Artificial intelligence is poised to transform entertainment as we know it, from blockbusters to pornography. But the power is still in the hands of humans.
The world of entertainment is on the cusp of a significant transformation, and at the center of this evolution lies artificial intelligence (AI). From streaming services to Hollywood blockbusters, AI’s potential impact is vast and far-reaching. However, amid the excitement about AI’s possibilities, it is crucial to remember that the real power in shaping the future of entertainment still rests firmly in the hands of humans.
The Hollywood landscape experienced a monumental shift over a decade ago with the advent of streaming platforms. Now, as we enter 2023, AI looms on the horizon as the next big game-changer. Generative AI, in particular, sparks both fascination and fear among entertainment professionals as they anticipate its potential repercussions on filmmaking and scriptwriting. But AI’s influence reaches far beyond these aspects of culture creation and consumption.
To get a comprehensive view of the potential disruptions, I spoke with around 20 entertainment professionals from various fields, including production design and even pornography. The consensus is clear: Hollywood’s entertainment empire, once a thriving ecosystem, now faces fractures that mirror its splintered audience. The industry’s relentless pursuit of profit, driven by data-hungry algorithms, has led to a diminished focus on artistic quality and the nurturing of talent.
Historically, the American entertainment industry thrived on creative innovation and audience engagement, producing hit after hit. However, the rise of streaming services and algorithm-driven platforms has led to a “Rot Economy,” where artists and creators no longer receive the feedback necessary for growth. Instead, they find themselves catering to the whims of algorithms, sacrificing artistic integrity for potential click-through rates.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Some creators have found empowerment in influencer and fan culture, where granular metrics and feedback facilitate improvement. However, this paradigm shift in creative feedback also reflects how today’s education systems measure success—a reflection of a more significant societal shift towards quantifiable data.
The entertainment industry is not the only realm grappling with these disruptions. Climate change, for instance, drives the need for AI-driven virtual production to combat unpredictable weather conditions, making physical production increasingly challenging.
While AI offers exciting possibilities, the heart and soul of entertainment still lie with human creativity and connection. Hollywood’s future remains firmly in the hands of people, not machines. As the industry continues to evolve, it must recognize the significance of human talent, collaboration, and empathy in creating captivating and resonant stories that stand the test of time. The power to shape the future of entertainment ultimately belongs to those who tell the tales and those who embrace them—the people.
In the face of disruptive technological advancements, the industry must prioritize nurturing and developing talent, leveraging AI as an enabler rather than an all-encompassing force. As Hollywood moves forward, let it be a place where innovation complements, rather than replaces, the creative spirit that has captivated audiences for generations. For, in the end, it is the human touch that makes all the difference—the power of stories that transcend time and technology.
Welcome to the era where Hollywood’s future belongs to people, not machines.
