Gal Gadot Embraces AI in New Film

Gal Gadot, known for her role in Wonder Woman, is starring in a new film titled Bitcoin, directed by Doug Liman. In this innovative project, all the actors, including Casey Affleck, who has won an Oscar, performed on a minimalistic stage, as AI was used to generate the sets and lighting.

Producer Ryan Kavanaugh mentioned that this approach was necessary for Bitcoin to come to life. The project, which would typically cost around $200 million if produced using traditional methods, is being made for just $70 million.

Gadot appears to recognize the importance of adapting to AI technology in today’s industry. “The [AI] train has left the station. You’re going to work with it or be out of the game completely,” she said during a recent podcast interview. She emphasized her effort to make the best out of the situation while safeguarding her performance, noting that AI would specifically be used for the film’s sets and lighting. She mentioned the significant crew involved in the project as well.

Discussing her experience, Gadot explained that the process was the longest contract she’d ever signed, lasting six months as her lawyers examined all potential scenarios related to the AI elements. “I did not want AI to have anything to do with my performance. We had to protect that, to such an extent that SAG called my lawyers for advice on how to update the SAG contract for other actors. As far as the performances, it’s all me,” she asserted.

Despite expressing some fear about AI, Gadot isn’t avoiding it. “I am afraid of AI,” she admitted, “but I am going to be afraid and look away? No. I am afraid but I am playing with it and learning it and trying to educate myself.”

She noted that not having to pause for lighting setups, which can consume a lot of time on set, was quite liberating. “Here we would film nonstop because we didn’t have to wait for lighting. We would film on for 10 hours straight. That was amazing. As actors, you’re always hot. You don’t cool off.”

Gadot’s perspective seems quite balanced. It’s apparent that she understands resisting change can lead to frustration. Embracing AI seems inevitable, especially since it helps reduce production costs. But really, should it matter? Isn’t CGI just another form of digital creation, just like AI? What’s the fundamental difference?

When CGI was introduced, why wasn’t there a major outcry to defend traditional stop-motion and practical effects? There wasn’t.

Ultimately, the apprehension towards AI seems misplaced.