News/Film
Cleaning up: AI-powered denoisers win Academy Sci-Tech Awards
The Academy Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony is spotlighting significant behind-the-scenes innovations transforming Hollywood's technical landscape. These awards recognize 37 recipients for 14 achievements spanning crucial film production technologies—from enhanced fire stunt safety systems to machine learning denoisers that streamline rendering processes. The recognition comes as the Academy also establishes new guidelines for human creative authorship in the era of Generative AI, highlighting the evolving relationship between technological innovation and traditional filmmaking craftsmanship. The big picture: The 2025 Scientific and Technical Awards will honor innovations across multiple film production disciplines that directly enhance creative possibilities and improve on-set safety protocols....
read Apr 29, 2025Jon M. Chu believes human creativity will outlast AI
Filmmaker Jon M. Chu's criticism of AI in Hollywood highlights a growing tension between technology and creative industries. The director of blockbusters like "Wicked" and "Crazy Rich Asians" has taken a strong stance against what he views as unethical AI training practices that have commandeered copyrighted entertainment content without proper authorization. Despite his concerns, Chu maintains optimism about human creativity's enduring value in an increasingly AI-driven world, representing the complex relationship many entertainment professionals have with emerging technologies. The big picture: Despite his Silicon Valley upbringing and comfort with technology, Jon M. Chu believes AI companies committed an "original sin"...
read Apr 24, 2025AI-generated films now eligible for Oscar awards in technology-neutral decision
The Oscar stage has opened its doors to AI-generated cinema, marking a significant shift in how the film industry views artificial intelligence as a creative tool. This decision mirrors similar acceptance in the music industry, where AI-assisted works can already win Grammy Awards, and signals Hollywood's evolving relationship with generative technology as it balances innovation with preserving human creative authorship. The big picture: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that films utilizing generative AI will now be eligible for Oscar nominations, with a crucial caveat about human creativity. The Academy stated that AI tools "neither help nor...
read Apr 23, 2025AI-powered ‘Baby Invasion’ game features unsettling infant faces
Harmony Korine's latest project "Baby Invasion" pushes the boundaries between film and video games, marking a significant evolution in his experimental multimedia approach. The FPS game/film hybrid, created through his EDGLRD design collective, represents a growing trend of filmmakers using gaming engines and AI technology to challenge traditional cinematic formats. The project's deliberately provocative aesthetic and disregard for audience expectations reinforces Korine's position as one of contemporary art's most divisive and boundary-pushing creators. The big picture: "Baby Invasion" premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival as an ultra-realistic multiplayer FPS experience featuring mercenaries who use baby-faced avatars to conceal their...
read Apr 16, 2025AI writes “Contagion” sequel, stuns original screenwriter
"Contagion" screenwriter Scott Z. Burns explores the creative potential and risks of artificial intelligence in a new Audible series that documents his experiment asking AI to write a sequel to his pandemic thriller. The eight-part audio journey, "What Could Go Wrong?", follows Burns as he interacts with an AI chatbot and consults experts about the implications of machine-generated creative content, raising profound questions about the future of both screenwriting and pandemic preparedness. The creative experiment: Burns engages with an AI chatbot named Lexter, programmed to mimic a witty former film critic, to explore whether artificial intelligence could generate a worthy...
read Apr 13, 2025Runway’s Gen-4 AI model solves video character consistency problem for filmmakers
Runway's Gen-4 model represents a significant advancement in AI-generated video, addressing a fundamental challenge that has limited creative applications: maintaining consistency across multiple shots. This technological leap allows for more coherent visual storytelling in AI video generation, potentially transforming how filmmakers and content creators approach AI-assisted production by enabling continuity of characters and objects throughout scenes. The big picture: Runway's newly released Gen-4 video synthesis model can maintain visual consistency of characters and objects across multiple shots, addressing one of the most significant limitations in AI-generated video storytelling. Key details: The model enables users to generate consistent scenes and characters...
