News/Entertainment
Robert Downey makes Broadway debut as AI-conflicted novelist
A provocative exploration of AI's impact on art: Ayad Akhtar's new play "McNeal" delves into the tension between traditional human creativity and emerging AI technologies, set against the backdrop of a near-future literary world. Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway debut as Jacob McNeal, a renowned novelist grappling with the encroachment of artificial intelligence on his craft. The play, directed by Bartlett Sher, opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Manhattan, transforming the space into a sleek, futuristic setting reminiscent of an Apple store. Set in the "very near future," the story pits computer-mediated interactions against traditional artistic processes, raising...
read Sep 30, 2024Gavin Newsom has rejected SB 1047 but the debate over AI safety is far from over
California Governor Vetoes Controversial AI Safety Bill: Governor Gavin Newsom has rejected a proposed legislation aimed at mitigating potential catastrophic risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence models, citing concerns over the bill's regulatory approach. SB 1047, the most contentious AI bill of the legislative session, sought to establish safeguards against the misuse of highly advanced AI systems for developing weapons of mass destruction. The bill garnered support from SAG-AFTRA and numerous Hollywood celebrities, who voiced concerns about AI's potential threats beyond the entertainment industry. Governor Newsom, while acknowledging the genuine issues addressed by the bill, expressed reservations about its regulatory...
read Sep 27, 2024AWS, Digital Domain join forces to advance virtual human technology
Virtual human technology advances with Digital Domain and AWS collaboration: Digital effects studio Digital Domain has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance and expand its Autonomous Virtual Human (AVH) technology. Digital Domain, known for its work on films like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," aims to broaden the application of its AVH technology across various industries. The collaboration involves migrating Digital Domain's AVH technology to the cloud and integrating AWS's generative AI and machine learning tools. This partnership is expected to improve the scalability, performance, and global accessibility of the AVH technology....
read Sep 27, 2024Google, Warner Bros partner to bring AI captions to Max streaming
AI-powered captions coming to Max: Warner Bros. Discovery partners with Google to introduce AI-generated closed captions on its Max streaming platform, aiming to improve accessibility and viewing experience. The big picture: This collaboration leverages Google's latest generative AI technology to automate the captioning process, making content more readily available for all audiences, including those with auditory impairments. Closed captions have been a standard feature in the entertainment industry, but manual captioning is expensive and time-consuming, especially for platforms with large content libraries like Max. AI assistance can help overcome these challenges and potentially facilitate multiple language translations. The new technology...
read Sep 27, 2024California passes 9 landmark AI content regulation bills
California takes legislative action on AI: Governor Gavin Newsom has signed nine bills into law, addressing various risks associated with AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes, while 29 more AI-related bills await his decision by September 30. The new legislation covers a range of issues, including protecting performers' digital likenesses, combating the misuse of AI-generated content, and addressing deepfakes in election campaigns. These laws represent a significant step in regulating AI technology and its potential impacts on society, entertainment, and politics. Protecting performers and their digital rights: Two of the signed bills focus on safeguarding actors and performers from unauthorized use of...
read Sep 26, 20241,300 AI-produced movies showcase at SF gala — here’s how they were received
AI-Generated Films Take Center Stage: A groundbreaking gala event in San Francisco showcased short films created using artificial intelligence, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of technology and filmmaking. The Project Odyssey AI Film Gala, organized by Civitai, a platform for AI-generated art and tools, took place at the office of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Over 100 attendees gathered to witness the screening of AI-generated short films, blending elements of a traditional film festival with the tech-focused atmosphere of Silicon Valley. The event featured a competition with more than 1,300 entries, each film required to be 4 minutes...
read Sep 26, 2024Kristen Bell told Meta to ‘get rid of AI’ — now she’s its voice
Meta's AI voice initiative faces unexpected twist: Kristen Bell, previously critical of AI data use, has become one of the official voices for Meta's AI chatbot, highlighting the complex relationship between celebrities and AI technology. • Meta has secured deals with high-profile actors, including Kristen Bell, to provide voices for its Meta AI chatbot.• Bell's participation comes as a surprise, given her previous public opposition to Meta's AI using her data.• In June, Bell reposted a popular Instagram message refusing consent for Meta to use her content and likeness for AI training. Celebrity concerns and misconceptions: The reposting of AI...
read Sep 26, 2024Major film studios partnering with AI startups will change movies forever
AI and filmmaking forge a groundbreaking partnership: The collaboration between AI startups and major film studios is ushering in a new era of content creation, with far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry and beyond. Runway, an AI video generation startup, has partnered with Lionsgate, gaining access to the studio's vast library of movies and shows in exchange for developing a custom AI video generation model. Lionsgate plans to incorporate AI into the creation of new movies and TV shows, with filmmakers already exploring potential applications in pre-production and post-production processes. James Cameron, a pioneer in digital effects, has joined the...
