Upcoming Film 'Heretic' Highlights AI Concerns in Film Industry

According to Decrypt, the upcoming A24 horror film "Heretic," starring Hugh Grant, will feature a unique disclaimer in its credits, stating that "no generative AI was used in the making of this film." This decision was revealed in an interview with the film's co-director, Bryan Woods, published in the film industry trade publication Variety. Woods emphasized the importance of addressing the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking, describing it as "an algorithm jumbling a bunch of things together and then spitting it out as art." He expressed concerns about the technology, labeling it as "not human" and "borderline theft on some level." Woods further warned of the potential for AI to replace jobs across various sectors, particularly in the arts, where he believes decisions are often driven by financial considerations rather than artistic integrity. The film industry is currently divided over the use of generative AI tools, which can create text, visuals, and audio from prompts based on existing data libraries. Companies like Disney and Blumhouse are actively pursuing AI initiatives, while notable figures such as "Terminator" director James Cameron have joined the board of AI firm Stability AI. However, there is also significant opposition to AI's role in filmmaking. Films like "Late Night With the Devil" have faced audience backlash for their use of AI, and actor Nicolas Cage has cautioned his peers about AI's potential to "take your instrument." A24, the studio behind "Heretic," was reportedly supportive of the no-AI disclaimer. Co-director Scott Beck described A24 as an "artist-friendly" studio, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a human touch in creative processes. Beck noted that the industry is currently engaged in a significant ethical debate regarding AI, with the race to integrate the technology already underway. Earlier this year, A24 distributed "Civil War," which sparked controversy due to its use of AI-generated promotional materials. AGBO Studios, the production company behind the A24-distributed "Everything Everywhere All At Once," recently appointed a chief creative officer to enhance its AI capabilities. While Woods acknowledged the potential of AI as "an amazing technology" capable of producing "beautiful things," he also issued a stark warning, suggesting that AI should be "buried underground with nuclear warheads" due to its potential risks. The ongoing discourse highlights the complex relationship between technology and creativity in the film industry.