Many actors, writers, and artists express concerns about the potential threat of generative AI encroaching on their professions. Despite these apprehensions, the entertainment industry has yet to witness a major production company unveiling a full-length film predominantly or entirely created by AI. However, this scenario is on the brink of transformation with TCL, a renowned manufacturer of smart TV sets, stepping into the arena with its inaugural original creation: an AI-generated romantic comedy titled “Next Quit Paris”—a production that certainly captivates attention.
Scheduled for a summer release, the movie will premiere on TCL’s TCLtv+ free streaming app, accessible on TCL televisions operating on Google TV OS (while Roku-based TVs from the company feature a similar app named “TCL TV”). Presently, TCLtv+ offers a variety of FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) programs akin to those available on platforms like Roku TV, along with a selection of on-demand movies. Following “Next Quit Paris,” the platform’s next exclusive offering will be “Future Stop Paris.”
The 60-second teaser introduces two fresh American characters, set against the backdrop of a journey to Paris where they serendipitously fall in love. While the female lead is named Claire, the male protagonist remains unidentified, described only as “the dark strange kind of person who rarely shows his vulnerability,” affectionately dubbed DMKOM for the purpose of this narrative.
The brief clip showcases the couple engaging in a boat ride, exploring the city streets, and sharing a romantic dance within a clock tower, reveling in the enchanting allure of Paris. Tensions arise as DMKOM momentarily distances himself from Claire on a bicycle, only to return with a heartfelt declaration of his unwavering affection.
A scene hinting at Claire’s potential marriage, symbolized by the presence of a diamond ring, sparks curiosity—raising questions about her marital status, whether she is a widow, a single lady, or a spouse seeking solace in Paris for a fresh start. The trailer also features wisdom from an elderly woman advising Claire on the unpredictable nature of love’s journey, emphasizing the significance of timing in matters of the heart.
Devoid of human actors and accentuating AI technology, the storyline bears resemblance to a classic Hallmark Channel production, encompassing familiar tropes within its concise duration. Fans of romantic dramas akin to those starring Meg Ryan are likely to find comfort in the nostalgic essence exuded by this modern AI-crafted tale.
Despite facing criticism, TCL boldly embraces AI innovation in content creation, marking this venture as “An AI Powered Love Story.” Chris Regina, the Chief Content Officer at TCL, lauds the integration of AI as a defining feature, drawing from his extensive background in original TV production at prominent entities like NBCUniversal and Netflix.
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Regina emphasizes the pioneering nature of this project within the entertainment landscape, citing AI as a compelling marketing asset that sets this endeavor apart. The trailer’s visual cues reflect early text-to-video generation technology, characterized by brief cuts, limited character movement, and noticeable inconsistencies in the appearance of the main characters across scenes.
Acknowledging the challenges of maintaining character consistency in AI-generated content, Regina discloses the utilization of tools such as Runway ML for text-to-video conversion and Midjourney for still image generation. Addressing concerns regarding visual coherence, TCLtv+ Studios employs a dedicated team in Poland to address these issues through a diverse array of technologies.
Regina draws parallels between the creative process involved in this project and traditional animation, clarifying that human input drives all non-visual elements of the trailer. Voice recordings by real actors, a script penned by a human writer, and live band performances for the background music underscore the collaborative effort underpinning this AI-infused production.
While Regina anticipates the final output to align more closely with a TV show episode in terms of duration, he hints at potential deviations from the trailer’s depiction in the finished product. Emphasizing the iterative nature of film and TV production, Regina underscores the continuous evolution of the project up to its release, underscoring the unveiling of TCL’s AI studio and foray into original programming through the teaser’s debut.
