‘Heretic’ film directors include anti-AI disclaimer in film credits

AI in filmmaking sparks controversy: Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods use the end credits of their new movie “Heretic” to warn against the use of generative AI in film production, highlighting growing concerns in Hollywood about the technology’s impact on the industry.

• The directors included a message stating “No generative AI was used in the making of this film” in the credits of “Heretic,” their latest A24 release.
• While “Heretic” doesn’t heavily rely on visual effects, Beck and Woods felt compelled to raise awareness about the potential implications of AI in filmmaking.

Defining generative AI: Woods describes generative AI as an algorithm that combines existing content to produce new material, raising questions about originality and artistic integrity in the creative process.

• The technology can create images, videos, and text based on prompts, allowing for significant post-production alterations and even the creation of entire videos from scratch.
• Generative AI has already been utilized in major productions such as “Furiosa” and “Alien: Romulus,” indicating its growing presence in the film industry.

Ethical concerns: The directors express strong reservations about the use of generative AI in art and business, citing potential issues with intellectual property and the displacement of human creativity.

• Woods questions the legality of algorithms scraping and repurposing existing art for profit, emphasizing the need for human involvement in creative processes.
• The directors warn that the rapid adoption of AI could lead to widespread job displacement across various industries, including the arts.

Industry response: The inclusion of the anti-AI message in “Heretic” highlights the growing debate within Hollywood about the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

• A24, the studio behind “Heretic,” supported the directors’ decision to include the message, demonstrating a commitment to artist-friendly practices.
• Beck emphasizes the importance of having these discussions now, before AI becomes more deeply integrated into the filmmaking process.

Broader AI developments: The directors’ stance comes amid increasing collaboration between studios and tech companies in exploring AI applications for filmmaking.

• Blumhouse recently announced a partnership with Meta to test generative AI filmmaking tools.
• Disney has established a group to oversee the responsible use of AI within the company.

Economic implications: The potential impact of generative AI extends far beyond the film industry, with significant implications for the global job market.

• A Goldman Sachs study estimates that generative AI could eventually replace up to 300 million full-time jobs.
• This widespread potential for disruption underscores the urgency of addressing the ethical and economic challenges posed by AI technology.

Balancing innovation and caution: While acknowledging the impressive capabilities of AI technology, Woods advocates for a cautious approach to its implementation, particularly in creative fields.

• The director recognizes the “jaw-dropping” and “amazing” nature of AI-generated content but argues that its potential risks outweigh its benefits.
• Woods dramatically suggests “burying it underground with nuclear warheads” due to its potential to “kill us all,” emphasizing the perceived existential threat posed by unchecked AI development.

Looking ahead: The inclusion of an anti-AI message in “Heretic” serves as a catalyst for broader discussions about the future of creativity, employment, and technological ethics in an increasingly AI-driven world.

• As AI continues to advance and find applications in various industries, the debate surrounding its use in creative fields is likely to intensify.
• The film industry may serve as a bellwether for how other sectors grapple with the ethical and practical implications of integrating AI into traditionally human-driven processes.