Cage Rage: How AI Still Divides Actors And Studios

AFP/APP

Paris: In the wake of a contentious months-long strike, Hollywood’s relationship with artificial intelligence remains fraught with division.

While recent agreements have secured some protections for actors and writers regarding AI usage, the industry is split on its implications.

Renowned actor Nicolas Cage has renewed his criticism of AI, particularly the practice of using “digital replicas” of actors—a feature allowed under the post-strike deal.

Speaking at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Cage expressed his concerns, stating, “The studios want this so that they can change your face after you’ve already shot it.”

He highlighted the potential for AI to alter an actor’s voice, line deliveries, body language, and overall performance, likening the situation to musicians losing control over their instruments.

In stark contrast, at the Mipcom trade show in Cannes, Marianne Carpentier of French company Newen Studios shared a more optimistic perspective.

She described her initial “wow” moment with AI when it was used to generate the face of a sick actor, noting its efficiency and the indistinguishable quality from the real thing. “It was really amazing it was cheap, it was efficient, and we couldn’t see on screen the difference with the real [actors],” she remarked.

As AI continues to gain traction, the industry faces a critical juncture. Despite the tumultuous backdrop of the recent strike, studios remain eager to explore AI’s profitability and innovation potential, signaling a future where the creative landscape may be reshaped by technology.