Artificial Intelligence is now mainstream in visual effects on Netflix productions - leaving me deeply disheartened
In the realm of television production, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in visual effects (VFX) is rapidly becoming a norm. This shift promises to enhance creativity and improve quality by enabling complex visuals that might otherwise be too costly or time-consuming, while also accelerating production by up to 10 times compared to traditional methods. However, this transition raises concerns about the job market for VFX artists.
Netflix, a leading player in the streaming industry, has chosen to leverage technology to aid creativity, a move that could potentially make entertainment poorer. Ted Sarandos, Netflix's co-chief executive, defends this decision, stating that it represents an opportunity to help creators make films and series better, not just cheaper. He further claims that AI use would allow for "real people doing real work with better tools."
One example of AI's application can be seen in Netflix's Argentinian sci-fi series 'El Eternauta', where AI was used to create a building collapse sequence. This use of AI not only accelerated production but also resulted in a high-quality effect, a feat that traditional CGI workflows might have found prohibitively expensive.
However, the increased use of AI raises questions about the future of the VFX job market. Some professionals fear that AI could replace skilled labor, especially with AI models trained on large datasets that may include copyrighted work without consent. This anxiety about employment and creative control is palpable within the industry, with disputes and strikes being a visible manifestation.
Despite these concerns, Netflix emphasizes AI as a tool that supports rather than replaces human creativity. AI is used to aid in previs, shot planning, and storytelling enhancements, keeping control in the hands of the artists. This reflects a potential future where AI complements rather than supplants traditional VFX artists.
Yet, there is a fine line between using technology to enhance human creativity and using it to replace it entirely. The author argues that the use of AI will lead to a decrease in the need for human workers, citing the example of generating a building collapse in a tenth of the time. This raises concerns about the impact on the job market and the potential for a visual monoculture that is predictable and depressing.
In the competition for viewer attention, cost-cutting on VFX can be a spectacular own goal. Shows that invest seriously in their visual worlds are dominating this year's Emmys, suggesting that quality still holds significant value in the eyes of the audience. The author expresses concern that Netflix is choosing to compromise on quality rather than finding the money to do things properly, leading to a potential loss in audience engagement and revenue.
In conclusion, the integration of AI in TV series VFX presents a complex landscape. On one hand, it boosts creative possibilities and quality while increasing efficiency and reducing costs. On the other hand, it challenges the traditional job market, generating debates about labor, copyright, and creative control within the industry. As we navigate this new era, striking a balance between technology and human creativity will be key to maintaining the quality and diversity that audiences crave.
[1] AI in Focus: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Visual Effects in TV Series [2] The Rise of AI in VFX: Implications for the Job Market and Creative Control [3] Netflix's Use of AI in VFX: A Double-Edged Sword for the Industry
- In an effort to boost creativity and quality, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in visual effects (VFX) is growing popular, especially in the realm of television production, allowing for complex visuals that might otherwise be too costly or time-consuming.
- By utilizing AI, artists can be equipped with better tools, enabling them to produce films and series better, not just cheaper, as claimed by Ted Sarandos, Netflix's co-chief executive.
- AI can accelerate production by up to 10 times, as demonstrated in Netflix's Argentinian sci-fi series 'El Eternauta', where AI was used to create a building collapse sequence, resulting in a high-quality effect despite reduced time and possible cost savings.
- In the competition for viewer attention, maintaining quality in visual worlds continues to hold significant value, as shown by the dominance of shows investing seriously in their visuals at this year's Emmys.
- As AI continues to impact the VFX job market, striking a balance between technology and human creativity becomes crucial to maintaining the quality and diversity that audiences crave, avoiding a potential visual monoculture and preserving employment opportunities for skilled artists.
