Xavier Gens, the French director of the upcoming Netflix film “Under Paris,” mentioned that if he made the movie now, he could have dramatically reduced the visual effects budget and finished it in less time due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). He stated that with AI, he could complete the film in three months instead of a year, spending only 2 million euros on visual effects instead of 4 million euros. At the Cannes Film Festival, the discussion has shifted from whether AI should be used in filmmaking to how it can be utilized effectively.
While some attendees expressed concerns about the impact of AI on artistic values, many see the benefits of saving money and time as crucial while the industry rebounds from the COVID pandemic. Gens is looking into AI for his sequel, “Under Paris 2,” after the first film had a long post-production process. AI can help automate time-consuming tasks, which is particularly useful for films with heavy visual effects.
Meta has become an official partner of the festival this year, showcasing AI software in Steven Soderbergh’s documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Films that rely mainly on generative AI are excluded from competing for the festival’s highest prize, the Palme d’Or, in line with new rules from the Academy Awards requiring human involvement in writing and acting. Festival Director Thierry Fremaux emphasized that talent should not be replaced by AI.
At the Cannes Film Market, a designated “Innovation Village” has emerged, featuring startups presenting AI technologies and holding discussions on AI’s role in the industry. While there is a consensus against allowing AI to write scripts or create entire films, its application in production and post-production is gaining acceptance. Director Guillermo del Toro pointed out the need to differentiate between generative AI and other AI functions.
The use of AI is rapidly evolving, with startups exploring new applications such as audience insight tools to help directors gauge viewer reactions. However, some industry professionals caution that predicting a film’s success remains challenging. Elisha Karmitz, a CEO in the film industry, acknowledged the inevitability of AI’s role and the potential disadvantage of rejecting it.
With information from Reuters
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