read Apr 11, 2025Filmmaker Harmony Korine partners with Runway to develop AI-powered cinema projects
Harmony Korine's experimental film collective EDGLRD has formed a strategic partnership with AI company Runway, signaling another significant integration of artificial intelligence into traditional creative production. This collaboration between an avant-garde filmmaker known for pushing artistic boundaries and a well-funded AI development platform highlights the growing intersection of experimental cinema and generative technology, potentially establishing new creative workflows for visual storytelling. The big picture: Filmmaker Harmony Korine's EDGLRD has signed a first-look development deal with AI company Runway to create new projects using generative AI tools. Key details: The partnership builds on previous collaborations between EDGLRD and Runway, including work...
read Apr 10, 2025Voia unveils AI-powered VFX platform to democratize professional filmmaking
AI startup Voia has emerged from stealth mode with a new visual effects platform that aims to democratize high-end filmmaking through AI-powered automation. Founded in 2022 by tech veterans and bolstered by Hollywood expertise, the company has developed a comprehensive VFX pipeline that makes professional-quality visual effects more accessible to creators at various budget levels while still serving high-end filmmakers with advanced creative tools. The big picture: Voia is building an AI-enhanced VFX platform designed to make professional-quality visual effects more accessible while giving high-end filmmakers greater creative freedom. "We have built this for artists, by artists," says CEO Avner...
read Apr 7, 2025Back to the Future II’s hits and misses: How AI delivered a different future than the film predicted
As the 40th anniversary of "Back to the Future" approaches, the film's sequel's vision of 2015 stands in fascinating contrast to our AI-powered 2025 reality. While we still lack flying cars and hoverboards, artificial intelligence has delivered innovations that rival or surpass many of the movie's technological predictions. This comparison reveals how science fiction both anticipates and inspires real technological development, often taking unexpected paths from imagination to implementation. The big picture: Back to the Future Part II presented audiences with futuristic technologies including flying cars, hoverboards, self-lacing shoes, and advanced home automation that captured the imagination of an entire...
read Apr 7, 2025AI-powered dubbing brings Swedish film to U.S. theaters without subtitles
AI is poised to fundamentally transform international film distribution by eliminating language barriers for foreign films in U.S. theaters. For the first time, American audiences will experience a foreign language film that appears to have been made in English through AI-powered visual and audio synchronization, potentially opening global cinema to much wider audiences while raising questions about cultural authenticity in film presentation. The big picture: Swedish supernatural action comedy "Watch the Skies" will be the first international feature to use AI technology that syncs English dialogue with actors' mouth movements, creating a seamless viewing experience without subtitles. AMC Theatres has...
read Apr 5, 2025Disney reveals first “Tron: Ares” trailer with Jared Leto crossing into reality
Disney's upcoming film "Tron: Ares" marks a significant expansion of the visually distinctive sci-fi franchise, building on the aesthetic foundation established in previous installments while introducing new elements. The newly released trailer showcases the franchise's signature neon-lit visual style while teasing a narrative that bridges the digital and physical worlds, featuring Jared Leto as a digital Program that crosses into reality. The big picture: Disney has released the first trailer for "Tron: Ares," revealing the dark, moody visuals of the long-awaited sequel to 2010's "Tron: Legacy," scheduled for theatrical release on October 10th. Key details: The trailer opens with Jared...
read Apr 3, 2025Studio Ghibli may sue OpenAI over viral AI-generated art mimicking its style
The viral ChatGPT "Ghibli style" trend has sparked new debates around AI copyright implications for iconic visual styles, potentially setting significant legal precedents for creative industries. As OpenAI scrambles to block these image generation requests, legal experts suggest the situation could lead to a landmark case exploring whether AI companies can be held accountable for mimicking distinctive artistic aesthetics—pushing the boundaries of what qualifies as protected intellectual property in the AI era. The big picture: Studio Ghibli may have legal grounds to sue OpenAI over the viral trend of AI-generated images mimicking the iconic Japanese animation studio's distinctive style, according...
