Ethan Carter
Gareth Edwards, renowned for directing blockbuster films like Godzilla, Rogue One, and Jurassic World Rebirth, has emerged as a passionate advocate for the integration of artificial intelligence in the filmmaking process. Speaking at an event titled “AI on the Lot” in Los Angeles, he expressed his enthusiasm for utilizing generative AI in the development of films, while also sharing important reservations.
“As a filmmaker, I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t be intrigued by this technology,” Edwards remarked, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “It’s undoubtedly a revolutionary tool akin to the camera. In fact, it may surpass CGI. I’m genuinely thrilled about it, and I hope you are too.”
Many may not share his excitement.
Edwards clarified that his interest lies in using AI strictly during the development phase, not in the final product. “AI lacks any taste,” he continued. “It’s incredibly adept at assisting you. I liken it to having a second-unit director with unlimited resources who is slightly unpredictable. It can execute any task you set, but sometimes it produces wildly creative results. You might give it feedback, and it will respond, ‘I don’t follow notes. I’ll take a different direction.’ Yet, the unpredictability can be beneficial.”
But is it really beneficial? Where does AI derive these unconventional ideas? Are they sourced from existing films like The Creator or Monsters? It’s unlikely that AI is producing concepts in a vacuum.
“AI is useful for iterating and discovering what the film should become. Once you have clarity on the vision, you should shift to making it your own,” Edwards further explained. This raises questions about how far AI’s role should extend.
Edwards rightly acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the future of AI in filmmaking. “We don’t know its trajectory,” he stated. “Anyone claiming to predict the developments of the next five years is likely not being truthful.” However, many filmmakers believe that sourcing ideas from existing works, even indirectly through AI, isn’t the most ethical approach.
It will be interesting to observe how Edwards navigates these challenges moving forward, particularly if he is indeed set to direct a sequel to Jurassic World Rebirth. Will Universal and Steven Spielberg support the idea of AI contributing to the creative process?
Perhaps we need to consider different perspectives. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Daniel Mercer