read Sep 25, 2024Game studios are turning to AI-powered NPCs for greater immersion
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform the gaming industry by creating more immersive and dynamic experiences for players, particularly through enhanced non-player character (NPC) interactions. The evolution of NPC interactions: Traditionally, video games have relied on scripted interactions with NPCs, but advancements in AI technology are enabling more spontaneous and realistic dialogue and behavior. Game studios are experimenting with generative AI to build environments, assist game writers in crafting NPC dialogue, and create more improvisational experiences. This shift aims to bring the spontaneity of table-top role-playing games to digital gaming environments. AI-powered gameplay innovations: Some game developers are leveraging AI...
read Sep 25, 2024AI Video Industry Gets Big Boost from James Cameron, Andy Serkis
AI filmmaking revolution gains momentum: Prominent filmmakers James Cameron and Andy Serkis have embraced AI technology, signaling a significant shift in the film industry's approach to creative tools. James Cameron, director of blockbusters like Avatar and Titanic, has joined the board of Stability AI, the company behind the Stable Diffusion AI model. Andy Serkis, known for his motion capture performances, is working on an AI-driven narrative project that combines 2D characters with augmented reality. Cameron's strategic move: The acclaimed director's decision to join Stability AI's board reflects his ongoing commitment to pushing technological boundaries in filmmaking. Cameron views the convergence...
read Sep 25, 2024James Cameron Joins Stability AI Board
Hollywood legend joins AI powerhouse: James Cameron, the renowned director behind blockbusters like Avatar and Titanic, has been appointed to the board of directors at Stability AI, the company behind the popular Stable Diffusion image generation model. A surprising shift in perspective: Cameron's decision to join Stability AI comes as a notable contrast to his recent expressions of concern about AI's potential to leave people without a sense of purpose. The director, known for his early adoption of cutting-edge technologies, cited the intersection of generative AI and CGI image creation as a major factor in his decision to join the...
read Sep 24, 2024Entertainment Leaders Pen Letter Urging Newsom to Sign AI Safety Bill
Hollywood rallies for AI safety legislation: More than 125 entertainment industry leaders have signed a letter urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign a bill requiring advanced AI developers to implement safety measures. The bill, SB 1047, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, would mandate that AI developers share safety plans with the state's attorney general and have mechanisms to shut down AI models if they pose a threat to public safety. Signatories include prominent figures such as J.J. Abrams, Shonda Rhimes, Judd Apatow, Ava DuVernay, Mark Hamill, Jane Fonda, and SAG-AFTRA leaders Fran Drescher and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. The letter emphasizes...
read Sep 23, 2024Lionsgate-Runway Deal is Raising Questions about the Future of Creative Jobs
AI partnership raises concerns for creative jobs: Lionsgate, the studio behind popular franchises like "John Wick" and "The Hunger Games," has entered into a significant partnership with AI firm Runway, granting access to its extensive movie and TV library to develop an exclusive AI model. Deal details and implications: Runway will use Lionsgate's content to create an AI model capable of generating "cinematic video" Lionsgate vice chairman Michael Burns expects the technology to save the company "millions and millions of dollars" The partnership aims to use AI for tasks traditionally performed by humans, such as storyboarding and visual effects creation...
read Sep 22, 2024Variety Summit Explores Impact of AI on Film, TV
Entertainment and technology convergence: Variety's Entertainment and Technology Summit aims to explore the intersection of advancing technology and various entertainment sectors, highlighting the transformative impact on the industry. The one-day event, presented by City National Bank, will take place on September 26 at The London West Hollywood. Industry leaders will discuss how technology is reshaping TV, film, gaming, music, digital media, and consumer brands. AI's creative potential: Eli Collins, Google DeepMind Vice President of Product Management, anticipates AI becoming a creative collaborator in the entertainment industry. Collins will participate in the "Generative AI – Succeeding With the Genie Out of...
read Sep 19, 2024Adult Industry Professionals are Demanding a Say in AI Rules
Adult industry professionals seek voice in AI regulation: A coalition of sex industry professionals and advocates has issued an open letter to EU regulators, asserting that their perspectives are being overlooked in crucial discussions on AI regulation. The group, known as Open Mind AI, includes a diverse range of stakeholders such as sex workers, erotic filmmakers, sex tech enterprises, and sex educators. They are urging the European Commission to include their voices in future negotiations that will shape AI regulations, emphasizing the importance of their unique insights. Notable participants in this initiative include Erika Lust's company and the European Sex...
read Sep 19, 2024Hollywood Giant Lionsgate to Provide Library to Runway for AI Training
Landmark AI partnership reshapes Hollywood: Lionsgate and Runway have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to create an AI model trained on Lionsgate's extensive film and TV library, potentially transforming content creation in the entertainment industry. The deal's core components: This partnership aims to provide Runway with legally clear training data while equipping Lionsgate with advanced tools to enhance content creation and potentially reduce production costs. Lionsgate, known for franchises like John Wick and The Hunger Games, views AI as a means to boost efficiency in content production. Michael Burns, Lionsgate's vice chair, emphasized the potential for developing "cutting edge, capital efficient...
