AI threatens actors’ jobs, Nicolas Cage cautions newcomers

Nicolas Cage sounds alarm on AI’s impact on acting: The veteran actor warns young performers about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence in the film industry, particularly regarding digital replicas of actors.

Key concerns raised: Cage expresses deep apprehension about the use of “employment based digital replicas” (EBDRs) in filmmaking, even with recent protections put in place.

• At the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival, Cage described AI as a new technology that he hadn’t faced in his 42-year career until recently.
• He emphasized that actors are “instruments” in film and warned that AI technology aims to “take your instrument.”
• Cage stressed the importance of protecting an actor’s voice, face, body, imagination, and overall performance from AI manipulation.

Understanding EBDRs: The concept of employment based digital replicas emerged from recent negotiations between actors and movie studios.

• EBDRs differ from “independently created digital replicas” by requiring the actor’s physical involvement in a specific project.
• Examples of EBDR use include AI-powered de-aging of an actor’s face for a particular role.
• Despite the more limited scope of EBDRs, Cage argues that they still give studios too much control over an actor’s performance.

Potential misuse of technology: Cage outlines several ways studios might manipulate an actor’s performance using AI and EBDRs.

• He warns that studios could alter an actor’s face, voice, line deliveries, body language, and overall performance after filming is complete.
• Cage urges young actors to carefully consider contracts that permit the use of EBDRs on their performances.
• He introduces the acronym MVMFMBMI (my voice, my face, my body, my imagination) as a reminder for actors to protect their artistic integrity.

Personal experiences with AI: Cage’s concerns are rooted in his own encounters with digital manipulation in recent projects.

• In a 2023 interview, Cage described AI as a “nightmare” and “inhumane.”
• He expressed disappointment with his brief appearance as Superman in “The Flash,” which differed significantly from what he had actually filmed due to digital alterations.
• Cage has voiced fears about the implications of AI for artists and his own legacy, including concerns about how his likeness might be used after his death.

Broader implications for the entertainment industry: Cage’s warnings reflect growing anxiety about AI’s role in filmmaking and its potential to reshape the acting profession.

• As major studios increasingly embrace AI technology, actors face new challenges in maintaining control over their performances and likeness.
• The debate surrounding AI in film highlights tensions between technological innovation and artistic integrity in the entertainment industry.
• Cage’s stance underscores the need for ongoing discussions about ethical guidelines and protections for actors in the age of AI.

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation and artistic integrity: As AI continues to evolve, the film industry must grapple with finding a balance between technological advancements and preserving the essence of human performance.

• Cage’s warnings serve as a call to action for young actors to be vigilant about their rights and the potential long-term implications of AI in their careers.
• The ongoing dialogue about AI in filmmaking may lead to further refinements in contracts, regulations, and industry standards to protect actors’ interests.
• As the technology develops, it will be crucial for actors, studios, and policymakers to collaborate on solutions that harness AI’s potential while respecting the artistry and autonomy of performers.