Netflix Chief Ted Sarandos Affirms: Human Filmmakers Here To Stay Despite AI Advancements

Published 03/13/2024, 11:07 PM EDT

via Imago

As Hollywood geared up post-pandemic, it narrowly dodged a crisis with the looming threats of strikes from SAG AFTRA and WGA. The fear of AI stealing manual human jobs in the industry sent shivers down spines, with concerns that AI-generated actors might come off as mere knock-offs, akin to a “Fake Ryan Reynolds – strangely off-putting and lacking charisma. This uncertainty extended to the possibility of AI dominating leading roles, leaving audiences skeptical about embracing synthetic stars.

Netflix’s CEO echoed these sentiments, offering a comforting reminder that humans hold an irreplaceable role in filmmaking. Despite AI’s advancements, the raw authenticity and emotional resonance brought by human creators remain unmatched.

Ted Sarandos stands firm against AI

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In an upcoming SiriusXM podcast Literally! with Rob Lowe conversation between Ted Sarandos and Rob Lowe, the duo delved into the hot topic of artificial intelligence’s role in filmmaking. Sarandos made a bold assertion, suggesting that while AI can be a useful tool for creators, it lacks the genuine human touch that resonates with audiences. As per Deadline, he used Netflix’s hit show Squid Game as a prime example, emphasizing how its raw, human-centric storytelling captivated viewers worldwide, a feat unlikely to be replicated by AI.

via Imago

The debate over AI’s influence in Hollywood intensified following clashes between industry guilds like the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA and major studios. These unions demanded safeguards in their contracts to prevent AI from encroaching on traditional human-led storytelling. As negotiations continue, the industry finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the balance between technological innovation and the enduring power of human creativity in entertainment.

DIVE DEEPER

SAG-AFTRA Rallies Behind Taylor Swift as Deepfake Images Scandal Takes Over Internet, Releases Its Official Stance

10 months ago

Fearing the rapid advancements in AI technology, Tyler Perry made a drastic U-turn from his ambitious expansion plans.

Tyler Perry slams on the brakes: Halts studio expansion

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tyler Perry’s grand plans for expanding his Atlanta studio hit a snag as the rapid strides in artificial intelligence, particularly exemplified by OpenAI’s Sora, cast a shadow over traditional film production methods. Perry, who locked in a deal with Netflix, in a recent interview expressed astonishment at the capabilities of this cutting-edge technology, which promised to reshape the industry by rendering physical sets and locations obsolete, stirring concerns about the future job landscape in Hollywood.

via Imago

While acknowledging the potential advantages of AI in streamlining production processes, Perry sounded the alarm about its potential impact on employment in the entertainment sector. With AI’s ability to conjure lifelike scenes and characters from mere text, the traditional roles of actors, crew members, and post-production specialists face an uncertain future. Perry calls for industry-wide collaboration to navigate the challenges posed by AI, stressing the importance of regulations to safeguard workers’ interests and uphold the sustainability of the entertainment business.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

DIVE DEEPER

A Jazzman’s Blues: After Quarter Of A Century, Tyler Perry’s Very First Screenplay Will Reborn As a Netflix Masterpiece

about 2 years ago

Do you also agree with Sarandos’ statement? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Riva Khan

680 articles

Riva Khan is an entertainment reporter at NetflixJunkie. Given her love for the language and writing, she has honed her narrative skills from a young age. She loves her latest tea in Hollywood and keeps an eye on the news.

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK