KEY TAKEAWAYS:
– Directors Colin and Cameron Cairnes confirmed using AI techniques in the horror movie ‘Late Night with the Devil.’®
– The AI usage stirred controversy given the recent SAG-AFTRA strikes addressing the same matter.
– Netizens heavily reacted, many expressing their disappointment, as they believe AI will replace humans in the industry.
– Cairnes brothers defended their decision, explaining AI was necessary to achieve the ’70s aesthetics for the film.
“Late Night with the Devil,” a found-footage horror film starring David Dastmalchian, has landed in controversy over its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in some scenes. The film, which recently premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival, received positive reviews but found itself grappling with an AI-related challenge.
AI USE DRAWS CRITICISM
The allegations regarding the movie’s AI use subjected the film to significant criticism, particularly as this factor contributed to past SAG-AFTRA strikes. The Cairnes brothers, who directed the film, shared their views on the matter, admitting to their strategic use of AI in creating certain parts of their movie.
In a statement to Variety, the directors confirmed they leveraged AI for three still-images that eventually made it to the final cut as brief interstitials. The contested images are the posters for the fictional talk show ‘Night Owls’ appearing during transitional scenes in the movie.
DEFENDING THE DECISION
The brothers firmly defended their AI use by insisting that it was minimal and entirely necessary to capture the ’70s theme of the film. Despite netizens’ negative reactions and the recent WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the directors stood by their decision.
SOCIAL MEDIA BACKLASH
Social media users did not respond favorably to the AI controversy, expressing their disappointment in tweets. Some decided to resort to torrenting instead of watching the film in theatres. Most responses indicated a unanimous opposition and concern over AI’s possible overreach into the film industry, diminishing human involvement.
INTO THE FUTURE OF FILMMAKING
Not all reactions were negative, however. Some filmgoers acknowledged the inevitable role AI would likely play in future filmmaking. These individuals held that the controversy did not deter their plans to watch ‘Late Night with the Devil.’
Despite the public outcry, ‘Late Night with the Devil’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 22, 2024. It will be subsequently available for streaming on the Shudder platform starting April 19, 2024.
CONCLUSION
As the film industry continues to grow and technology progresses, filmmakers will need to tread carefully. Balancing the traditional elements of storytelling with technological advances will remain an ongoing challenge. The backlash against ‘Late Night with the Devil’ serves as a crucial reminder of audiences’ values and expectations. Whether AI’s role in filmmaking will be more pervasive in the coming years, only time will tell.
