Artificial Intelligence in film and television has become one of the most controversial topics in entertainment. The ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes hinge on many vital issues,including the use of AI in generating content, which wouldpotentially shift jobs away from creatives. Earlier this year, controversy arose when theDisney+seriesSecret Invasionused an AI-generated sequence for its opening credits. The rise of AI in creative spaces is a major concern that brings topics like copyright and outright theft into the conversation. And it’s raising the ire of some iconic artists and filmmakers, includingThe Corpse BridedirectorTim Burton, who recently voiced his frustration with AI-generated art replicating his signature style in a now-viralBuzzfeedpost.
Over the summerBuzzfeed, created a series of AI-generated “art” that blended the style ofTim Burtonwith iconic Disney properties. The article included gaunt and eerie versions of characters fromTangledandBeauty and the Beastamong others. The images blended Burton’s gothic aesthetic with the gleaming animation style of Disney and are an example of an increasinglycommon use of AI, which essentially steals the work of the artists themselves.
In an interview withThe Independent, Tim Burton, whose unique approach to filmmaking has made him one of the most iconic directors of all time, derided the recent use of AI to overlay his style onto different subjects. “I can’t describe the feeling it gives you,” Burton said of the AI-generated Disney-Burton mash-ups. “It reminded me of when other cultures say, ‘Don’t take my picture because it is taking away your soul.'” He continued, saying that AI-generated renditions “…sucks something from you.” He went on to say, “It takes something from your soul or psyche; that is very disturbing, especially if it has to do with you. It’s like a robot taking your humanity, your soul.” Certainly, the use of AI to generate work in the style of an artist, without the vision, creativity, or even consent of the said artist, is troubling, to say the least.
Burton isn’t the only filmmaker to express discomfort over the trend.Wes Andersonalso indicated his own aversion to the trendover the summer while promoting his newest film,Asteroid City. And it’s one of the key threats that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are fighting to protect the industry from in the currentdual labor strike. Filming on Burton’s latest film,Beetlejuice 2is currently paused during the strike, butthe filmmaker confirmedthat once the writers and actors achieve a fair deal they’ll be able to wrap in just a few days.