read Apr 2, 2025Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda slams OpenAI’s Ghibli-style images amid artistic and ethical concerns
OpenAI's latest image generation technology has sparked controversy by replicating Studio Ghibli's iconic animation style, creating tension between AI advancement and artistic integrity. The viral trend of "Ghibli-fied" images has drawn criticism from Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, who highlighted both ethical concerns and environmental impacts. Her objections align with Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki's longstanding opposition to AI in creative work, raising important questions about artistic ownership in an era of increasingly sophisticated AI image generation. The controversy: Zelda Williams publicly criticized the viral trend of Studio Ghibli-style AI-generated images on Instagram, citing ethical and environmental concerns. "People...
read Apr 1, 2025Studio Ghibli’s “Princess Mononoke” box office re-success comes as OpenAI mimics its iconic style
Studio Ghibli's "Princess Mononoke" 4K re-release is making waves at the box office while the animation studio indirectly responds to AI controversies. The 1997 classic generated $1.2 million in preview showings across 330 IMAX screens, with Gkids' statement emphasizing the value of hand-drawn animation just as OpenAI's latest image generator sparked controversy for mimicking Ghibli's distinctive style. This timing highlights the ongoing tension between traditional animation craftsmanship and emerging AI technologies that attempt to replicate established artistic styles. The timing speaks volumes: Gkids' statement about "Princess Mononoke" appears to indirectly address the controversy surrounding OpenAI's new image generator. Chance Huskey,...
read Mar 31, 2025AI transforms Hong Kong’s Golden Age cinema in artist’s massive facade installation
Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen's latest commission for Hong Kong's M+ museum represents a fascinating convergence of cutting-edge AI technology with nostalgic cinema. His work "Night Charades" transforms the museum's massive 110-metre facade into a canvas for reimagined scenes from Hong Kong's cinematic Golden Age, using artificial intelligence to create multiple versions of iconic moments from films by directors like John Woo and Wong Kar-wai. This project exemplifies how AI tools can be harnessed to explore cultural heritage while simultaneously creating something distinctly contemporary. The big picture: Ho's installation continues his artistic approach of using the past to explore the...
read Mar 26, 2025Read my lips: AMC debuts AI-powered “visual dubbing” to make foreign films more accessible
Dubbing is moving beyond '70s kung fu flicks. Way beyond. AMC Theatres is pioneering a new approach to foreign film distribution by using AI-powered "visual dubbing" technology to make international cinema more accessible to American audiences. This innovative technique digitally alters actors' lip movements to match English dialogue, potentially breaking down barriers for viewers hesitant to engage with subtitled content while preserving the original performances. The May 9th debut of the Swedish sci-fi film "Watch the Skies" represents a significant test case for AI's role in expanding global film distribution. How it works: Flawless AI's TrueSync technology digitally modifies the...
read Mar 5, 2025“Divergent” producer launches AI-powered studio to disrupt Hollywood with over 30 projects
An AI-powered film, television, and gaming studio emerges at the intersection of Hollywood's traditional production model and artificial intelligence innovation. Staircase Studios AI, founded by "Divergent" franchise producer Pouya Shahbazian, aims to disrupt entertainment production by leveraging AI workflows to create content more efficiently, backed by notable media investors and targeting projects with budgets under $500,000. The big picture: Staircase Studios AI plans to produce more than 30 projects in the next 3-4 years using AI-driven production methods. The venture is backed by influential media figures including Kenneth Lerer, co-founder of The Huffington Post, and Aryeh Bourkoff, CEO of Liontree....
read Feb 25, 2025AI voiceover in Gabby Petito documentary sparks viewer outrage
The tragic murder of 22-year-old Gabby Petito in 2021 captivated social media and true crime communities as the case unfolded in real-time through her travel vlogs and social media posts. Netflix's new docuseries "American Murder: Gabby Petito" has sparked controversy by using AI technology to recreate Petito's voice for narrating her personal journal entries. Key details of the controversy: Netflix's three-part documentary series employs AI-generated voice technology to narrate Petito's writings, with explicit permission from her family. The series begins with a disclaimer explaining that Petito's journal entries and text messages are narrated using voice recreation technology Director Michael Gasparro...
