Velshi proceeded to mention a recent piece from The Hollywood Reporter where Jeffrey Katzenberg, the founder of DreamWorks, forecasted a significant reduction in the workforce required to produce animated films due to artificial intelligence (AI).
In response, Bateman, in her role as a coalition assistant for relational AI, expressed that studio executives are opting to step back from the scene and redefine their roles within the company. She emphasized their inclination to position themselves as tech magnates or similar entities, distancing themselves from traditional involvement in the film industry. Bateman highlighted the shift towards projects devoid of human interaction on sets, indicating a departure from the essence of filmmaking that has always involved human participation.
Speaking from her perspective as a director, Bateman affirmed her preference for steering clear of conceptual AI. She underscored her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of individuals such as writers, editors, filmmakers, makeup artists, and actors in the creative process.
When questioned by Velshi about the role of media and entertainment consumers in supporting business creatives who resist the integration of AI, Bateman emphasized the importance of personal choice. She envisioned a future where personalized films tailored to individual viewing histories become commonplace, likening them to disposable products without copyright concerns. Despite the allure of such technological advancements, Bateman speculated that the appeal of authentic, human-driven content would endure over time.
Bateman elaborated on the diverging perspectives within the industry regarding AI adoption, illustrating contrasting approaches to negotiation scenarios—one involving detailed discussions with a hypothetical cannibalistic party and the other aligned with conceptual AI methodologies.
In outlining her stance, Bateman asserted her commitment to producing content that prioritizes human involvement, emphasizing her dedication to creating projects tailored for human audiences with distinct crews and casts.
Expressing disappointment over the perceived oversight of AI-related concerns by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) authority and committee, Bateman underscored the potential detrimental impact of generative AI on the industry. She urged actors and crew members to uphold their self-worth in the face of technological encroachment, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the filmmaking process.
In a bid to raise awareness among actors regarding the implications of AI provisions in a cautious SAG agreement, Bateman shared insights on the inclusion of “Synthetic Performers” or “AI Objects” that mimic human characteristics. She criticized the notion of substituting human actors with AI objects, particularly in portraying human characters, deeming it unacceptable within a union contract.
National executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland addressed various aspects of the contract, including provisions safeguarding actors’ consent and compensation in cases where their likeness is replicated using generative AI to create synthetic performers. Notably, the contract details have not been publicly disclosed at this time.
