Ben Affleck used artificial intelligence for “lots of things” while making his new Netflix crime thriller Animals, but don’t expect him to reveal exactly where the technology shows up.
Affleck confirmed the use of AI during a Screentime panel, explaining that while the technology played a role in the production, identifying those moments could spoil some of the movie magic.
“I used [AI] for lots of things in that movie,” Affleck said. “I’m a little bit hesitant to point out what they are – or even talk about it – because in my business, we’re trying to foster the illusion of reality, right?”
It’s an interesting position, especially as AI continues to become a major and controversial topic across Hollywood. Affleck isn’t trying to hide the fact that he used it. He simply doesn’t want audiences watching Animals and trying to spot every moment where AI might have been involved.
He compared revealing those details to a magician explaining the trick before performing it. Affleck added:
“It’s sort of like if you went to a magic show and the magician walked out and said, ‘Just before I start, I want you to know there’s another bunny under here. (And] this guy’s a plant.’ You know, it’s sort of ruined, right? But yes, we did use it.”
Affleck described Animals as a “good example” of how AI can be used ethically in filmmaking rather than relying on a prompt and accepting whatever the technology generates. He also insists that despite AI being used throughout the production process, the finished movie remains “very human.”
Written, directed by, and starring Affleck, Animals is a Netflix crime thriller centered on a mayoral candidate who finds himself scrambling to come up with a ransom payment. Getting the money means crossing some dangerous lines and potentially sacrificing his career in the process.
The film also stars Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, and Kerry Washington, giving Affleck a great group of actors to work with on the thriller.
AI has become one of Hollywood’s most contentious subjects, particularly when conversations turn to replacing artists, performers, and other creative jobs. Affleck’s comments point toward a different approach, with the technology being used as another filmmaking tool rather than something intended to replace the people making the movie.
The fact that he won’t identify exactly how it was used also makes Animals a little more interesting. I’m sure some people will try to figure out where and how AI was used in the film’s development, even though Affleck clearly would rather everyone just watch the movie.
Animals starts streaming on Netflix October 9.
Via: THR