read Feb 21, 2025AI firm Stability and prominent board member James Cameron aim to take movie production to the next level
There are titanic shifts occurring at the intersection of film and AI. The intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking has reached a new milestone as Stability AI, a leading AI technology developer, positions itself to transform movie production processes. James Cameron, director of the Avatar franchise, serves on the company's board and is actively involved in shaping its direction in the entertainment industry. Strategic vision and leadership: Stability AI has assembled an impressive team of entertainment industry veterans to guide its development of AI tools for filmmaking. The company's board includes James Cameron, while Sean Parker (Napster co-founder) serves as...
read Feb 19, 2025AI transforms fan obsessions into profit for Fandom, linking lovers of ‘Avatar’ to ‘Lord of the Rings’
Lucky for us, there is not one AI to rule them all. The entertainment industry has long sought to understand and monetize fan behavior, with particular focus on younger generations who form deep emotional connections with media properties. Fandom, the world's largest wiki-based entertainment platform, has emerged as a key player in this space, leveraging its massive user base and content repository to help advertisers better understand and target devoted fans. The platform's evolution: Fandom has grown from its 2004 founding as Wikia into a digital powerhouse that hosts approximately 50 million pages of wiki content covering everything from major...
read Feb 19, 2025From patrons to platforms: AI sparks new era in Hollywood history
The film industry is experiencing a significant shift as traditional studio-backed moviemaking faces declining theater attendance and criticism for playing it safe with formulaic content. AI technology is emerging as a potential catalyst for independent filmmakers to bypass traditional studio systems and create innovative content. The current state of Hollywood: Traditional moviemaking in 2025 faces significant challenges with average film budgets ranging from $100 to $150 million and decreasing theater attendance. Marvel's recent Captain America film has received criticism for its overly cautious approach and lack of artistic vision The 2024 Academy Awards faced criticism for being "worse than bad"...
read Feb 19, 2025AI on the red carpet as Runway announces film festival jury for 3rd annual event
Runway, a prominent AI technology developer, continues to advance the intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking with its third annual AI Film Festival. The festival, which showcases AI-enhanced content, will feature screenings in New York and Los Angeles in June 2025. Event Details and Structure: The AI Film Festival will commence with a screening event in New York on June 5, followed by a Los Angeles showing on June 12. The festival represents a significant platform for showcasing how AI technology is being integrated into film and content creation Runway's co-founder and CEO Cristobal Valenzuela will serve as a key...
read Feb 8, 2025Oscars may mandate AI disclosure for films after recent controversies
The Motion Picture Academy is actively exploring mandatory AI disclosure requirements for Oscar submissions following the use of AI technology in several high-profile films including "The Brutalist" and "Emilia Pérez." Current state of AI in film: The Academy currently provides an optional disclosure form for AI use but is investigating mandatory requirements for the 2026 Oscars rules. The Academy's SciTech Council is developing recommended language for the new requirements Visual Effects Society Awards has nominated several AI-based tools in their emerging technology category AI applications range from facial performance modification to voice enhancement and audio processing Notable implementations: Major films...
read Feb 5, 2025Marvel rebukes AI concerns in Fantastic Four poster
Marvel's recent release of promotional posters for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" sparked controversy over suspected AI usage, leading to an official denial from the studio. The controversy explained: Social media users identified several irregularities in the promotional posters released alongside the film's teaser trailer. Fans spotted anatomical errors, including characters with four fingers Multiple instances of the same woman's face appeared across different posters The inconsistencies prompted immediate speculation about AI-generated artwork Official response: Marvel Studios took a firm stance against the AI speculation through an official statement to IndieWire. A studio spokesperson explicitly denied any AI involvement in...
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