Key Takeaways:
• Hollywood faced a major turmoil caused by the SAG-AFTRA strike over concerns of the increasing use of AI in filmmaking.
• A background actor on The Mandalorian shared her experience of undergoing facial scans, fuelling questions of AI's role in replacing human actors.
• Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy is likely to have been aware of this practice since at least as early as 2018.
• The practice of face scanning has raised considering concerns about possible misuses and job impacts.
Impact of AI on Hollywood's Future: The Mandalorian Case
The recent strikes led by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists shook Hollywood to its core, resulting in a complete halt in the entire filmmaking industry. The heart of the issue was the looming specter of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in film making. One heated debate revolved around the possible replacement of human roles with AI-created replicas. Intriguingly, whispers in the industry indicate that the popular series The Mandalorian was among those employing such technology.
Unveiling the AI Tech: An Insider's Story
Nicole Kreuzer, who had the chance to work as an extra on The Mandalorian, had quite a startling story to tell. In a candid conversation with Capital and Main, she opened up about the prevalent use of AI technologies in Hollywood's filmmaking and how it could threaten jobs, particularly for background actors like her.
Kreuzer recalled being told that the facial scans could digitally enhance her actions on screen, literally making her do things like “leaping over buildings”. However, while the idea may sound inviting to some, Kreuzer and her colleagues felt unease navigating this uncharted territory. This discomfort stemmed from concerns that their digital likenesses could be manipulated in ways they didn't necessarily consent to. Moreover, the fear of losing out on future roles kept them compliant with the procedure.
A Leadership Dilemma: Was Kathleen Kennedy Involved?
Such stories circulating in the industry point towards key company figures. Kathleen Kennedy, the President of Lucasfilm – the studio producing The Mandalorian, is likely to have been knowledgeable about these practices as early as the show's first season in 2018.
While there is no concrete proof connecting Kennedy directly to the face-scan practices, it's challenging to picture the leader of a highly recognized studio as being oblivious to such significant procedures on one of its premium productions.
The Last Word: Responsible AI Implementation Needed
As it happens, these allegations cemented the fears of SAG-AFTRA over the use of AI to replace artists and performers, sparking the Hollywood strikes. The uproar suggests that if the industry leaders, like Kennedy, had taken initiative by discussing and moderating AI's role on film sets, the unpleasant shutdown may have been avoided.
The adoption of AI is inevitable in modern Hollywood. But it should come with due respect to human artistry and consent. In this rapidly changing landscape, the way forward lies in finding a balance where technology fuels progress, not feeds fear. The Mandalorian controversies serve as a wake-up call for Hollywood to frame and follow responsible AI practices.
