Analysis of the AI Controversy in Film Productions
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in film productions has sparked a heated debate in the entertainment industry. Recent Golden Globe-winning films, “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez”, have come under fire for utilizing AI to modify actors’ voices. This controversy follows a months-long strike in 2023, where the use of AI in lieu of paid human actors was a major point of contention.
According to Dávid Jancsó, the editor of “The Brutalist”, the AI-powered tool Respeecher was used to enhance the Hungarian pronunciation of the film’s lead actors, Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. Jancsó emphasized that the AI tool was used to perfect the actors’ accents, and that their performances were not replaced or altered. In fact, Jancsó stated that “most of their Hungarian dialogue has a part of me talking in there,” highlighting the collaborative effort between the actors and the AI tool.
The use of AI in film productions raises concerns among actors and industry professionals. SAG-AFTRA members have expressed worries that AI could be used to replace them, and that their likenesses could be used without compensation. However, AI developers and some industry professionals argue that AI can be a useful tool to enhance the creative process, rather than replace it. As Sr. Staff Researcher at Google Deepmind Alex Polozov noted, “The Brutalist” is a great example of using AI tools to enhance well-known art creation process, not replace it.
The controversy surrounding “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez” highlights the need for a nuanced discussion about the role of AI in film productions. While AI can be a valuable tool for perfecting accents or extending vocal ranges, it also raises important questions about authorship, ownership, and compensation. As Respeecher CEO Alex Serdiuk stated, “Voice actors are—and will always be—an essential part of quality AI voice synthesis,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration between human actors and AI tools.
Predictions for the Future of AI in Film Productions
The use of AI in film productions is likely to continue and evolve in the coming years. As the technology improves, we can expect to see more sophisticated applications of AI in areas such as voice modification, dialogue editing, and even scriptwriting. However, the industry will need to address the concerns of actors and industry professionals regarding compensation, ownership, and authorship.
One potential outcome is the development of new business models that compensate actors for the use of their likenesses and voices in AI-generated content. This could involve the creation of new contracts or agreements that specify the terms of AI use and ensure fair compensation for actors.
Another possible outcome is the establishment of industry-wide standards and guidelines for the use of AI in film productions. This could involve the development of best practices for AI use, as well as the creation of oversight mechanisms to ensure that AI is used in a way that respects the rights and interests of actors and industry professionals.
Ultimately, the future of AI in film productions will depend on the ability of the industry to balance the creative potential of AI with the need to protect the rights and interests of actors and industry professionals. By engaging in open and nuanced discussions about the role of AI in film productions, we can work towards a future that harnesses the power of AI while also respecting the value and dignity of human creativity.
Key Statistics and Events
- 2023: Hollywood’s use of artificial intelligence in lieu of paid human actors was a hot-button issue during a months-long strike.
- 2025: Golden Globe-winning films “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez” sparked controversy for using AI to modify actors’ voices.
- Respeecher, an AI-powered tool, was used to enhance the Hungarian pronunciation of Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones in “The Brutalist”.
- Respeecher has been used to clone the voices of iconic actors, including Jimmy Stewart, Elvis Presley, and James Earl Jones.
- The use of AI in film productions is expected to continue and evolve in the coming years, with potential applications in areas such as voice modification, dialogue editing, and scriptwriting.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the use of AI in film productions highlights the need for a nuanced discussion about the role of AI in the creative process. While AI can be a valuable tool for enhancing accents or extending vocal ranges, it also raises important questions about authorship, ownership, and compensation. By engaging in open and nuanced discussions about the role of AI in film productions, we can work towards a future that harnesses the power of AI while also respecting the value and dignity of human creativity.
