Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, has expressed optimism about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within the film and television sectors.
He envisions AI as a tool that will not only reduce production costs but also enhance the quality of entertainment. "We remain convinced that AI represents an incredible opportunity to help creators make films and series better, not just cheaper," Sarandos stated.
According to Breitbart, Sarandos emphasized that AI is already proving beneficial in the creative process, aiding in areas such as pre-visualization, shot planning, and visual effects. "So this is real people doing real work with better tools. Our creators are already seeing the benefits in production through pre-visualization and shot planning work, and certainly visual effects," he noted.
This perspective is not merely theoretical, as Netflix has already implemented AI in a sci-fi series produced in Argentina. The series utilized AI extensively during both pre and post-production phases, showcasing its practical application.
One notable example Sarandos highlighted was a sequence involving a building collapse, which was rendered using AI in half the time it would have taken with traditional visual effects. "The creators were thrilled with the result. We were thrilled with the result, and more importantly the audience was thrilled with the result. So I think these tools are helping creators expand the possibilities of storytelling on screen, and that is endlessly exciting," he explained.
However, the integration of AI into the entertainment industry has not been without controversy. In 2023, Hollywood actors and writers initiated strikes, driven by concerns that AI might eventually replace them in film and television projects. Actors, in particular, voiced fears of being supplanted by AI-generated images, accusing studios of being "unwilling to offer a fair deal on the key issues that are essential to SAG-AFTRA members."
This apprehension extends beyond Hollywood, as video game industry employees have also protested, worried that AI could render programmers and voice actors obsolete.
While AI's potential to revolutionize storytelling is undeniable, it is crucial to address the concerns of those whose livelihoods may be impacted. As the industry navigates this technological evolution, balancing innovation with fair labor practices will be essential to ensuring a harmonious transition.
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