The importance of mastering storytelling over relying solely on technology is emphasized by Meta Puppet, who mentions, “Technology will change, but storytelling won’t.” In creating the short film “Mnemonade,” Meta Puppet aimed to infuse the story with significant emotional depth. He believes that AI films won’t fully enter the mainstream until they can deliver emotional dialogue. In his film, which explores themes of sense memory and an elderly woman’s memory loss, Puppet took on all roles, utilizing AI from ElevenLabs, a Silicon Valley company, to adapt his vocal range for each character.
Maddie Hong, who competed against Meta Puppet in the Culver Cup finals, acknowledges Hollywood’s hesitance towards AI due to potential legal and financial risks, such as copyright infringement. She notes that studios maintain high image continuity standards necessary for wide distribution across various platforms.
Hong concurs with Luma cofounder Amit Jain that generative AI filmmaking might allow traditional studios more budget flexibility and product diversity. Jain points out that, currently, Hollywood tends to recycle old franchises due to the difficulty in investing in new ideas. He believes that more projects, even at lower budgets, could lead to fulfilling careers and increased employment in the industry. Jain suggests that resistance to AI may lead to job losses for those unwilling to adapt.
Recent research, however, indicates a different trend. A survey of 300 entertainment industry leaders suggests that 75% believe AI has caused job eliminations, reductions, or consolidations within their departments, though some job creation has occurred as well. The balance of job loss versus new opportunities remains uncertain.
Studies on the VFX sector reveal interest and excitement among artists for tools that could streamline workflows, but concerns persist regarding the ethical and financial impacts of AI. While Jain envisions the collaborative potential of making budget-friendly films with friends, the broader effects of AI’s increasing role in the industry are yet to be fully understood.
According to Meta Puppet, true skill is required to create masterpieces with generative AI. He compares it to playing the piano, stating, “Not everybody is Mozart.” Creating quality work with AI requires versatility and experience; without it, the results may not meet expectations.
