Ben Affleck, a renowned figure in Hollywood, recently shared his thoughts on the impact of AI on the industry during an interview at the 2024 CNBC Delivering Alpha investor summit. His statements shed light on the complex relationship between AI and the world of filmmaking.

Unraveling the Limits of AI in Hollywood

AI and the Last to Be Replaced

Ben Affleck boldly declared that movies will likely be one of the last things to be replaced by AI if everything undergoes such a transformation. In a recent interview with “Squawk on the Street” co-anchor David Faber, he emphasized the unique nature of cinema. Just as AI can imitate Elizabethan verse but not create Shakespearean works, the collaborative and creative process in filmmaking involves more than just technical skills. The interaction among actors in a room, the ability to discern and construct, is something that currently eludes AI's capabilities and is likely to remain so for a significant period. This aspect of filmmaking adds a human touch that AI struggles to replicate. 2: The significance of this lies in the fact that while AI may streamline certain aspects of filmmaking by lowering costs and increasing accessibility, it cannot replace the essence of human creativity and collaboration. The art of bringing a story to life on the big screen requires the collective efforts of various professionals, each contributing their unique skills and perspectives. AI may assist in certain tasks, but it cannot replace the magic that happens when actors and filmmakers come together to create something truly remarkable.

The Function of Actors in Filmmaking

Affleck further explained that having multiple actors in a room brings a certain taste and discernment to the filmmaking process. This collective intelligence is something that AI currently lacks. The ability to construct a narrative, make creative decisions, and bring characters to life is an inherent part of human creativity. AI may be able to generate content based on existing data, but it cannot truly understand the nuances and subtleties of human emotion and expression. In a world where AI is constantly evolving, it is important to recognize the value that actors and filmmakers bring to the table. Their creativity and intuition are what make movies truly special. 2: For example, consider a scene where an actor needs to convey a complex range of emotions. AI may be able to generate a script with the appropriate words, but it cannot capture the authenticity and depth that an actor can bring through their performance. The chemistry between actors, the ability to improvise and adapt on the spot, these are qualities that are inherent in human beings and are difficult for AI to replicate. In this sense, actors are the heart and soul of filmmaking, and their role will continue to be crucial in the age of AI.

AI's Creative Limits

Using HBO's “Succession” as an example, Affleck highlighted the creative limitations of AI. He noted that while AI can remix existing episodes and create new content based on them, it is highly unlikely to create a new series like “Succession” from scratch. The complexity and originality of a show like “Succession” require human creativity and innovation. AI may be able to generate content that is similar in style or theme, but it cannot capture the essence and uniqueness of a truly great series. 2: This is because “Succession” is not just about the story or the characters; it is about the way the story is told and the nuances that make it stand out. The creative decisions made by the writers, directors, and actors contribute to the overall aesthetic and appeal of the show. AI may be able to analyze these elements and generate similar content, but it cannot create something truly new and innovative. In the end, it is the human touch that makes a series like “Succession” a masterpiece.

The Value of AI in Filmmaking

Despite its limitations, Affleck also acknowledged the value that AI can bring to filmmaking. He explained that AI can dis-intermediate the more laborious, less creative, and more costly aspects of filmmaking, allowing costs to be brought down and the barrier to entry to be lowered. This means that more voices can be heard and more people will have the opportunity to make their mark in the industry. 2: For instance, AI can assist in tasks such as script analysis, scene selection, and post-production editing. These tasks can be time-consuming and require a lot of resources, but AI can help streamline the process and make it more efficient. By freeing up time and resources, filmmakers can focus more on the creative aspects of their work and bring their visions to life. In this way, AI can be a valuable tool in the filmmaker's toolkit, helping to enhance the creative process rather than replace it.