LOTR’s Peter Jackson Doesn’t ‘Dislike’ AI Being Used for Filmmaking
Discourse around the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in Hollywood has surged lately, with The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson giving his take. For many filmmakers, AI raises questions about authenticity and the artistic process. Jackson, however, doesn’t have any issues with the usage of AI.
Peter Jackson says AI is just like a special effect
Peter Jackson has shared that he views artificial intelligence as the latest in a long line of special effects advancements.
Jackson spoke at a Cannes masterclass a day after receiving an Honorary Palme d’Or. He remarked that even if AI is “going to destroy the world,” he “doesn’t dislike it at all” when it comes to filmmaking.
“I mean, to me, it’s just a special effect,” he said. “It’s no different from other special effects.”
However, Jackson emphasized that protecting actors from unauthorized use of their likenesses in films is “absolutely critical.”
“If you’re doing an AI duplicate of somebody, like Indiana Jones or anyone else, as long as you’ve licensed the rights off the person who you’re showing, I don’t see the issue,” Jackson said. “It’s when people’s likenesses get stolen and usurped.”
However, the King Kong director highlighted one downside to Hollywood’s current AI debate. He said it could affect awards recognition for motion-capture performances, such as Andy Serkis’ Gollum in The Lord of the Rings films. He called it unfair to Serkis, whose performance came entirely from human work, not AI.
Peter Jackson’s statement drew mixed reactions from fans on X (formerly Twitter). “Just a special effect that took the food off the table for an artist,” an X user claimed. “Hearing this from one of the pioneers of practical effects (look at his movie Braindead) is horrid,” echoed another. Some backed Jackson and slammed his detractors, with one user commenting, “Reading the negative reactions from people who’ve never made a film and never will is pretty funny.”
Jackson received his honorary Palme from Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood at the Cannes Film Festival. At the event, Jackson took the opportunity to tease The Hunt for Gollum. The upcoming film is directed by and stars Andy Serkis.
Source: Comingsoon.net