read Sep 18, 2024Lionsgate Runway Deal Is a Test of Hollywood’s Relationship With AI
AI enters Hollywood's mainstream: Lionsgate, the studio behind major franchises like John Wick and The Hunger Games, has partnered with AI startup Runway to create a custom AI tool for film and TV production. The partnership grants Runway access to Lionsgate's archives to develop an AI model for pre- and post-production work, potentially revolutionizing aspects of the filmmaking process. This move marks a significant step in the integration of AI technology into mainstream Hollywood production, potentially setting a precedent for other studios to follow. The tool aims to assist filmmakers, directors, and creative talent in augmenting their work and generating...
read Sep 18, 2024Lionsgate Teams Up With Runway On Custom AI Video Generation Model
AI Enters Hollywood: Lionsgate, the studio behind major franchises like John Wick and The Hunger Games, has partnered with AI startup Runway to create a custom video generation model using the studio's vast library of films and TV shows. The partnership aims to develop AI tools that can assist filmmakers, directors, and other creatives in augmenting their work throughout the production process. Lionsgate's vice chair Michael Burns views this collaboration as a way to create "capital-efficient content creation opportunities" for the studio. Several Lionsgate filmmakers have reportedly expressed excitement about the potential applications of this AI technology in pre-production and...
read Sep 17, 2024California Enacts Landmark AI Safeguards for Performers
California takes lead on AI regulation in entertainment: Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two bills into law, backed by SAG-AFTRA, to regulate the use of artificial intelligence-generated performances in the entertainment industry. Key provisions of the new legislation: The bills aim to protect performers' rights and consent in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-generated content. AB 2602 requires contracts for AI performances to clearly state the intended use, preventing broad likeness rights from automatically granting permission for AI replicas. AB 1836 extends these protections to deceased performers, giving their estates the right to consent to AI replicas for 70 years...
read Sep 14, 2024How AI Could Change Filmmaking for the Better
AI Film Festival showcases innovative use of technology in cinema: Reply AI's recent AI Film Festival, held in conjunction with the 81st Venice Film Festival, highlighted the creative potential of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The festival's theme, "synthetic voices, human hearts," emphasized the integration of AI technologies in all submitted films. Winners included Gisele Tong's animated short "To Dear Me," Egor Kharlamov's "One Way," and Mansha Totla's AI-created WWII documentary "Jinx." AI as a transformative tool in filmmaking: Filippo Rizzante, CTO of Reply AI, envisions AI as an augmentative force in the film industry rather than a replacement for human...
read Sep 12, 2024Sony to Invest Billions into Original Content with Keen Eye on Anime and AI
Sony's strategic shift towards animation content: The Japanese tech giant is redirecting billions into producing original content, with a significant focus on animated content, particularly anime. Sony's chief financial officer Hiroki Totoki acknowledges the company's lack of fostered IP from the beginning stages, which is seen as a critical issue. The company aims to leverage its Crunchyroll streaming service and PlayStation Network to expand its presence in the animation market. Despite Sony's roots in consumer electronics, approximately 60% of its annual revenue now comes from games, films, and music. Crunchyroll's ambitious growth plans: Sony's anime streaming service Crunchyroll currently releases...
read Sep 11, 2024Black Eyed Peas to Debut AI Band Member in Las Vegas Show
AI enters the spotlight: The Black Eyed Peas are set to introduce an AI-powered member named Vida during their upcoming Las Vegas residency in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence in live music performances. Will.i.am, a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, revealed that Vida will be a fully-fledged member of the band, capable of singing alongside human performers and even engaging in duets. Unlike a hologram, Vida will be an interactive AI presence programmed to mirror human experiences and engage with band members, stage crew, and audience members 24/7. The AI member will...
read Sep 11, 2024AI Recreates Darth Vader’s Voice: What It Means for Actors
James Earl Jones' legacy and AI voice replication: The passing of legendary actor James Earl Jones at 93 has sparked discussions about the use of artificial intelligence to recreate his iconic Darth Vader voice. Jones, known for his distinctive voice and powerful performances across stage and screen, had consented to the use of AI to replicate his Darth Vader voice for the 2022 Disney+ show "Obi-Wan Kenobi." Skywalker Sound and Ukrainian company Respeecher employed AI technology to recreate Jones' performance after he stepped away from the role. This decision has raised questions about the future of voice acting and the...
read Sep 11, 2024Taylor Swift Endorses Harris in Response to Deepfake Trump Endorsement
Swift's endorsement amid AI concerns: Taylor Swift has publicly announced her support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November presidential election, citing concerns over AI-generated deepfakes as a motivating factor. Swift's endorsement came in response to AI-generated images falsely depicting her support for Donald Trump's presidential campaign. The singer emphasized the importance of combating misinformation with transparency and truth. Swift's Instagram post addressed key issues such as LGBTQ rights, reproductive care, and IVF, demonstrating her engagement with current political topics. AI misinformation in politics: The incident highlights growing concerns about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence in political...
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