ROUND TABLE
Def: AI-driven post-production tools have become more accessible. How do you see this affecting post-production workflows and the dynamics between roles? CN: When photography was invented, there were fears it would replace fine artists. That obviously didn’t happen: in fact, it created new art forms and abstract art. With filmmaking, it’s been a continuous technological evolution artists have had to keep up with, but also expand on. Again, from a protopian mindset, I see AI as simplifying workflows and expanding and accelerating post- production potential. This is already happening at warp speed. You no longer need a whole CG production house to do VFX, you can do it on your computer. So a small team or even an individual in their bedroom will be able to make complex and cool movies. As far as dynamics between roles, yes some may shift as AI democratises the process. QJ: It seems like a no-brainer that AI- driven chroma keying is going to kill LED walls. My skills in divination are not very developed, and it’s somewhat harder to imagine what’s going to happen next,
characters, it can mine other characters’ voices from past movies, but it can’t give a story or character ‘your voice’. And every character that works usually has some of ‘your voice’ infused into it. Even Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck had some qualities of Walt Disney in them! AI will never replace the artisan part of filmmaking at any level. Will AI create automated movies? No doubt. And some studios will attempt to make them. Industry loves to automate, after all. So, I do think the film artists and Writers’ and Actors’ Guilds need to remain vigilant about AI – which may result in AI-made and human-made categories. I recently completed a documentary titled Look Up Now with Gerd Leonhard, a top futurist, which delves into the challenges of distinguishing between real and AI-synthetic content. Deepfakes and the manipulation of real people’s images and voices are concerning – we need to establish strict ethical guidelines, and perhaps even legal frameworks, to ensure this technology isn’t used to harm. On the positive side, audiences like watching movies and shows made and performed by real people. That’s why theatre has existed for 2500 years.
but I’ve seen AI editing tools which could be a huge benefit for broadcast content, for example. MB: With the advent of more accessible AI tools, post-production workflows are becoming more streamlined and less labour-intensive for certain tasks. As a result, the dynamic between roles is shifting towards a more supervisory and creative direction, with professionals overseeing AI outputs and focusing more on creative decision-making rather than the execution. DL: AI systems being incorporated into post-production workflows will massively speed up creative processes. The major issue is quality control: when we become faster, we don’t necessarily become better. Oversight by highly experienced professionals will become increasingly necessary and valuable. Def: What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI for film editors and VFX artists in the industry? MB: The main benefits for film editors and VFX artists include increased
47
definitionmags
Powered by FlippingBook