AI as a Creative Partner? Eliza McNitt Defends AI in Filmmaking
AI as a Creative Partner? Eliza McNitt Defends AI in Filmmaking
Director Eliza McNitt, known for her immersive VR experiences like Fistful of Stars and Spheres, is now exploring the intersection of art and artificial intelligence in her short film, Ancestra. In a recent interview, McNitt discussed her use of Google’s AI tools in creating the film and defended the role of AI as a creative tool, sparking a debate about the ethics and potential of AI in the arts.
Ancestra: A Personal Story Told with AI
Ancestra tells a deeply personal story of McNitt’s own traumatic birth. She collaborated with Google DeepMind and Darren Aronofsky’s studio, Primordial Soup, to blend live-action footage with AI-generated media. The film depicts a mother’s experience during an emergency delivery, exploring themes of connection and the universe. The AI was used to create visuals that would be impossible to capture with traditional filmmaking techniques, such as the inner world of the womb and cosmic imagery.
The Ethical Considerations of AI in Art
McNitt acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI tools, particularly the fact that many models are trained on copyrighted material. She believes that each artist must decide for themselves how to use these tools responsibly. In the case of Ancestra, she felt that using AI to create a computer-generated infant that resembled her as a baby was more ethical than using a real newborn or a digitally animated doll.
“I felt the use of AI was really important for this story, and I think it’s up to every artist to decide how they wanna use these tools and define that,” McNitt stated. She emphasized the importance of maintaining human actors at the center of the story, believing that human performance cannot be replicated by machines.
Collaboration with DeepMind Engineers
McNitt worked closely with a team of DeepMind engineers to craft prompts and sift through the generated footage. This collaborative approach highlights the importance of human oversight and artistic direction when using AI tools. The process wasn’t simply about plugging in prompts and generating low-effort footage; it required careful curation and refinement to achieve the desired artistic vision.
Addressing Concerns About Copyright and Compensation
McNitt also addressed concerns about copyright and compensation for artists whose work is used to train AI models. She believes it’s the responsibility of companies to respect artists and establish boundaries to prevent exploitation. As generative AI evolves, it’s crucial to ensure that artists are fairly compensated and that their copyright is protected.
The Future of AI in Creative Fields
McNitt’s work raises important questions about the future of AI in creative fields. While AI offers exciting new possibilities for artistic expression, it also presents ethical challenges that must be addressed. The key is to use AI as a tool to enhance human creativity, rather than replacing it entirely. By collaborating with AI, artists can push the boundaries of what’s possible and tell stories in new and innovative ways.
Actionable Takeaway: Experiment with AI Tools Responsibly
If you’re an artist or creator, explore AI tools but do so mindfully. Consider the ethical implications, ensure you’re not infringing on copyright, and prioritize human creativity and storytelling. Experiment with different AI platforms, learn how to craft effective prompts, and collaborate with others to refine your results.
Key Takeaways
- AI is being used as a creative tool in filmmaking, offering new possibilities for visual storytelling.
- Ethical considerations, such as copyright and compensation for artists, are crucial when using AI.
- Collaboration between artists and AI engineers is essential for achieving artistic vision.
- AI should be used to enhance human creativity, not replace it.
FAQ
Q: What is Ancestra about? A: Ancestra is a short film that tells the personal story of director Eliza McNitt’s traumatic birth, using a combination of live-action footage and AI-generated media.
Q: What are the ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in art? A: Some concerns include the fact that AI models are often trained on copyrighted material and the potential for AI to replace human artists.
Q: How can artists use AI responsibly? A: Artists can use AI responsibly by being mindful of copyright, prioritizing human creativity, and collaborating with AI engineers to refine their results.
Q: What is Google DeepMind’s role in the project? A: Google DeepMind provided the AI tools and engineers who collaborated with Eliza McNitt to create the AI-generated media in Ancestra.
Source: Engadget
