experienced a unique moment. Taking that away feels wrong,” she commented.
Boyd, the director of Marty Supreme, chimed in about the rising costs and inflation affecting what can be filmed today. Reflecting on a stroll through a New York station, he expressed a desire to recreate scenes that are now financially unfeasible, particularly those requiring large crowds.
He remarked, “A scene with 200 people moving through the station? It’s simply not doable right now,” citing financial constraints as a major barrier.
O’Leary reiterated his point, highlighting that some scenes could cost upwards of $500,000. “If done with AI, all that’s needed is an actor, which could be achieved for around $35,000,” he explained, advocating for the acceptance of AI in certain contexts, especially as it pertains to extras. “If you just add something like 100 Norwood Tillies, it could work almost seamlessly,” he added.
O’Leary is a member of the Screen Actors Guild along with other Hollywood figures like Emily Blunt and Whoopi Goldberg, who have voiced concerns about AI’s role in potentially replacing human actors. Blunt particularly called the rise of AI “scary,” urging Hollywood to tread carefully with this technology.
