Director Gareth Edwards, known for Jurassic World Rebirth and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, has enthusiastically endorsed the use of generative artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Speaking at Amazon's AI on the Lot event in Culver City, California, Edwards described AI as a "fucking genius" that will eventually surpass traditional CGI.
AI as a Creative Tool
Edwards stated that AI is particularly valuable during the pre-production phase. "It's only good for iteration and discovering what the movie should be," he said. "Once you know what it is, go in and start making it your movie." He compared AI to having a second-unit director who is "a billionaire on acid," capable of executing any request but occasionally producing unexpected results.
Paul Schrader's Perspective
Veteran filmmaker Paul Schrader, director of American Gigolo and First Reformed, echoed Edwards' sentiments. Schrader predicted that the true potential of AI lies in creating fully synthetic protagonists. "When you do the new Clint Eastwood, but you don't say the words 'Clint Eastwood' to AI, you just describe him. And he comes up as Clint Eastwood," he explained. Schrader also argued that background extras are no longer necessary, questioning the expense of hiring human actors when AI can generate them.
Mixed Reception and Future Uncertainty
Despite the enthusiasm from Edwards and Schrader, films using generative AI have faced criticism. Steven Soderbergh's documentary John Lennon: The Last Interview was panned for its "blandly generic" AI inserts. Edwards acknowledged the rapid pace of AI development, stating, "We don't know where it's going to go. I think anybody saying they know exactly what's going to happen over the next five years is just a liar."
Edwards' upcoming project, Jurassic World Rebirth, is set to release in 2025. The film marks his return to the franchise after directing Rogue One and The Creator.
