Yesterday, horror fans all across social media decided if it was time to call for a boycott against upcoming horror release ‘Late Night With The Devil’ due to AI-generated “art” used for cutaway transitions in the film.
When it comes to discussions of ethical and fair AI use in creative projects, it’s a slippery slope. No matter how much you can argue that AI “Art” can be “original”, it is stolen at it’s core. Where do you think the AI gets its references to create your “original” idea? The entire internet’s database of artists’ creations posted to social media and their own websites.
Yesterday, the writers and directors behind the film, Cameron and Colin Cairnes, released a statement to Variety explaining their use of AI art in the film. The statement reads:
“In conjunction with our amazing graphics and production design team, all of whom worked tirelessly to give this film the 70s aesthetic we had always imagined, we experimented with AI for three still images which we edited further and ultimately appear as very brief interstitials in the film. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a talented and passionate cast, crew and producing team go above and beyond to help bring this film to life. We can’t wait for everyone to see it for themselves this weekend.”
https://variety.com/2024/film/news/late-night-with-the-devil-ai-images-clarification-1235947599/
Still, this explanation was not enough- Many writers and artists who have faced layoffs due to AI-generated content overtaking modern journalism, as well as emerging filmmakers disappointed by the use of AI in the film called out the crew and distributors across social media to make amends and remove the AI-generated imagery from the film.
‘Late Night With The Devil’ premiere at SXSW 2023, and shortly after was picked up for distribution by Shudder and IFC films. With the time between it’s premiere, distribution pick-up, and release this weekend, would it not have been possible for the filmmakers to hire a graphic designer to replace the AI-generated stills? Was this a imminent dumpster fire of PR they were willing to risk?
‘Late Night With The Devil’ premieres in theaters March 22 and then to Shudder on April 19.
