Hollywood's AI Revolution: Deepfakes, Digital Likeness, and the Future of Acting

The Tilly Norwood Controversy

• 💡 The AI actress Tilly Norwood has sparked a firestorm in Hollywood because she is not a real person but generated by artificial intelligence.
• 🎭 SAG-AFTRA has taken issue with calling her an "actress," arguing that acting requires mental choices derived from lived experience, which AI cannot replicate.

Hollywood's Embrace of AI

• 🎬 The film industry is already harnessing AI in numerous ways, moving beyond just tech enthusiasts.
• 🎨 Creators like the co-founders of South Park (Deep Voodoo) and Natasha Leon (Asteria) are exploring AI for creative needs, including creating deep fakes and offering "ethical AI" solutions.
• 🎬 Director Darren Aronofsky has also partnered with Google, indicating a broader trend of creatives taking control of AI technology.

Digital Likeness and Copyright Protection

• 🌟 Major talent agencies like CAA are offering a "white glove service" to clone digital likenesses, including micro-expressions and voice, in just three hours.
• 🤖 This creates a digital double or avatar that can be rented out for various platforms like Fortnite or used to create chatbots for fan engagement.
• ⚖️ This cloning technology is being used for copyright protection, suggesting a move by talent agencies to manage the inevitable integration of AI.

The Impact on Jobs

• ⚠️ While AI offers new creative tools and fan engagement methods, there are concerns about its impact on jobs within the industry.
• 📉 The "little guy" is seen as most vulnerable to being squeezed out by AI advancements.