Artificial intelligence is poised to transform the entertainment industry in coming years. While fully AI-generated TV shows and movies aren’t here yet, early examples provide a glimpse of the radical changes ahead:
- De-aging visual effects powered the latest Indiana Jones film, digitally altering Harrison Ford’s appearance.
- Rapper Kendrick Lamar seamlessly morphed his face into celebrities using AI in his music video.
- Marvel leveraged AI to craft the visually stunning opening credits for its series Secret Invasion.
- A TikTok influencer is AI-manipulating himself to look like Tom Cruise, generating hundreds of millions of views.
These examples likely represent just the tip of the iceberg. According to futurist Sinéad Bovell, “Generative AI could allow movies or series to continue indefinitely, with AI continuously generating new episodes and sequels.”
Hyper-personalized entertainment crafted by AI for each viewer may also emerge. This could mean receiving auto-generated albums from your favorite musician weekly or new films starring long-deceased icons like Marilyn Monroe.
Generative AI could allow movies or series to continue indefinitely, with AI continuously generating new episodes and sequels.
But these tantalizing prospects raise concerns. The rise of AI could displace many professionals in the entertainment business including actors, writers, and creatives. Major studios are already investing heavily in generative AI, as it sits atop industries increasing AI spending:
Fundamental questions also remain – will audiences embrace entertainment devoid of human talent? And do we really want TV shows that never have to end?
The coming years will reveal whether AI-fueled entertainment represents an enthralling new frontier or a lamentable replacement of artistry.
