Late Night with the Devil released on March 22, 2024 faced controversy just before it's debut when it was revealed that multiple of the graphics and transitions were done entirely using artificial intelligence programs. AI art programs have recently come under fire from artists unions, the SAG AFTRA strike that fought to create awareness of the issues that those in the artistic industries face when it comes to AI being used instead of actual artists. To protect actors, visual artists and writers, the strike negotiated limited and controlled use of AI to return to production of current and future projects.
Discussing Film on X wrote about this, receiving mixed responses. Some voiced their dislike for not hiring actual editors or graphic designers. @per_anders commented saying "They didn't care enough to make it, why should I care enough to watch it?" receiving over eight thousand likes. @NineInchClawz said "Welp there goes my enthusiasm for the film" receiving over three thousand likes. The franchise film market has been critiqued by horror fans that feel remakes and extensive sequels have dominated the market. Many feel that the independent market has been stifled by these large release films, creating a lack of diversity of releases and opportunity for new stories to be told. The major disappointment in Late Night with the Devil being that it's an inventive plot with exciting stills and visuals that drummed up audience excitement because of the felt lack of new-horror. The use of AI sullying the premiere event for many.
Some voiced their support noting that AI is a more affordable and could assist with production time. @KireinaKerner on X said "AI or not, who cares! All that matters is that the movie is good!" with many agreeing with the sentiment. Feeling that often the film industry is behind a paywall, AI is viewed as a viable option for graphics or editing software that may not be accessible to underfunded projects. Some feel that the outcome of a film is beyond the modes in which it was made. This view has been used by audiences for the entirety of film when there's a controversial shift in the industry. Depending on the situation, it's a harmless approach. In the situation of AI, it's not a victimless development that many feel is one that not only threatens livelihoods, but art itself.
Film enthusiast and those within the business are split on where they stand in some aspects, but the resounding ring from artist is not only that people need to be hired for art, but that AI is actually a major system of plagiarism. Because artificial intelligence is not sentient, it is unable to create anything original. Due to AI being a program that is created by data, like all other programs, it has to be programmed by using examples, techniques and images from other artists. As of late AI has not been sued by an artist or collective but it is something that we could see in the coming future. As artist collectives continue to voice their support for visual and graphic artists, the disdain for AI's future grows wider. It's fair to say that there may be a development in social shaming on films that feature AI art rather than giving money to real artists.
Filmmaking has always been a communal art form, one that features light, sound, editing, color theory, fashion, special effects, written word and more. A film is a celebration of all these art forms coming together. CGI has already had a profound effect of special effects artists being used for films, and now AI art has created a new layer of digital filmmaking. Though there are financial benefits from the production standpoint, there's nothing to say that art is art without the human aspect. Though the entirety of human history, art has been created by humans, and many wonder if AI creations can be considered art at all. Giving the reigns to data units and artificial intelligence opens us up to a whole new world of film making. To quote Jeff Goldblum's Doctor Ian Malcom "Your scientist were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." (Spielberg, Steven, director. Jurassic Park. Universal Pictures, FilmFlex, 11 June 1993, Accessed 23 Mar. 2024.)
Jurassic Park is available to stream on Netflix. Late Night with the Devil is currently in theaters.